Aaron Rodgers Lost for Year with Achilles, Jets Win Anyway
This is why it’s never fun being a fan of the New York Jets. Four plays into his debut with the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers season is likely over…
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets is helped off the field after an injury during the first quarter of the NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
This is why it's never fun being a fan of the New York Jets.
Four plays into his debut with the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers season is likely over after rupturing his Achilles tendon on a sack by Leonard Floyd in the opening drive of the opening game of the season.
In his postgame comments, Saleh confirmed what many feared all night long that there was grave concern for Rodgers Achilles, and an MRI might confirm the tear. That would mean Rodgers' season is over.
If it all sounds too familiar to Jets fans it should. The moment hearkened back memories of Vinny Testaverde's Achillies injury in the opening game of the 1999 season. The Jets had Super Bowl aspirations that year after Testaverde guided the Jets to the AFC Championship game in 1998. With Testaverde writhing in pain the season was effectively over. New York finished 8-8 that year.
Ironically, as was reported by Steve Serby of the New York Post, during the opening coin toss, it was Testaverde who stood next to Rodgers at midfield. Testaverde was an honorary captain last night for the 9/11 ceremony.
This year's squad hopes for better. Tip your cap to the Jets for withstanding the torment of the moment.
Jets Defense Won the Game
Thanks in large part to the Jets defense, the Jets won this game in stunning comeback fashion. The Jets forced four Buffalo turnovers, including three picks of quarterback Josh Allen. New York also sacked Allen five times, and left him bewildered all night long.
The defense kept Buffalo at bay long enough for Zach Wilson to figure things out. His fourth quarter touchdown pass, an incredible circus catch by Garrett Wilson, who took the ball away from a defender, tied the proceedings.
On the Bills ensuing possession, Allen fumbled the ball back to New York when he collided with Jets defensive end Michael Clemens. Quinnen Williams fell on the ball at the Buffalo 27-yard line, setting the Jets up nicely for a field goal to take a 16-13 lead.
OVERTIME
After Buffalo tied the game to force overtime, Xavier Gipson, an undrafted free agent had the moment of his life when he brought back a punt 65-yards to the house for a touchdown, giving Jets fans a little bit of a chance to exhale and enjoy at least one win.
What's Next?
Will the Jets trade for a quarterback? Sign a freen agent like Carson Wentz or Matt Ryan? Or roll with Zach Wilson? With Rodgers out of the picture, the Jets have their work cut out for them.
