There perhaps has never been a greater example of “YOU CAN’T MAKE IT UP” than what unfolded last night at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.Β
Aaron Rodgers has been the talk of the entire NFL for the past six months. The hype and hoopla surrounding his new venture as quarterback of the New York Jets reached unprecedented levels.
However, on his VERY FIRST series of the season, Rodgers suffered what appears to be a torn Achilles tendon which is expected to END his season. Like I said, you can’t freaking make it up!
Aaron Rodgers gets injured early in 1st Jets gameπ
Trading for a franchise QB only for him to get injured on the first drive is the most Jets thing I've ever seen π¨#AaronRodgers #Jets pic.twitter.com/G10Om2Hjpd— Football Frenzy (@HoaiThongTw) September 12, 2023
The Jets have long been thought to be a cursed franchise. After this shocking incident, it’s gotten harder and harder to think otherwise.Β
Amazingly, the Jets still managed to win the game in dramatic fashion thanks to rookie Xavier Gipson’s 65 yard walk-off punt return touchdown which sealed an improbable 22-16 overtime victory for Gang Green.
Hard Knocks star Xavier Gipson returns the punt for a 65-yard game-winning touchdown. #Jets pull it off without Aaron Rodgers.
WHAT. A. GAME. pic.twitter.com/g7yts5E7R0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 12, 2023
Josh Allen’s horrifically reckless performance, which included four turnovers, were as much to blame for the shocking outcome as anything.Β However, as important as the game was, the story is undoubtedly Rodgers.
“It’s not good,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh solemnly stated during the post-game press conference. “We’ll know more after the MRI, but it’s a tough situation.”
Rodgers is scheduled to undergo an MRI today to confirm the extent of the injury, although Saleh hinted at the severity, saying: “We think it’s already going to happen.”
The injury occurred on Rodgers’ fourth snap of the season when he went down after a sack. Initially described as a left ankle injury, it was later revealed to be an Achilles issue.
Rodgers spent a brief period in the injury tent before being placed onto a cart, but he managed to get out of the cart and limped to the locker room through the tunnel at midfield.
The Jets initially listed Rodgers as questionable to return but later ruled him out for the remainder of the game. At that point, all of Jets Nation could only hold their breath and pray for the best.Β
During the game, Rodgers was seen entering the X-ray room with his left foot in a boot. The Jets reported that X-rays on his ankle came back negative, temporarily leading to a shred of hope.Β
The incident left the sold-out crowd at MetLife Stadium, who had high hopes for a Super Bowl season, subdued and concerned as Rodgers was assisted off the field following the sack.
It was truly a surreal scene as you heard the massive balloon that was hovering over the Tri-State Area instantly and violently pop.Β
ππ₯πππππ‘π π‘ππͺπ¦: #Jets star QB Aaron Rodgers is expected to have suffered a ruptured Achilles and will miss the entire 2023 season, per HC Robert Saleh
Just an unimaginable blow to the Jets Super Bowl hopes this season.
The Jets will now turn to Zach Wilson (or sign a⦠pic.twitter.com/U4SQIfd7Sf
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 12, 2023
The unfortunate play unfolded when left tackle Duane Brown, who had limited practice time during the summer due to a shoulder injury, was beaten by Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd. Brown’s loss of balance allowed Floyd a clear path to Rodgers, who attempted to evade the defender but ended up going down in the process.
Rodgers’ absence forced second-year quarterback Zach Wilson into action. Wilson, who was the Jets second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had previously been demoted twice during his rookie season.
He completed 14 of 21 passes for 140 yards, with one touchdown and one (terrible) interception. He managed to not burn the house down, which counts for something, and Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, the Jets defense and special teams did the rest.Β
As euphoric as the victory was, reality quickly set back in shortly after Gipson’s exhilarating punt return score.Β
Rodgers’ injury brings back nightmares of the 1999 season opener when the Jets starting quarterback, Vinny Testaverde, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the second quarter, illustrating the cruel unforgivingness of football.
What are your thoughts on the craziness that we all witnessed last night?
Saleh said that the plan is to stick with Wilson at quarterback – but should the Jets think about signing Carson Wentz or Matt Ryan?
How about Tom Brady??? Kidding, of course…
(Kind of.)