Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets had to face a brutal reality on Sunday after suffering a miserable 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein missed a 50-yard field goal with just 44 seconds remaining to cap a dismal day for Robert Saleh, whose team seemed far from being able to compete for Super Bowl glory.
The Jets produced an abysmal offensive performance that was eerily similar to last season’s struggles when Zach Wilson, who was on the Broncos’ bench, looked lost in the wake of Rodgers’ devastating Achilles injury.
Last year’s frustrations seemed long gone after a returning Rodgers led the Jets to a 2-1 start. But, 10 days after they dismantled the New England Patriots here at MetLife Stadium, the Jets fell back to earth.
Courtland Sutton scored the game’s only touchdown as Denver emerged from a tough road doubleheader with big wins over the Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets were defeated 10-9 by the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
The Jets were abysmal offensively, producing a performance similar to last season’s struggles.
Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton scored the game’s only touchdown in the third quarter.
The result also vindicated Broncos coach Sean Payton, who mAde made headlines before last season when he said Nathaniel Hackett did ‘one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history’ during a 4-11 season in Denver in 2022.
Hackett, now the Jets’ offensive coordinator, did little to dismiss Payton’s claims here.
“It was obviously an oversight,” a despondent Saleh said later.
“They are already a good defense and we have made it easier for them.” We had opportunities. We had the ball twice with a chance of winning and we didn’t execute. We had too many self-inflicted wounds. It was a big step back.
“It’s okay, just a little wear and tear from the football game.”
The Jets set the tone for the day on the first drive when Rodgers was sacked on the first play. He then deflected a pass to Tyler Conklin before Garrett Wilson uncharacteristically fumbled for a Broncos turnover.
On their second drive, the Jets received three penalties. It was a non-starter to energize the fans who sat in their ponchos as the rain lashed down.
Rodgers completed just eight of 16 passes for 81 yards in the first half. He was also sacked three times in the rain, but showed flashes of good footwork when taken out of the pocket.
However, the Broncos were no better with their rookie quarterback Bo Nix completing just seven of 15 passes for a staggering negative seven yards in the first half.
Things got worse for Denver when running back Tyler Badie was put on a backboard and taken off the bench before the start of the second quarter.
Badie caught a pass from Bo Nix on a third play and was immediately hit by Quincy Williams for a four-yard loss and fumbled, which was recovered by Michael Carter II for the Jets.
Badie left the field, but was later seen lying on his back and being watched by coaches on the sideline. They then secured him to a board and loaded him onto a cart before taking him off the field.
Two field goals by Greg Zuerlein ensured the Jets led 6-0 at halftime. It was an advantage they did not deserve.
It wasn’t good enough for a team with Super Bowl ambitions, and while it looked like the Jets would be the team to come out and prevail in the second half, it was Denver who struck first.
Nix found Courtland Sutton for an eight-yard touchdown three minutes into the third quarter to surprise the home fans. The Jets’ response was not emphatic. More campaigns ended abruptly and more penalties were awarded.
As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter and the Jets had a third chance at a promising position, Rodgers had no choice but to take it out of bounds. He looked around, frustrated, and simply stopped himself from hitting the ball in anger.
Zuerlein kicked the Jets back in front 9-7, but a Broncos drive fueled by Javonte Williams’ run in response produced a field goal that put the visitors back in front.
More to follow.