Watch: Fourth offensive play of season terrorizes Jets again

Aaron Rodgers. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Watch: Fourth offensive play of season terrorizes Jets for second year in a row

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Sep 9, 2024 9:32 PM ET

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the field after just four offensive plays for the second year in a row.

No, the four-time MVP didn't suffer another season-ending injury on "Monday Night Football."

Instead, running back Breece Hall committed the first Jets turnover of the season on the first play of New York's second possession.

Rodgers flipped a pass to Hall, who had the ball punched out by 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. 49ers defensive tackle Maliek Collins pounced on the loose ball for the recovery at New York's 32-yard line.

.@fred_warner knocks the ball loose!

: #NYJvsSF on ESPN/ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/qqKZGgpQuT
— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2024

The Jets began their Monday night opener against the Niners with a three-and-out on their first possession. While it was a bad start for New York, it was still an improvement over last year when Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles after a 10-yard sack and missed the rest of the season.

New York's defense held San Francisco to a field goal following the early turnover, and Rodgers led the Jets to a touchdown on their third offensive drive for a 7-3 lead.

Rodgers was hot during the series, going 6-of-7 for 61 yards.

New York entered the 2024 season with high expectations thanks to Rodgers' return from injury. Per ESPN, the Jets (+1400) rank eighth in odds to win the Super Bowl and are the favorites (+175) to win the AFC East.

If the Jets can survive their fourth offensive play, perhaps they can survive anything.

Still, when the time comes next year, maybe they should take a knee to be safe.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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