Jets vs. 49ers Halftime: Rodgers Returns, Wilson Connection Blossoms

It took an extra day, but the New York Jets began their 2024 campaign on Monday night. Taking on the San Francisco 49ers out west, it seems quarterback Aaron Rodgers was worth the wait. Although, through two quarters, San Francisco leads 16-7.

Rodgers looks healthy in his return from a torn Achilles, but the fruits of his labor weren’t seen immediately.

New York’s first drive was a three-and-out after two short runs from running back Breece Hall and a drop from receiver Allen Lazard. The Jets defense would answer with a three-and-out of its own before Hall would put the 49ers in scoring position with a fumble.

San Francisco would take an early 3-0 lead before the run would begin.

New York’s third drive was much more fruitful. In a 12-play drive, Rodgers would march down the field, letting fans watch his rapport with receiver Garrett Wilson blossom in real time. Wilson made a 16-yard grab and would finish the drive with four catches and 46 yards.

A Hall touchdown would give the Jets its first lead of the day, but the 49ers would answer back with a field goal and a quick defensive stop.

San Francisco would re-gain the lead thanks to receiver Deebo Samuel, who is moonlighting at running back in Christian McCaffrey's absence.

An apparent miscommunication between Rodgers and Wilson would end the next New York drive.

It's worth noting that corner Sauce Gardner sustained some kind of upper-body injury. He remained on the field with his helmet, but wasn't in for part of the second quarter, returning only for the final few plays.

Related: 49ers Take Early Lead on Jets After Breece Hall Fumble

The 49ers' final drive of the half would flare up some concerns about the Jets' ability to stop the run, giving San Francisco the opportunity to go up multiple positions before receiving the ball to start the second half.

The Jets defense would allow the 49ers to drive down the field before ultimately holding them to a 31-yard field goal.