Former Jets QB encouraged by how Aaron Rodgers played against 49ers

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers admitted shortly after his New York Jets suffered a 32-19 season-opening loss at the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night that he "can play better" and "missed a couple of throws" during his first meaningful action in roughly a year.

Former Jets signal-caller, Most Valuable Player Award winner and current NFL analyst Boomer Esiason was nevertheless encouraged by Rodgers's performance at San Francisco's Levi's Stadium.

"The back shoulder throw to Garrett Wilson, the touchdown pass to Allen Lazard, these are all the things Aaron Rodgers brings to your team," Esiason said during Tuesday's edition of the WFAN "Boomer and Gio" program, as shared by Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "A lot of good things that Aaron did last night. A lot of accurate throws. The ball came out quickly, staying in the pocket and not moving around too much. That’s the way he has to play, and that’s the way he should play. You could see it’s gonna get better and better."

Rodgers did not play in the preseason and looked rusty on Monday as he was coming off the season-ending torn Achilles that he suffered four offensive snaps into the 2023 campaign. As SNY's Ben Krimmel pointed out, the future Hall of Famer orchestrated a 12-play, 70-yard touchdown drive on New York's third offensive possession of Monday's contest.

Rodgers completed only 13-of-21 passes for 167 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a single sack. According to ESPN stats, the 40-year-old enters Week 2 ranked 16th in the league among qualified players with a 51.1 adjusted QBR and 23rd with an 82.8 passer rating.

"I thought the offensive line in the first half did a good job of pass protection," Esiason continued. "You saw what Aaron Rodgers could really be and what I think he’s going to be this season."

Esiason acknowledged that a Jets defense without defensive end Haason Reddick had "no pass rush when it mattered" against the 49ers. Reddick has remained away from the team amid his desire for a lucrative contract extension and reportedly "will die on this hill" to get the kind of deal he wants from the Jets or a different club.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there was no indication that Reddick will feature for the Jets at the 0-1 Tennessee Titans this coming Sunday. At that same time, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets as 3.5-point favorites for the Tennessee contest regardless of Reddick's status.