Aaron Rodgers sends warning to doubting Jets fans after 49ers loss

Some New York Jets fans are fearing the worst after they watched the club get outplayed and outcoached in the season-opening 32-19 loss at the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

During a Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers delivered somewhat of a warning to those already giving up on the team's chances of competing for more than a playoff berth.

"I think in general, the messaging was always going to be, if we won, we’re going to the Super Bowl," Rodgers explained about Monday's game, as shared by Peter Botte of the New York Post. "If we lose, we’re the s — . We love it, we love how passionate they are. But it’s a 17-game season for a reason. We didn’t play good enough [Monday] night. No excuses. But come along for the ride, though. If you want to jump off now, jump off, but then don’t come back."

Rodgers had some good moments against the 49ers but also looked a bit rusty coming off the season-ending torn Achilles he suffered four offensive snaps into the 2023 campaign. In total, he completed 13-of-21 passes for 167 yards with a touchdown and an interception. According to ESPN stats, he ended Week 1 ranked 16th in the NFL among qualified passers with a 51.1 adjusted QBR.

"I feel like I'm gonna keep on getting more comfortable out there," Rodgers said, per Ryan Canfield of Fox News Digital. "Meaning the more I play, the more potential for scrambles could happen with each game, where I get even more confident and really let loose. But I feel 100% [confident]. It's just maybe I can do a little bit more every single week."

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets as 3.5-point favorites for this coming Sunday's matchup at the 0-1 Tennessee Titans. Following Week 2, Rodgers' Achilles will be tested when the Jets host the New England Patriots (1-0) on Thursday, Sept. 19.

"I actually felt good, and I only took two shots," Rodgers added during the show segment. "I took a hit from an interior guy. I got sacked one time — that was it. I felt like the pass protection was very nice all night, and I feel like I’m gonna keep getting more comfortable out there."

Rodgers may need to be more than "comfortable" against Tennessee if the strug gles of the Jets defense continue as pass-rusher Haason Reddick remains away from the team amid his desire for a lucrative contract extension. As of Wednesday morning, there was no sign that Reddick would report to the Jets in time to play against the Titans.