Colin Cowherd wasn’t impressed with Aaron Rodgers’ much-anticipated return to the New York Jets.
A year ago, the hopes of Jets fans were shattered when 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles tendon just four snaps into his debut. The devastating injury sidelined the four-time MVP for the entirety of the 2023 season. Now, twelve months later, Rodgers made his long-awaited comeback. However, despite staying healthy through the game, the Jets suffered a disappointing 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Colin Cowherd, never one to hold back his opinions, seized the moment to critique Rodgers and the Jets following their Monday Night Football defeat.
“Let’s talk about the Jets’ offense. This is a defensive head coach, Aaron’s past his prime, off surgery, and Nathaniel Hackett is suboptimal,” Cowherd said on *The Volume* via X. “Let’s be honest about this. Aaron right now is not in his prime. He’s not as big, strong, or athletic as a Josh Allen or a Justin Herbert. He doesn’t move like a Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, or Patrick Mahomes. I watched them tonight and I think we’ve overvalued how good Aaron Rodgers is.”
Cowherd’s blunt take highlights the reality that Rodgers, at 40 years old and entering his 20th NFL season, is no longer the elite quarterback he once was. Coupled with his return from a significant injury, the aging Rodgers may not have the same physical tools that younger quarterbacks in the league possess. To add to the challenge, the Jets were up against a formidable San Francisco 49ers team, fresh off a Super Bowl appearance and a close overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Even without star running back Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers boast an immensely talented roster.
A Rough Start for Rodgers and the Jets in Week 1
While Rodgers’ first game back was a difficult one, the Jets’ offense also hasn’t fully hit its stride. One key factor in their development will be the eventual return of newly signed wide receiver Mike Williams, a big-bodied target capable of stretching the field and making contested catches. Williams is recovering from an ACL tear that caused him to miss nearly the entire 2023 season, and once fully integrated, he could provide a much-needed spark for Rodgers and the Jets’ passing attack.
Despite the rough start, it’s clear the Jets are still in the process of building chemistry and adapting to new pieces. Whether Rodgers can regain his form and guide the Jets to a competitive season remains to be seen, but as Cowherd suggests, the road ahead may be steeper than many had hoped.