At least one Jets fan isn't happy with New York's Week 1 opponent.
ESPN television personality Mike Greenberg lamented when he heard the Jets would travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on "Monday Night Football" in Week 1. The "Get Up" host reminded fans that the last time the Jets played on MNF, quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles and was lost for the season.
That was against the Bills, who had and have a great defensive line. This time, the Jets face an even tougher defense in the 49ers. Former Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd — whose sack of Rodgers in 2023 resulted in the Achilles tear — is also on the 49ers defense now.
Greenberg even went so far as to suggest the Jets start backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor instead of Rodgers to ensure the health and safety of their aging star.
"The only thing I asked for as the NFL scheduled release came out was don't let the Jets open on Monday night," Greenberg said. "... I have seen this movie. It ends quickly and very, very badly. I'm saying this right now: This is not fair. I want an investigation.
"... I'm telling you, I don't think we should send Aaron on the trip. Do not send Aaron on the trip. Play — who do we got, Tyrod Taylor? Play him in Week 1."
.@Espngreeny had to take his jacket off when he found out the Jets will play the 49ers in Week 1 of MNF 😅 pic.twitter.com/JUUzd82pDE
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 14, 2024
The Jets will obviously play Rodgers in Week 1. Especially against the defending NFC champs and Super Bowl runner-ups. But it'll be a tough game. The 49ers defense line is stout with Nick Bosa on one edge, Floyd on the other and Javon Hargrave in the middle with linebacker Fred Warner in the box. The 49ers will also be chomping at the bit to open the season after blowing their shot at a Lombardi Trophy against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl earlier this year.
But the history-repeating-itself trope is certainly scary enough for Greenberg to be worried. He was absolutely stunned during the 2023 season opener and could barely talk about the game when the Jets officially ruled Rodgers out for the season.
That's why general manager Joe Douglas did everything in his power and with the salary cap constraints to fix the problems that allowed the Rodgers injury to happen in the first place. He signed Tyron Smith and John Simpson in free agency, traded for Morgan Moses and drafted Olu Fashanu in the first round. That's four starting-caliber offensive linemen added to the Jets in 2024.
Douglas did more, too, with the acquisition of receiver Mike Williams in free agency and Malachi Corley in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
It's a tough matchup for New York, but it's not all about a potential Rodgers injury. The Jets have one of the best defenses in the NFL with two top-10 cornerbacks in Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. The offense should be improved as well with Williams, Corley, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson.
This is a big game to kick off the season, and one that could kickstart the Jets' playoff hopes in 2024.
