In more ways than one, it was a rough loss in London for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sunday.
Overcoming an arduous start, which included a pick-six he threw in the first quarter, the Jets star quarterback led a comeback attempt late in the fourth, only to come up short in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings with his third interception of the afternoon ending the game.
Hobbling through an injury he suffered early in the second half didn't make things easier for Rodgers. The scary play in which Rodgers was bent awkwardly when hit by multiple defenders signified the offensive issues that have doomed the Jets thus far this season, but Rodgers remains confident in his squad despite what hasn't been an ideal start for a club with high aspirations.
"The most important positive to take with us is, if we stick together. Because there will be a lot of people outside the building who won't be sticking with the Jets," Rodgers said after the loss. "So, we stick together; I have a lot of confidence in this team. I think it's a team that's going to make a run, and whether that run starts this week, the following week or whenever it might be, I'm confident in our guys, I'm confident in the leadership, and confident we'll get this thing straightened out."
Slow starts have been a continued obstacle for the Jets offense through five weeks. After two three-and-outs to start, Rodgers turned the game on its head in the next two possessions; failing to see Andrew Van Ginkel drop back in coverage on the pick-six before overthrowing Allen Lazard downfield on their subsequent drive. The Jets turned the ball over on downs in Vikings territory to conclude what was a brutal three-possession stretch in the first half.
Rodgers and Co. managed to take advantage of good field position to end the second half with a touchdown score, but facing a 17-7 deficit entering halftime was a tough hill to climb for a unit that managed just 99 total yards (12 rushing) in the first 30 minutes.
"We need to be playing from the lead," Rodgers said. "So, we got to start faster. We say it every week. What's the magic recipe for that? We're gonna go spend some time this week and try and figure that out."
The second half didn't get off to a good start, either, and seemed to reach disaster when Rodgers was seen writhing in pain on the turf after getting his lower body twisted under a host of Vikings. Rodgers didn't miss a play, however, returning after a Vikings roughing the kicker penalty quickly brought the Jets offense back in the field.
"I'm definitely banged up -- got my foot caught in a pile there. Just seems to be a low ankle sprain," he said. "They were trying to get me in the tent, and we had a roughing the kicker and I said, 'Screw it -- I'm going back out there.' "
Rodgers proceeded to orchestrate a 17-play, 68-yard field goal drive upon his return, but was clearly hindered by his hurt ankle, sometimes giving up on plays he'd ordinarily try to extend with his legs. But a stifling Jets defense presented an opportunity for the Jets late in the game, especially after Brandin Echols' fourth-quarter INT which led to a TD score eight plays, bringing the score to within three.
After a Vikings field goal, the Jets were presented with a chance to sneak a win with 3:07 remaining and down six points. Rodgers got the Jets into threatening territory, but it was Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore who recognized the back-shoulder throw intended for Mike Williams, effectively ending the comeback effort.
"I just kind of underthrew him a bit," Rodgers said of his third INT.
Rodgers finished 29-of-54 passing for 244 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions for a 54.9 passer rating. He became the ninth player in NFL history to surpass the 60,000 passing yard mark on Sunday, but there was no celebrating of milestones after falling to 2-3.
According to NFL Research, this is the first time Rodgers is under .500 through five starts since 2012. The four-time MVP led the Packers to an 11-5 record and a postseason appearance that season.
Perhaps Rodgers' postgame rallying cry has that in mind for a Jets team that will need to figure things out going forward. They face the Buffalo Bills (3-2) on Monday Night Football in Week 6.
