Jets vs. Bills Monday Night Football posts massive ratings on ESPN

Monday night’s contest between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets brought in big TV ratings for ESPN. The game reportedly saw an average of 21.615 million viewers across ABC, ESPN and ESPN2, where the Manningcast with Peyton and Eli Manning is aired.

That number is nearly two million more than last season’s first Monday Night Football contest between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, which drew 19.76 million eyeballs. Many tuned in excited to see quarterback Aaron Rodgers make his debut with the Jets. Unfortunately, the four-time MVP suffered an Achilles injury on the first offensive drive and never returned to the game.

Without Rodgers, the New York offense struggled to get things going early on and trailed 13-3 at halftime. They regained their composure in the second half, however, and took a 16-13 lead with 1:48 remaining on a field goal from Greg Zuerlein. The Bills then marched down the field to tie things up and send it to overtime.

Buffalo got the ball first in overtime but failed to put together a scoring drive and was forced to punt. Jets rookie Xavier Gipson then returned it 65 yards for a touchdown to win the game 22-16.

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson took over for Rodgers and finished the game 14-of-21 passing for 140 yards and a touchdown. The defense also forced three interceptions and a fumble, all from Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Although it’s a 1-0 start to the season for New York, it comes with mixed emotions following the injury to Rodgers. We’ll see whether the Jets can rally after the big blow to start the season, as they next face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2.

Jets officially place Aaron Rodgers on injured reserve after injury vs. Bills

The New York Jets placed quarterback Aaron Rodgers on injured reserve Tuesday after he suffered a torn Achilles in the 22-16 win over the Buffalo Bills Monday.

The injury occurred after Bills edge rusher Leonard Floyd sacked Rodgers to the ground on the fourth play of the Jets’ first offensive drive of the game. Rodgers went into the blue medical tent after being helped off the field. He went back to the locker room on a cart and was announced as out for the remainder of the game.

Head coach Robert Saleh expressed concern with Rodgers’ Achilles after the game, which an MRI Tuesday confirmed to be a full tear, meaning the 39-year-old will miss the entire season.