Aaron Rodgers was in complete control during a fantastic homecoming performance that kept the New York Jets fans cheering and chanting.
This time, Rodgers walked off the field healthy and with a win.
The star quarterback threw two touchdown passes while fans chanted “Aa-ron! Rod-gers!” throughout the game. New York’s defense was strong, and the Jets won 24-3 against the New England Patriots in their home opener on Thursday night.
“It was a really special night,” Rodgers said. “All those chants are really meaningful.”
Rodgers started his first game at MetLife Stadium since he left the field over a year ago with a torn Achilles tendon in the Jets’ season opener.
The 40-year-old showed no signs of his injury or of playing in his third game in 11 days, scrambling several times and making off-balance throws with precision against New England’s defense.
“It felt great,” Rodgers said. “I was feeling real good out there. I felt good in pregame. I told you guys after Week 1 that it’s going to be a process and I’ll continue to extend plays once I feel more comfortable.
This was kind of a first step in playing like I know I’m capable of playing.” “I felt like I was, you know, myself.”
Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards, throwing touchdowns to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard as the Jets (2-1) ended an eight-game home losing streak against the Patriots (1-2).
“He may not be what he used to be, but he still has plenty in those legs,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said with a smile. “His arm is still 30 and his mind is still operating at a high level.”
New York, which ended a 15-game losing streak against New England last season in Bill Belichick’s last game as their coach, sacked Jacoby Brissett five times. Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in April, made his NFL debut when he replaced Brissett—who went 12 of 18 for 98 yards—with 4:24 left in the game.
Maye finished 4 for 8 for 22 yards and was sacked twice, but Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was unsure about making a quarterback change anytime soon.
“I don’t know,” the first-year coach said. “We talk every single week that you’re competing for a job. We’ll get together as a coaching staff and see where it goes.”
Breece Hall also scored for the Jets, who broke a six-game losing streak in Thursday night games.
There was never much doubt in this game between the AFC East rivals.
“A lot of good things to build on from this game,” said Rodgers, who ran onto the field to loud cheers. Soon after, he got the crowd excited again.
After the Jets’ first drive ended without a score, Rodgers led them down the field, aided by a mistake from the Patriots.
A pass from Rodgers to Hall was stopped for no gain, but Jahlani Tavai picked up Hall and slammed him to the ground in a way that looked more like wrestling. This led to a 15-yard penalty, moving the ball to New England’s 31-yard line.
Four plays later, Rodgers threw a quick pass to Lazard on his left. Lazard made a move to dodge Alex Austin, who only managed to grab a bit of Lazard’s shirt that stretched before Lazard broke free and ran into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown.
Lazard immediately ran to Rodgers and gave him the ball, marking Rodgers’ first touchdown pass at home for the Jets.
The Jets kept the momentum going on their next drive, finishing a 13-play, 91-yard march with a 1-yard run by Hall. This was initially ruled short of the goal line but was reversed after video review.
Joey Slye’s 44-yard field goal made it 14-3 with 3:56 left in the first half.
New York extended their lead to 21-3 with 6:18 left in the third quarter when Rodgers threw a pass to Wilson, who just managed to get his toes inbounds in the front corner of the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown.
This marked the third straight game in which the Jets scored at least three offensive touchdowns.
After Chuck Clark forced and recovered a fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson, the Jets increased their lead with a 28-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein.
