Aaron Rodgers dominated a homecoming performance that had Jets supporters roaring and singing.
Rodgers left the field healthy and victorious.
Fan chants of “Aa-ron! Rod-gers!” accompanied two touchdown passes by the great quarterback. On Thursday night, the Jets defeated the Patriots 24-3 in their home opener thanks to their excellent defense.
“It was a really special night,” Rodgers added. “All those chants are really meaningful.”
Rodgers played his first game at MetLife Stadium since he departed the field over a year ago with a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Jets’ season opener.
The 40-year-old showed no indications of his injury or of playing in his third game in 11 days, scrambling numerous times and hitting off-balance throws with perfection against New England’s defense.
“It felt great,” Rodgers added. “I was feeling real good out there. I felt fine in pregame. I told you guys after Week 1 that it’s going to be a process and I’ll continue to prolong plays until I feel more comfortable.
This was kind of a beginning 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, scoring touchdowns to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard as the Jets (2-1) stopped an eight-game home losing run 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 remarked with a smile. “His arm is still 30 and his mind is still operating at a high level.”
New York, who stopped a 15-game losing skid 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 completed 4 for 8 for 22 yards and was sacked twice, but Patriots coach Jerod Mayo seemed uncertain about making a quarterback change anytime soon.
“I don’t know,” the first-year coach remarked. “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 stopped a six-game losing run in Thursday night games.
There was never much uncertainty in this contest between the AFC East rivals.
“A lot of good things to build on from this game,” said Rodgers, who sprinted onto the field to loud cheers. Soon after, he got the audience enthusiastic again.
After the Jets’ first drive ended without a score, Rodgers marched them down the field, aided by a mistake by the Patriots.
A throw from Rodgers to Hall was halted for no gain, but Jahlani Tavai pulled up Hall and pushed him to the ground in a fashion that looked more like wrestling. This led to a 15-yard penalty, pushing the ball to New England’s 31-yard line.
Four plays later, Rodgers delivered a short throw to Lazard on his left. Lazard made a move to evade Alex Austin, who only managed to grasp a portion of Lazard’s shirt that stretched before Lazard broke free and sprinted into the end zone for a 13-yard score.
Lazard quickly sprinted to Rodgers and tossed him the ball, marking Rodgers’ first touchdown throw at home for the Jets.
The Jets kept the momentum rolling on their following drive, ending a 13-play, 91-yard march with a 1-yard run by Hall. This was first called short of the goal line but was overturned following video review.
Joey Slye’s 44-yard field goal made it 14-3 with 3:56 left in the first half.
New York upped their advantage to 21-3 with 6:18 left in the third quarter when Rodgers fired a throw to Wilson, who just managed to get his toes inbounds in the front corner of the end zone for a 2-yard score.
This marked the third straight game in which the Jets scored at least three offensive touchdowns.
After Chuck Clark caused and recovered a fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson, the Jets expanded their advantage with a 28-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein.
