East Rutherford, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers delivered a commanding performance in his homecoming, keeping New York Jets fans buzzing with excitement. This time, he walked off the field victorious and injury-free.
Rodgers threw two touchdown passes while the crowd erupted in chants of “Aa-ron! Rod-gers!” as the Jets cruised to a 24-3 victory over 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.”
This was Rodgers’ first game at MetLife Stadium since he exited last year’s opener with a torn Achilles tendon. The 40-year-old quarterback showed no lingering effects from the injury or fatigue from playing his third game in 11 days, skillfully evading defenders and making off-balance throws with precision.
“It felt great,” Rodgers noted. “I was feeling real good out there. I told you guys after Week 1 that it’s a process, and I’m getting more comfortable extending plays. This was a first step toward playing like I know I can.”
Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards, connecting with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard for touchdowns, helping the Jets (2-1) end 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, smiling. “His arm is still strong, and his mind is operating at a high level.”
The Jets’ defense was relentless, sacking Jacoby Brissett five times. Rookie Drake Maye made his NFL debut, replacing Brissett—who went 12 of 18 for 98 yards—with just over four minutes left in the game. Maye finished 4 for 8 for 22 yards and was sacked twice, leaving Patriots coach Jerod Mayo uncertain about his quarterback situation moving forward.
“I don’t know,” Mayo said. “We discuss every week that you’re competing for a job. We’ll review it as a coaching staff.”
Breece Hall also contributed with a rushing touchdown as the Jets snapped a six-game losing streak in Thursday night games.
From the start, it was clear the Jets were in control. After a stalled opening drive, Rodgers led a scoring march aided by a penalty against the Patriots. A first-down pass to Hall was stopped for no gain, but a 15-yard penalty for a tackle that resembled a wrestling move advanced the Jets to New England’s 31-yard line.
Four plays later, Rodgers found Lazard on a quick out, who then broke free for a 13-yard touchdown, celebrating by handing the ball to Rodgers—his first touchdown pass at home for New York.
The Gang Green kept the momentum going with a 13-play, 91-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Hall, which was initially ruled short but reversed upon review. Joey Slye’s 44-yard field goal narrowed the Patriots’ deficit to 14-3 just before halftime.
The J-ET-S pushed the score to 21-3 in the third quarter when Rodgers hit Wilson for a 2-yard touchdown, marking the third consecutive game the Jets scored at least three offensive touchdowns.
After Chuck Clark forced and recovered a fumble from Rhamondre Stevenson, Greg Zuerlein added a 28-yard field goal to extend the Jets’ lead.
“Honestly, it just wasn’t our night,” Brissett reflected. “I don’t think we did anything well.”
The stats told a lopsided story, with the Jets outgaining the Patriots 252 yards to 40 in the first half and finishing the game with 400 total yards compared to New England’s 139. The Jets also had 27 first downs to the Patriots’ 11, marking the fewest first downs for New England in a half since 2000.
UP NEXT:
Patriots: At San Francisco on Sept. 29.
Jets: Plays Denver on Sept. 29 at MetLife.
