Aaron Rodgers threw two landing passes in an outstanding homecoming efficiency, New York’s protection was dominant and the Jets rolled to a 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots of their dwelling opener Thursday evening.
Rodgers began his first recreation at MetLife Stadium since leaving the sphere simply over a yr in the past with a torn achilles tendon in New York’s opener. The 40-year-old quarterback confirmed no indicators of the damage – or enjoying in his third recreation in 11 days – whereas scrambling a number of instances and making off-balance throws all evening, slicing by means of New England’s protection with surgical precision.
Rodgers completed 27 of 35 for 281 yards with TD tosses to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard and heard chants of “Aa-ron! Rod-gers!” all through because the Jets (2-1) ended an eight-game dwelling dropping streak in opposition to the Patriots (1-2).
New York, which stopped a 15-game skid in opposition to New England in Invoice Belichick’s ultimate recreation because the Patriots’ coach, sacked Jacoby Brissett 5 instances. Drake Maye, the No 3 total choose in April, made his NFL debut when he changed Brissett with 4:24 left within the recreation.
Breece Corridor ran for a rating for the Jets, who additionally snapped a six-game skid in Thursday evening video games.
And there was by no means a lot of a doubt on this one between the AFC East rivals.
Rodgers jogged onto the sphere to a thunderous ovation. Quickly after, he despatched the gang right into a frenzy once more.
After the Jets’ first drive stalled, Rodgers marched them down the sphere — with a bit of assist by a psychological mistake from the Patriots.
A primary-down go from Rodgers to Corridor was stopped for no achieve, however Jahlani Tavai lifted the Jets working again and slammed him to the turf with a transfer extra appropriate for the wrestling ring. The 15-yard penalty put the ball at New England’s 31.
4 performs later, Rodgers threw a fast out to Lazard on his left. The receiver made a transfer and Alex Austin reached out to attempt to cease him, however as an alternative acquired solely a handful of Lazard’s undershirt that stretched like a rubber band earlier than Lazard broke away and zipped into the tip zone for a 13-yard landing.
Lazard instantly ran over to his quarterback and handed the soccer to Rodgers, who threw his first landing go at dwelling for the Jets.
Rodgers and the Jets stored issues happening their subsequent possession, capping a 13-play, 91-yard drive with a one-yard run by Corridor that was reversed by video evaluate after it was initially dominated he was in need of the purpose line.
Joey Slye’s 44-yard discipline purpose minimize the Patriots’ deficit to 14-3 with 3:56 left within the first half.
Greg Zuerlein was broad left on a 45-yarder shortly earlier than halftime.
New York made it 21-3 with 6:18 remaining within the third quarter when Rodgers zipped a go to his proper and located Wilson, who toe-tapped within the entrance nook of the tip zone for a 2-yard landing.
It marked the third straight recreation the Jets had not less than three touchdowns on offense.
After Chuck Clark compelled and recovered a fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson, the Jets elevated their lead on a 28-yard discipline purpose by Zuerlein.
