Aaron Rodgers delivered a standout performance in the New York Jets’ 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots during their home opener on Thursday night, marking his return to MetLife Stadium.
Rodgers, who missed nearly all of last season due to an Achilles tendon tear, was in control, throwing two touchdown passes and helping the Jets end an eight-game home losing streak against the Patriots.
Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards, connecting with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard for scores. His play was greeted with chants of “Aa-ron! Rod-gers!” from the home crowd, with Rodgers acknowledging the special atmosphere. “It was a really special night,” he said. “All those chants are really meaningful.”
Jets head coach Robert Saleh praised the 40-year-old quarterback’s composure and skill. “He may not be what he used to be, but he still has plenty in those legs,” Saleh noted. “His arm is still 30, and his mind is still operating at a high level.”
Rodgers’ return to form was evident from the start, as he led the Jets on a scoring drive in the second quarter. Following a 15-yard penalty against Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai for unnecessary roughness, Rodgers found Lazard for a 13-yard touchdown. The Jets extended their lead in the third quarter with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Wilson, making the score 21-3.
Breece Hall added a rushing touchdown, and Greg Zuerlein contributed a 28-yard field goal after Chuck Clark forced and recovered a fumble by Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
On the defensive side, the Jets were dominant, sacking Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett five times and holding New England to just 139 total yards. The Patriots struggled offensively, managing only 40 yards in the first half and 11 first downs overall. “Honestly, it just wasn’t our night,” Brissett said after the game. “I don’t think we did anything well, to be honest with you.”
Brissett, who completed 12 of 18 passes for 98 yards, was replaced late in the game by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft. Maye finished 4 for 8 for 22 yards and was sacked twice. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo indicated he was unsure about any upcoming quarterback changes, stating, “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.”
New England, now 1-2, has struggled in the AFC East, losing six straight Thursday night games. The Jets, now 2-1, snapped several losing streaks, including a 15-game skid against the Patriots.
The Patriots also dealt with several injuries. Cornerback Alex Austin, left guard Michael Jordan, and rookie left tackle Caedan Wallace all left the game in the fourth quarter with ankle and knee injuries. For the Jets, right tackle Morgan Moses injured his knee in the third quarter and did not return.
The Patriots will travel to San Francisco for their next game on September 29, while the Jets will host Denver on the same date.
