Jets 24-3 Patriots (Sep 19, 2024) Game Recap

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — — Aaron Rodgers was in complete management in an outstanding homecoming efficiency that stored the cheers and chants going from the giddy New York Jets followers.

And this time, Rodgers was in a position to stroll off the sector — wholesome and a winner.

The star quarterback threw two landing passes whereas being showered with “Aa-ron! Rod-gers!” chants all through, New York’s protection was dominant and the Jets rolled to a 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots of their house opener Thursday night time.

“It was a extremely particular night time,” Rodgers stated. “All these chants are actually significant.”

Rodgers began his first recreation at MetLife Stadium since leaving the sector simply over a 12 months 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 taking part in in his third recreation in 11 days — whereas scrambling a number of occasions and making off-balance throws all night time, slicing via New England’s protection with surgical precision.

“It felt nice,” Rodgers stated. “I used to be feeling actual good on the market. I felt good in pregame. I instructed you guys after Week 1 that it should be a course of and I am going to proceed to increase performs as soon as I really feel extra snug. This was form of a primary step in taking part in like I do know I am able to taking part in.

“I felt like I used to be, you understand, myself.”

Rodgers completed 27 of 35 for 281 yards with TD tosses to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard because the Jets (2-1) ended an eight-game house dropping streak towards the Patriots (1-2).

“He is probably not what he was, however he nonetheless has lots in these legs,” a smiling Jets coach Robert Saleh stated of Rodgers. “His arm remains to be 30 and his thoughts remains to be working at a excessive degree.”

New York, which stopped a 15-game skid towards New England final season in Invoice Belichick’s closing recreation because the Patriots’ coach, sacked Jacoby Brissett 5 occasions. Drake Maye, the No. 3 general decide in April, made his NFL debut when he changed Brissett — who was 12 of 18 for 98 yards — with 4:24 left within the recreation.

Maye completed 4 for 8 for 22 yards and was sacked twice, however Patriots coach Jerod Mayo wasn’t positive he can be making a quarterback change any time quickly.

“I do not know,” the first-year coach stated. “We speak each single week that you simply’re competing for a job. We’ll get collectively as a training employees and see the place it goes.”

Breece Corridor ran for a rating for the Jets, who additionally snapped a six-game skid in Thursday night time video games.

And there was by no means a lot of a doubt on this one between the AFC East rivals.

“Numerous good issues to construct on from this recreation,” stated Rodgers, who jogged onto the sector 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 sector — with a bit assist by a psychological mistake from the Patriots.

A primary-down cross from Rodgers to Corridor was stopped for no acquire, 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 a number of yards 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 ball to Rodgers, who threw his first landing cross at house for the Jets.

Rodgers and the Jets stored issues occurring their subsequent possession, capping a 13-play, 91-yard drive with a 1-yard run by Corridor that was reversed by video overview after it was initially dominated he was wanting the objective line.

Joey Slye’s 44-yard discipline objective reduce the Patriots’ deficit to 14-3 with 3:56 left within the first half.

New York made it 21-3 with 6:18 remaining within the third quarter when Rodgers zipped a cross 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 at the very least 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 objective by Greg Zuerlein.

“Actually, it simply wasn’t our night time,” Brissett stated. “I don’t suppose we did something nicely, to be sincere with you.”

Lopsided

Within the first half, the Jets outgained the Patriots 252 yards to 40 and had 17 first downs to New England’s 4. It was the fewest first downs for the Patriots in any half since 2000.

The ultimate stats weren’t significantly better: New York completed with 400 yards to New England’s 139, and 27 first downs to the Patriots’ 11.

Accidents

Patriots: Austin (ankle), LG Michael Jordan (knee) and rookie LT Caedan Wallace (knee) all left within the fourth quarter.

Jets: RT Morgan Moses injured a knee on the ultimate play of the third quarter and did not return. First-round decide Olu Fashanu changed him.

Up subsequent

Patriots: At San Francisco on Sept. 29.

Jets: Host Denver on Sept. 29.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL