Aaron Rodgers delivered a stellar homecoming performance, throwing two touchdown passes as the New York Jets dominated the New England Patriots 24-3 in their home opener on Thursday night. Rodgers, who started his first game at MetLife Stadium since suffering a torn Achilles tendon in New York's opener just over a year ago, showed no signs of the injury or fatigue from playing his third game in 11 days. The 40-year-old quarterback scrambled several times and made off-balance throws throughout the night, slicing through New England's defense with precision. Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards, with touchdown tosses to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, and was greeted with chants of 'Aa-ron! Rod-gers!' as the Jets (2-1) ended an eight-game home losing streak against the Patriots (1-2).
New York's defense was equally impressive, sacking Jacoby Brissett five times. Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in April, made his NFL debut when he replaced Brissett with 4:24 left in the game. Breece Hall scored a touchdown for the Jets, who also snapped a six-game skid in Thursday night games. The game between the AFC East rivals was never in much doubt, with Rodgers receiving a thunderous ovation as he jogged onto the field. After the Jets' first drive stalled, Rodgers led them down the field, capitalizing on a mental mistake by the Patriots. A first-down pass to Hall was stopped for no gain, but Jahlani Tavai's rough tackle resulted in a 15-yard penalty, putting the ball at New England's 31.
Four plays later, Rodgers threw a quick out to Lazard, who made a move and broke away for a 13-yard touchdown. Lazard immediately handed the football to Rodgers, who had thrown his first touchdown pass at home for the Jets. Rodgers and the Jets continued their momentum on the next possession, capping a 13-play, 91-yard drive with a one-yard run by Hall that was reversed by video review. Joey Slye's 44-yard field goal cut the Patriots' deficit to 14-3 with 3:56 left in the first half, but Greg Zuerlein missed a 45-yarder shortly before halftime. New York extended their lead to 21-3 in the third quarter when Rodgers found Wilson in the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown. This marked the third straight game the Jets had at least three touchdowns on offense. After Chuck Clark forced and recovered a fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson, the Jets increased their lead with a 28-yard field goal by Zuerlein.
