Rodgers Gets Jets To 2-1
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
MetLife Stadium
By Shara Talia Taylor
Long Night For Brissett And Patriots
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
MetLife Stadium
The New York Jets did not disappoint in their home opener as they devoured the New England Patriots in a 24-3 victory Thursday night in the Meadowlands.
New York’s defense suffocated New England with seven sacks and held them to one field goal, while the Jets’ offense was outstanding, led by Aaron Rodgers who made seamless connections with receivers as he completed 27 of 35 pass attempts for 281 yards and threw two touchdowns. New York was hungry for a win and was intense from the start, which gave them a lead and favorably impacted the game.
“We kind of jumped the ball early,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh. “They went to overtime, 72 plays last week, so we were trying to go a little bit quicker pace in the first couple drives, especially that first drive, which I felt like we were able to accomplish.”
New York scored on their second possession as Rodgers delivered his first touchdown pass at MetLife Stadium to wide receiver Allen Lazard. “After the first touchdown I felt good,” he said. “I’m proud of our guys. We’ve been improving.” Lazard described catching the first touchdown as “pretty emotional”.
“Just the history that Aaron and I have, I’ve been very fortunate to catch some historical touchdown passes from him throughout his career and everything, ”he said. “Just, to be un-drafted, to be cut twice, to be able to get a second contract and be here. Just a lot of gratitude.”
Jet’s kicker Greg Zuerlein added an extra point with a successful kick. Rodgers handed the ball to running back Breece Hall for a touchdown with less than 8:33 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Zuerlein returned to add an extra point.
Kicker Joey Slye added three points for the Patriots with a 44-yard field goal with about 4:00 minutes remaining in the quarter. Zurlein missed a field goal at the end of the second quarter and New York went to halftime ahead 14-3.
Gang Green returned with energy in the third quarter to score as Rodgers connected with wide receiver Garrett Wilson for a 2-yard touchdown. Zuerlein’s 28-yard field goal added three more points for the Jets in the fourth quarter.
Patriots’ veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett started, but was later replaced by rookie Drake Maye in the 4th quarter to make his NFL debut. Brissett completed 12 of 18 passes for 98 yards. He was sacked five times. Maye completed 4 of 8 passes for 22 yards and was sacked twice.
“We’ve been improving but it hasn’t been good enough for some people outside the room,” said Rodgers. “To have a performance like tonight… feels really good.”
The Jets then have a little longer time to prepare for their next game as they host the Denver Broncos Sunday.
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