Photos credits: Shara Taylor
By: Shara Taylor
All the questions haven’t been answered in the two series that Rodgers played, but according to Head Coach Robert Saleh it was enough to provide direction as they prepare for their first game of the regular season. Rodgers’ time in the first quarter was ample for a touchdown pass to start the Jets’ trajectory for a 32-24 win against their crosstown rivals.
“Yeah, got in, didn’t get hurt, scored,” Rodgers said about what he accomplished with his time in the game. “It was a good night.”
Coach Saleh said Rodgers’ two series in the game made a difference.
“As much as we felt like it would be good for him to get out there with the new colors on, new stadium, all of that stuff, it was just as good to get his teammates in that same huddle action and his procedure, the pace he has in and out of the huddle,” Coach Saleh said about how Rodgers’ playing time Saturday could impact their home opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11. “I felt like it was for everyone to get to the sideline, make some adjustments, come back to the field and see some of those adjustments come to fruition.”
Indeed. The Giants received first and the Jets defense forced a punt within almost two minutes into the game. Rodgers started at quarterback. Likewise the Jets were forced to punt in almost two minutes of their opening drive. Rodgers bounced back on their next possession and threw wide receiver Garrett Wilson a 14-yard pass for the touchdown. Kicker Greg Zuerlein provided the extra point. Rodgers did not return to play.
“Just a great throw from Aaron,” Wilson said. “He’s so precise and has an answer to everything we see.”
The touchdown set a spark. Cornerback Brandin Echols intercepted Tommy DeVito’s pass on the Giant’s next possession, returning it 67 yards for a touchdown. Zuerlein’s kick was good for the extra point.
The Giants began to catch up in the second quarter. DeVito handed the ball to running back Jashaun Corbin who dashed 1 yard for the touchdown. Kicker Graham Gano gave the Giants an extra point. Gano then scored two field goals in the quarter. The Jets were ahead 14-13 at halftime. Each team had a field goal in the third quarter. Both teams fought back in the fourth quarter. Jets quarterback Tim Boyle threw two touchdown passes, the first to wide receiver Alex Erickson. He then passed to wide receiver Jason Brownlee for a two-point conversion. He reconnected with Erickson for the next touchdown. Zuerlein’s kick was good for the extra point. DeVito heaved a 30-yd pass to wide receiver David Sills in the endzone for a touchdown in the final 57 seconds of the game and later hands off the ball to running back Eric Gray for a successful two-point conversion.
DeVito completed 19 of 29 passes for 210 yards and had a touchdown and one interception and Tyrod Taylor finished the game with 2-of-4 passes for five yards. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson threw 11 of 18 passes for 107 yards and Boyle threw nine of 11 attempted passes for 107 yards and threw two touchdown passes. Ro
“I think the leadership is in a really good spot, especially on defense with our captain on defense, C.J. (Mosely),” he said about why he is confident in the team. “Offensively, obviously, they’ve given me the opportunity and I’m trying to make the most of it and lead these guys by example, by how I work, by being vocal, in the meetings and as you saw tonight.”
The Jets next iron out any remaining wrinkles before taking on the Bills. The Giants and Jets meet again during the regular season Oct. 29.
