Rogers takes time to decide next steps in career
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
MetLife Stadium
By Shara Talia Taylor
Aaron Rodgers reached a new milestone in the New York Jets’ victory
and final game of the regular NFL season against the Miami Dolphins
Sunday. Rodgers became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to throw 500
touchdowns during the regular season with his first touchdown of the
game. His four touchdown passes were crucial as the Jets came from
behind to win 32-20 Sunday at MetLife Stadium. “One of the greatest that has ever played this game,” said Interim
Head Coach Jeff Ulbrich about Rodgers’ performance. “He put that on full display again.”
New York had a slow start scoring, but defense held Miami to only
field goals in the first quarter. The Jets trailed 6-0 to start the
second quarter, but heated up when about eight minutes remained before
halftime. Rodgers completed a 5-yard pass to tight end Tyler Conklin, to
reach his 500th touchdown pass of his career. Greg Joseph’s kick was
good for the extra point.
Safety Ashtyn Davis quickly got the ball back for New York after
intercepting Tyler Huntley’s pass. He had two total Interceptions in
the game and led defense with eight tackles. However, the Jets were
unable to take advantage of his first interception. Rodgers was sacked
after several plays. Yet, (DE) Will McDonald and linebacker Reddick
split a quarterback sack and forced Huntley to fumble during Miami’s
next possession. The fumble was recovered by linebacker Quincy Williams.
Rodgers then found wide receiver Allen Lazard for his 501st touchdown pass.
Earlier this season he delivered his first touchdown pass as a New
York Jet to Lazard in the home opener against the New England
Patriots. Lazard said Rodgers had faith in him when he was on the
Green Bay Packers’ practice squad.”It’s been such a long journey and I’ve learned so much,” he said.
“I’m just so thankful.”
Rodgers then handed off the ball to running back Breece Hall for a 2-point
conversion. The Jets went to half time ahead 15-6 and returned with
more energy.
Joseph kicked a 20-yard field goal and New York led 18-6 at the end of
the third quarter. Rodgers threw his final two touchdowns of the
season in the fourth quarter. He completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to
Davante Adams. Joseph’s kick was good for the extra point.
Rodgers sent a short pass to Hall who ran six yards for the touchdown
and Joseph the kicked the extra point.
Adams received six of 12 passes for 88-yards and Garrett Wilson caught
four of five passes for 51 yards. Wilson finished the season with 101
catches for 1,104 yards and seven touchdowns. Garrett Wilson finished
the season with 101 catches becoming the second player in Jets history
with the most receptions in a season. Brandon Marshall holds the
record with 109 catches in 2015.
Huntley completed 25 of 41 passes for 227 yards. He was sacked four
times and threw one touchdown pass and two interceptions. Rodgers
completed 23 of 36 passes for 274 yards, threw one interception and
was sacked three times.
“All the work that has been put in by the men in that locker room and
all of the adversity they’ve had to face on and off the field,
everything they have been through, it’s really cool for them to have
that moment,” said Coach Ulbrich about finishing the season with a
win.
Rodgers said the Jets and he would have conversations over the next
few days about his return to the team next season. “I don’t know if anything
will be definitive coming out of those, but l just need some time away to think about
my future in the game and future here,” he said. “Either way, I’m thankful for my two years”
New York ends the season at third place in the AFC East with five wins
and 12 losses.
Recent Comments