Thursday night marked a significant moment in Aaron Rodgers’ career, as he finally left the field on his own terms for the first time as the New York Jets’ quarterback. In a long-awaited homecoming, Rodgers led the Jets to an emphatic 24-3 victory over their division rivals, the New England Patriots, giving fans a glimpse of the high-caliber quarterback play they’ve been waiting for since his arrival in New York.
Rodgers’ performance was especially sweet for the veteran quarterback, considering his first home debut with the Jets last season was cut short after only four plays due to a devastating Achilles injury. The injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2023 season, casting doubts on his future in football. However, on Thursday, Rodgers reminded the world why he’s still one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks, putting on his best performance in a Jets uniform to date.
In his second home opener for New York, Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes, amassing 281 yards through the air and tossing two touchdowns. This performance was a marked improvement from his earlier starts in the season, in which he struggled to find his rhythm, failing to break 200 passing yards in either game. Against the Patriots, Rodgers not only surpassed that mark but looked every bit the future Hall of Famer, as he was accurate, poised, and, perhaps most impressively, mobile—despite the Achilles tear that had ended his prior season.
One of the key highlights of Rodgers’ night was his ability to extend plays by moving outside the pocket, showcasing mobility that defied expectations for a player coming off a serious injury. On multiple occasions, Rodgers scrambled out of pressure and threw on the run, avoiding sacks and keeping the offense alive. He even contributed with his legs, picking up 18 rushing yards, which speaks volumes about his recovery. The night was a statement that Rodgers still has the physicality and athleticism to be a threat, both in the pocket and on the run.
While Rodgers’ strong showing stole the spotlight, the rest of the Jets’ offense also played a key role in the team’s dominating performance. They controlled the game from start to finish, thoroughly outclassing the Patriots on both sides of the ball. The Jets accumulated 27 first downs compared to New England’s meager 11, showing their ability to move the ball methodically up and down the field. On offense, New York amassed 400 total yards compared to New England’s 139, with their 5.7 yards per play nearly doubling the Patriots’ 2.9. The Jets also maintained control of the clock, holding possession for an astounding 40 minutes and 4 seconds of the game.
It wasn’t just the offense that shined for the Jets, as their defense stifled the Patriots throughout the night. Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett, filling in as the starter, managed just 98 yards on 12-of-18 passing attempts, with the Jets’ defense consistently pressuring him and limiting his ability to stretch the field. The defensive line was relentless, forcing Brissett into quick decisions and preventing the Patriots from establishing any offensive rhythm.
Brissett was eventually replaced by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who came in for the Patriots’ final drive of the game. Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, struggled in his brief appearance, going 4-of-8 for 22 passing yards and adding 12 rushing yards. His introduction to NFL action wasn’t smooth; he was almost intercepted on his very first throw and was sacked twice. Despite these challenges, Maye did manage to move the Patriots into the red zone before time ran out. However, it was too little, too late, as the game had long since been decided by that point.
The Patriots’ offensive woes weren’t limited to the quarterback position, as their rushing attack was virtually non-existent. New England failed to generate any consistent ground game, further compounding their struggles. The Jets’ defensive front, led by Quinnen Williams, shut down every attempt to establish a running game, forcing the Patriots into third-and-long situations repeatedly.
On the other side of the ball, the Jets’ offense was clicking on all cylinders. Running back Breece Hall continued to look explosive, churning out tough yards and keeping the Patriots’ defense off balance. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, Rodgers’ favorite target, had another productive night, hauling in crucial catches that kept the chains moving. The chemistry between Rodgers and his receiving corps seems to be growing, and that bodes well for the Jets’ offense moving forward.
The Jets’ victory over New England brings their record to 2-1, marking the first time since 2015 that New York has held a winning record after three games. Notably, this win also broke a long-standing home losing streak against the Patriots, who had dominated the Jets in their own stadium for several years. For New York fans, the combination of a healthy Aaron Rodgers and a stifling defense has rekindled hope that this could be the season they finally make a deep playoff run.
On the other hand, the Patriots’ loss drops them to 1-2 on the season, and they face serious questions moving forward. With Brissett unable to generate offense and Maye still learning the ropes, New England will need to quickly find answers if they hope to turn their season around. Head coach Bill Belichick, known for his ability to adjust and adapt, will be tasked with reshaping an offense that looked anemic against the Jets’ formidable defense.
For the Jets, this game was a massive step forward, not just in terms of securing a divisional win, but in proving that Aaron Rodgers is fully back. His performance, combined with a strong defense and a balanced offensive attack, makes New York a team to watch in the AFC. If Rodgers continues to play at this level, the Jets could be a legitimate contender come playoff time.