(East Rutherford) Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes in a superb performance in his homecoming, New York’s defense was dominant and the Jets beat the New England Patriots 24-3 on Thursday night.
Rodgers started his first game at MetLife Stadium since leaving the field a little more than a year ago with a torn Achilles tendon in the Jets’ season opener.
The 40-year-old quarterback showed no signs of fatigue in his third game in 11 days, carving up the Pats’ defense with surgical precision.
Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards with touchdown passes to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard to help the Jets (2-1) snap an eight-game home losing streak to the Patriots (1-2).
Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett was sacked five times and Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the NFL draft, made his debut in his place with 4:24 left in the game.
PHOTO BRAD PENNER, USA TODAY SPORTS
Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7)
Breece Hall scored a touchdown for the Jets, who also snapped a six-game losing streak in Thursday night games.
And there was never much doubt in this match between two section rivals.
Rodgers trotted onto the field to a huge ovation and shortly after had the crowd on its feet again.
Rodgers drove down the field on the second drive of the Jets’ offense — with a little help from the Patriots.
A first pass from Rodgers to Hall was stopped for no gain, but Jahlani Tavai picked up the Jets running back and tackled him to the ground in a wrestling-ring-style move.
The 15-yard penalty placed the ball at the Patriots’ 31.
Four plays later, Rodgers threw a quick pass to Lazard on his left for a 13-yard touchdown.
Lazard immediately ran to Rodgers and gave him the ball, as it was his first touchdown pass at home for the Jets.
Rodgers and the Jets continued on their next possession, capping a 13-play, 91-yard drive with a one-yard run from Hall.
A 44-yard field goal by Joey Slye cut the lead to 14-3 heading into halftime.
The Jets made it 21-3 with just over six minutes left in the third quarter when Rodgers connected with Wilson from two yards out for a touchdown.
Greg Zuerlein completed it with a 28-yard field goal in the final quarter.