EAST RUTHERFORD – The Jets showcased their dominance throughout the game, securing a convincing 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
Aaron Rodgers shined in his first start back at MetLife Stadium after recovering from an Achilles injury, completing 27 out of 35 passes for 281 yards and throwing two touchdown passes. In the second half, fans filled the stadium with chants of “Aaron Rodgers!” as the Jets began to pull away, culminating in a touchdown pass from Rodgers to top wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
At 40 years old, Rodgers not only excelled in the air but demonstrated mobility on the ground, rolling out of the pocket multiple times and finishing with 18 rushing yards—the most he has recorded in a single game since Christmas Day 2022. Despite struggling with penalties, accumulating eight for 106 yards, the Jets executed their game plan effectively.
Defensively, the Jets were a force, not allowing any touchdowns and tallying six sacks against Patriots quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye, who stepped in for the last drive of the game.
Following the victory, the Jets will enjoy an extended break before their next game against the Denver Broncos on September 29.
As the game progressed:
The Patriots introduced Maye, their first-round draft pick, during a desperate final drive.
With 10:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Jets nearly scored again, but a pass intended for wide receiver Mike Williams in the end zone was broken up by cornerback Jonathan Jones. After missing a 45-yard field goal earlier, kicker Greg Zuerlein successfully converted a 28-yard attempt to extend the Jets’ lead.
Early in the final quarter, safety Chuck Clark generated a fumble on the Patriots’ first play, allowing the Jets to recover the ball at the Patriots’ 37-yard line.
Injury concerns arose as starting right tackle Morgan Moses left the game due to a left knee injury, leading to Olu Fashanu replacing him.
With 6:18 left in the third quarter, Rodgers connected with Wilson for their first touchdown, a 2-yard pass that increased the Jets’ lead.
At halftime, the Jets led 14-3 despite missing a scoring opportunity when Zuerlein’s 45-yard field goal attempt went wide. The Jets outperformed the Patriots significantly, outgaining them 252-40, doubling their plays, going 2-for-2 in the red zone, and dominating possession.
The Patriots managed to score a field goal midway through the second quarter, thanks to a 44-yarder from Joey Slye, but penalties hindered their progress significantly.
Earlier in the game, Hall scored the Jets’ second touchdown after a successful challenge from head coach Robert Saleh, pushing their lead further ahead.
Rodgers found Allen Lazard for the Jets’ first touchdown at MetLife Stadium, a 10-yard pass, marking Lazard’s third touchdown reception this season.
The Jets’ defense held strong during the opening plays of the game, forcing a quick punt from the Patriots.
The Patriots won the coin toss and chose to defer possession, allowing the Jets to start on offense.
The Jets were already down several defensive players, including C.J. Mosley due to a toe injury, and faced challenges this week.
Inactives for the Jets included Mosley, among others, while the Patriots also had key players sidelined, including linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley.
The game saw a weather forecast of clouds with a slight chance of rain and a low temperature around 65 degrees.
With this victory, the Jets improved their record and are set to face the Denver Broncos next.