For the first time since 2008 to 2009, the New York Jets have won back-to-back games over
the New England Patriots and Gang Green won Thursday night’s matchup in commanding fashion, taking down the Pats 24-3.
Aaron Rodgers had his best statistical game as a Jet, and the defense held the Patriots’ offense to only three points. The Jets move to 2-1 on the year and look to finally be living up to the high expectations their fans hold for them.
Here are three takeaways from their win.
Vintage Rodgers: After the nightmare of what was Rodgers’ first start at MetLife a year ago, he had a dream-like performance in his second with what was easily his best game as a Jet on Thursday night.
Rodgers completed 27 of his 35 pass attempts for 281 yards and two touchdowns. He also connected with eight different receivers in the contest, with each target having at least two receptions. The moment was made even more special for Rodgers due to the warm reception he got from Jets fans.
“It was a really special night,” Rodgers said. “All those chants are really meaningful. I was hoping for a final stop there to take a knee on the field. But it was a special night.”
Rodgers also connected with Garrett Wilson in the endzone for the first time, a connection that both Jets fans and Rodgers hope will be the first of many. On the previous play, Wilson was stopped just short of the goal line, but Rodgers made a successful effort to get his new top target a touchdown.
“One of the QB’s mortal sins is premeditated decision,” Rodgers said. “He kinda said something coming back to the huddle. Something like ‘throw me the ball again,’ which is great. So I said, ‘OK.’”
Devastating Pass Rush: With the continued holdout of standout edge rusher Hasson Reddick, the question continued to loom of whether or not the Jets would be able to get to the quarterback effectively.
The answer to that question against the Patriots seemed to be a resounding yes, as the Jets sacked Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye a combined seven times, the same amount of sacks the Jets had when they faced the Pats in the last game of the 2023 season.
“No matter who’s out there, we expect guys to rush the passer at a very high level.” Jets
head coach Robert Saleh said following his team’s victory. “And we feel like with our back end
if you rush the passer, you’re going to get production.”
Eight different Jets had at least half a sack in the game, with Will McDonald IV leading the way with two. With no end in sight to the holdout of Reddick, this defensive front will need to continue to step out for the Jets in order for them to continue to succeed.
Dynamic Duo: Entering the year with high expectations, running back Breece Hall was expected to get a very heavy workload out of the backfield for the Jets. But it seems as if Hall might have a strong companion in the form of Braelon Allen.
A week after scoring two touchdowns in the victory over the Titans, Allen was once again used almost as much as Hall. On 16 carries, Hall rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown. Hall also caught four passes for 29 yards.
Allen rushed for 55 yards on 11 carries and caught three passes for 13 yards.
“It was a tough, gritty game,” Hall said. “We knew in terms of running the ball we had to be physical and just out-tough them. They have a really good defense, really sound and fundamental defense, so we just knew we would have to come out and be on our P’s and Q’s and just win the physical matchup.”
