EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers joined an old friend for the New York Jets’ first touchdown against the New England Patriots on Monday night — a 10-yard pass to wide receiver Allen Lazard, who celebrated by handing the ball to his quarterback. It was Rodgers’ first touchdown as a Jet at MetLife Stadium.

Rodgers. Lazard. SIX!

And the @nyjets I feel great for their QB ❤️#NEvsNYJ on Prime Video
Also available to stream on #NFLPlus photo.twitter.com/tk33ykcpMV

— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2024

On first down, Rodgers read the blitz and quickly threw the left flat to Lazard, his former Green Bay Packers teammate. Cornerback Alex Austin tried to tackle Lazard in the open field, but the 6-foot-5 Lazard is not easy to take down. He grabbed the back of Lazard’s jersey and held on for dear life, but Lazard pulled away and scored, giving the Jets a 7-0 first-quarter lead.

It was the culmination of an eight-play, 73-yard drive. The most interesting part of the drive: Five different players touched the ball for the Jets.

The Jets took a 14-0 lead thanks to a 1-yard scoring run by Breece Hall in the second quarter.

After further assessment.@BreeceH gets 6️⃣#NEvsNYJ on Prime Video
Also available to stream on #NFLPlus photo.twitter.com/CZoHY5eltj

— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2024

The Jets had their blockers in good shape, with reserve OT Olu Fashanu and reserve DT Solomon Thomas as suitable players/blockers in their jumbo package.

Hall was initially ruled short, but the Jets pressed on and replay showed the ball crossed the goal line before hitting the ground.