Aaron Rodgers had to answer questions about a clash with New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh after he gave a masterclass in quarterback play and led his team to a 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots.

The story after Thursday Night Football should have been about how Rodgers looked his best in his return to MetLife Stadium more than 12 months after tearing his Achilles tendon.

Rodgers threw for 281 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Patriots were blown out, but the focus thereafter was on an incident involving Saleh in the second quarter.

After Breece Hall scored a one-yard touchdown run to put the Jets up 14-0, Rodgers walked to the sideline as Saleh asked him for a hug, but the former Green Bay Packers quarterback pushed him away with an angry look.

Rodgers and Saleh are excited.#TNFonPrime photo.twitter.com/b3aSB0VgsM

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 20, 2024

When asked about it later, Rodgers said: “He’s not normally a hugger, so I didn’t know he was going for the hug.

“He also likes to do the two-hand chest push. He talks a lot about two-score leads. So I gave him a little push and said, ‘Two-score lead.'”

Vintage Rodgers

The incident overshadowed Rodgers’ performance on the field, which was his best of the season.

The 40-year-old added: “This was kind of a first step into playing in a way that I know I can.”

“I felt like I did five years ago again.”

Aaron Rodgers was asked about his exchange with Robert Saleh in the second quarter:

“He talks a lot about a two-point lead. So I gave him a little nudge and said, ‘A two-point lead.’” photo.twitter.com/aE3MshPGFo

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 20, 2024

Saleh praises Rodgers

Saleh was equally impressed, especially with the way Rodgers operated outside the pocket.

“The cool thing was he showed the mobility that we saw in training camp,” Saleh said. “He may not be what he was with his legs, but his arm is still 30 and his mind is still functioning at a high level.”