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Aaron Rodgers finally hits milestone for Jets in first game at MetLife Stadium since Achilles injury
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Aaron Rodgers finally hits milestone for Jets in first game at MetLife Stadium since Achilles injury

Aaron Rodgers may have survived the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL season, but all New York Jets fans were looking forward to was Thursday night’s season opener, the first time he’s been home since his Achilles injury.

Rodgers didn’t survive his first series as a Jet last season, tearing his Achilles tendon on the MetLife Stadium turf on his fourth snap with his new team against the Buffalo Bills.

Jets fans flocked to MetLife in East Rutherford, New Jersey to see what Rodgers had in store for their Week 3 game against their AFC East rival, the New England Patriots. And he did not disappoint.

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Aaron Rodgers plays football on his fingers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) spins the ball on his finger during warmups for a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Rodgers made his first series of the game, but the Jets couldn’t put any points on the board. But after the defense forced a three-and-out on the Patriots’ first drive, Rodgers made the most of his quick second chance.

Rodgers led his Jets offense 73 yards after the Patriots’ punt in eight plays, ending his first touchdown drive with a screen pass to Allen Lazard, his old Green Bay Packers teammate whom he has already employed twice this season.

At the Patriots’ 10-yard line, Rodgers quickly tossed the ball to Lazard, who had a one-on-one matchup with his defender. When he made his move, the Patriots cornerback missed, as Lazard’s undershirt ripped from the bottom as he fell into the end zone.

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But instead of celebrating himself, Lazard didn’t realize how much the touchdown meant to Rodgers until he ran over to give him the ball.

Aaron Rodgers throws screen

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) attempts to complete a pass against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

The rest of Rodgers’ Jets teammates ran over and patted his helmet in approval, relishing the moment he scored the first touchdown football fans had been waiting for at home.

When Rodgers went down on this same field last year, it was Week 1, and the hype was astronomical for what this Jets team could accomplish. After all, they had not made the playoffs in 12 years – the longest drought in American sports.

The Achilles injury not only caused a lot of pain for the organization and its fans, but there was also the thought that Rodgers might retire. However, that is not the way the four-time MVP wanted to leave and he has begun working towards returning to New York at some point.

The Jets are now 1-1 with Rodgers fit for the season and they beat the Titans in Tennessee last week.

Aaron Rodgers throws

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images)

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Jets fans are hoping Rodgers can continue playing like this for the rest of the season so he can throw more touchdowns in the coming games.

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