Aaron Rodgers looked much more like the four-time MVP in his 2024 home debut. Playing at MetLife Stadium for the first time since tearing his Achilles last September, Rodgers was outstanding in dissecting the New England Patriots for 281 yards on 27 of 35 passing and a pair of touchdowns.
With the 40-year-old turning back the clock on Thursday night, the New York Jets could find themselves in a whole different tier of contention.
All stats courtesy TruMedia unless otherwise stated.
How Did Aaron Rodgers Excel in Week 3 vs the Patriots?
The first two weeks provided glimpses of promise from Rodgers, but the Jets were ultimately a middling offense, ranking 14th in scoring offense and 20th in yards per play.
That all turned around against the Patriots, with Rodgers posting one of his best games in a long time by multiple measures.
- His 77.1% completion percentage was his best in a game since September 2022 (Week 3 vs Buccaneers).
- His 0.45 EPA per dropback was his highest average in a game since December 2021 (Week 15 vs Ravens)
G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5#NEvsNYJ on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/yDB13TZbBQ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 20, 2024
The most striking part of Rodgers’ night was his mobility.
According to PFF, Rodgers was just 0-for-2 passing outside the pocket in Weeks 1-2 combined. On Thursday, he went 6-for-6 for 88 yards outside the pocket, his most completions of that kind in a game since 2021.
Rodgers’ ability to escape pressure and create plays out of structure represents a potentially season-altering boost for the Jets.
Even more impressive, Rodgers did not need to lean on top receiver Garrett Wilson for his best night in years. Wilson recorded a third-quarter touchdown but had only 33 yards total, or less than 12% of Rodgers’ passing yards on the night.
Instead, Rodgers completed a pass to eight different receivers, with tight end Tyler Conklin leading the way with five receptions for a career-high 93 yards.
What Does Rodgers’ Big Game Mean for Jets’ Offense Moving Forward?
While it was just one night, Rodgers posting this type of game against a well-regarded Patriots defense on a short week suggests the Jets’ ceiling could be higher than anyone imagined this season.
New York controlled the game and had 27 first downs, the Jets’ most in a game since November 2021 (Week 9 vs Colts).
ALLEN LAZARD TOUCHDOWN❕❕❕#NEvsNYJ on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/zihdOnQkrF
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 20, 2024
Oddsmakers have adjusted their expectations in the wake of the Jets’ big win. DraftKings gives New York the seventh-shortest Super Bowl odds at 13-1. Only the Chiefs, Texans, and Bills have shorter odds in the AFC, illustrating the view that the Jets are now among the more serious contenders to reach New Orleans this February.
That may seem jarring for a team on the longest active playoff drought in any major North American pro sports league. But the Jets could benefit from a conference that has seen significant early-season upheaval due to injuries (Tua Tagovailoa in Miami) and slow starts (Ravens, Bengals, and Jaguars all off to 0-2 starts).
With the struggling Broncos on deck in Week 4, the Jets could be in position to start 3-1 for the first time since 2015.