The New York Jets kicked off Week 3 on Thursday Night Football, hosting the New England Patriots for their first home game of the season. It didn’t take the Jets long to get ahead either, taking a 14-0 lead after back-to-back touchdowns.
However, following the second touchdown, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh had an awkward sideline interaction that has now caused a lot of reaction on the internet.
What happened?
Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh’s Awkward Post-Touchdown Interaction
The Jets and Patriots started the game by trading punts on their first drives. However, the Jets kicked it into high gear when they touched the ball next.
After a couple of Braelon Allen runs to get things going, Rodgers’ arm carried the Jets down the field, ending in a 10-yard passing touchdown to Allen Lazard. It marked Rodgers’ first touchdown in MetLife Stadium as a Jet.
After another Patriots punt, Rodgers and the Jets got the ball back and once again drove all the way down the field. Breece Hall ran in a 1-yard touchdown to finish the 91-yard drive. The Jets had a 14-0 lead and didn’t seem like they were going to let up.
However, when Saleh went in to hug Rodgers following the drive, Rodgers seemingly pushed him away.
Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh after the second touchdown 👀 pic.twitter.com/ppkQyXRI8x
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 20, 2024
The Patriots went on to score their first points of the game on the following drive, a 44-yard field goal from Joey Slye.
Just ahead of halftime, the Jets had one last drive. Starting at their own 10-yard line, Rodgers led the team all the way down to the Patriots’ 27-yard line for a field goal attempt. Kicker Greg Zeurlein missed, however, keeping the game 14-3 going into halftime.
At half, Rodgers had completed 15 of his 20 passing attempts for 170 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He also had taken one sack and one rushing attempt for five yards.
Contrarily, Saleh’s defense had limited the Patriots heavily. The biggest play New England could muster up was a 13-yard run. Jacoby Brissett had only 24 passing yards and Rhamondre Stevenson just 20 rushing yards. If it weren’t for a string of penalties, the Patriots would likely have a goose egg at half.
The Jets would go on to win 24-3, and Saleh was asked about the interaction in the postgame press conference. He chalked it up to a reminder that they finally got the D a two-score lead.
Robert Saleh on the hug/push with Aaron Rodgers: Says Rodgers reminded him they finally got the defense a two-score lead.
Said that’s been focus for the #Jets this season pic.twitter.com/eByURhG7EC
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 20, 2024
NFL World Reacts to Jets’ Awkward Sideline Interaction
With the awkward interaction catching the attention of a lot of people, plenty of people took to social media to talk about it.
“Why does Rodgers hate Robert Saleh?,” said The Director, a YouTuber and host on Bleacher Report. “What was this interaction between Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh??,” said Evolve, an esports director for NC State. “Jets fans … You nervous?
What was this interaction between Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh??
Jets fans…you nervous? pic.twitter.com/1w3FQrF3AZ
— Cody aka Evolve (@evolve) September 20, 2024
“What do the body language experts say about Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh,” said Jeff Eisenband.
Some, however, did have jokes. “He clearly said ‘DraftKings is the number one place to bet touchdowns.,” said DraftKings. “He’s saying good job coach I love playing for you,” said Sleeper NFL.
Others did, however, try to actually read what was being said. “‘It’s early,'” said Tony Massarotti of 98.5 The Sports Hub.