Led by a standout efficiency from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a stout protection, the New York Jets defeated the New England Patriots on “Thursday Evening Soccer,” 24-3.
Listed here are 5 takeaways from the motion:
Aaron Rodgers had his finest recreation as a Jet
Returning to MetLife Stadium for the primary time since struggling a season-ending torn Achilles within the 2023 season opener, Rodgers regarded like himself, maybe for the primary time in a Jets uniform. The long run Corridor of Famer led a strong offensive efficiency, ending 27-of-35 for 281 yards (8.0 YPA) with two touchdowns and nil interceptions.
Most impressively, the 40-year-old regarded 10 years youthful, shifting effectively out and in of the pocket, making correct throws on the run and easily wanting extra just like the quarterback the Jets thought they have been getting a yr in the past.
It is nonetheless early, however Thursday evening’s efficiency may very well be an indication of excellent issues to come back for Rodgers and firm.
Patriots took a threat by letting rookie QB Drake Maye play mop-up responsibility
With the consequence effectively in hand for the Jets within the fourth quarter, the Patriots gave the 2024 No. 3 choose his first regular-season NFL motion. Maye completed 4-of-8 for 22 yards however, most significantly, took a number of laborious hits and was sacked twice throughout his solely drive of the sport.
There’s nothing improper with giving Maye some taking part in time, but it surely was a dangerous transfer at finest. Earlier than he entered the sport, the Jets made life depressing for Jacoby Brissett, posting 10 QB hits whereas sacking him 5 occasions.
Come subsequent week, Maye ought to think about himself fortunate to be again on the sidelines.
Damage to RT Morgan Moses may hand Jets one other large blow
Moses went down after rolling his left knee up late within the third quarter. The 11-year veteran walked off the sector on his personal energy, however the Jets dominated him out for the rest of the sport.
Regardless of the way it regarded, the severity of Moses’s damage is unknown. Nonetheless, if he is out for an prolonged time, it would be two vital losses for the Jets in as many weeks after they misplaced edge rusher Jermaine Johnson.
DL Will McDonald’s emergence continues
With Johnson out for the yr with a torn Achilles, McDonald was amongst a number of gamers on the Jets’ protection that stepped up towards the Patriots. The second-year defensive lineman completed with 4 QB hits and a couple of.0 sacks in Thursday evening’s victory, paying tribute to his fallen teammate by pulling out his trademark celebration after taking down Brissett.
Following up on a 3.0-sack efficiency within the Jets’ 24-17 Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans, the second-year defensive lineman now has seven QB hits and 5 sacks by means of the season’s first three weeks.
Patriots offense was epically unhealthy
Earlier than changing Brissett with Maye and waving the white flag with 4:24 left, the Patriots had solely 93 yards of offense. Over the ultimate drive, they added just a few to the whole, ending with a paltry 139.
Per Stathead, it is solely the 18th time within the franchise’s historical past that they’ve didn’t prime 140 yards in a recreation. Oddly sufficient, the final time the Patriots managed 139 yards or much less in a recreation got here in Week 18 final season towards the Jets, after they posted solely 119 yards in a 17-3 loss.
