New York Jets' fans were yearning for Aaron Rodgers to take the home field and when he did, the star quarterback gave them a taste of how special this season could possibly be.
Playing at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey for the first time since suffering a season-ending torn achilles tendon last September, the four-time NFL MVP led the Jets to a 24-3 home win over the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. Rodgers completed 27-of-35 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns.
After Rodgers connected on a quick strike to Allen Lazard for a touchdown in the first quarter, he authored a 13-play, 91-yard drive spanning nearly eight minutes during the Jets' very next possession which ended in a Breece Hall goal-line TD.
The Jets took a 14-3 lead into halftime and then broke the spirit of the Patriots when Rodgers lasered a short touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson during the third quarter to never look back.
Gang Green's defense was equally dominant as it rang up seven sacks and a forced fumble on the dominant night.
With the victory, the Jets improve to 2-1 and will host the Denver Broncos next Sunday.
The Patriots' loss drops them to 1-2 and it won't get any easier as they face the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 29.
Here are the key live updates and highlights from the Jets' blasting of their AFC East rival Patriots.