The New England Patriots just couldn't figure out how to contain New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But they weren’t the only ones; even his own coach seemed to struggle with the man of the hour, especially when it came to an unexpected viral moment that took everyone by surprise. Rodgers didn’t just show up in the game Thursday night at MetLife Stadium—he dominated in one of his finest performances in years, throwing for 281 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-3 victory. His off-platform throws and quick footwork made him look unstoppable, but that wasn’t even the talk of the night.
What really got people buzzing was a strange sideline encounter between Rodgers and Jets head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets were already up 14-0 after a 1-yard touchdown run by Breece Hall in the second quarter. As Rodgers returned to the sidelines, he casually slapped hands with Saleh. Then things got awkward. Saleh went in for what looked like a celebratory bro-hug, but Rodgers? Not so much in the mood. Instead of an embrace, Rodgers gave Saleh a little shove, complete with a glare that practically screamed, "We’re not celebrating yet, man!"
The body language was clear—Rodgers wasn’t having any of that premature excitement. "It’s too early to celebrate," his actions seemed to say. And honestly, can you blame him? This is a guy who’s all business when he’s on the field.
After the game, both Rodgers and Saleh laughed it off, trying to play down the moment, but it was hard to miss. Rodgers, with a grin, remarked, "He’s not a big hugger usually, so I didn’t know he was going for the hug. He likes the two-hand chest push, so I gave him a push and said, ‘Two-score lead.’" Saleh explained that they’d discussed before the game the importance of a two-score lead, so when it happened, the coach was eager for a little celebratory moment. Apparently, Rodgers wasn’t.
Still, that little sideline mishap was overshadowed by the brilliance Rodgers displayed on the field. Jets fans could breathe a sigh of relief watching him work his magic again. After two lackluster games to kick off the season, Rodgers seemed like a man on a mission Thursday night. His mobility was back, his arm was electric, and he looked as sharp as he did years ago. "This was kind of the first step in playing like I know I’m capable of playing," Rodgers said, with the confidence of a man who just reclaimed his mojo. "I felt like I was myself from five years ago."
Let’s put things into perspective for a second: Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes, making him just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to hit a 75% completion rate in a game while throwing for at least 250 yards at age 40 or older. He joined the ranks of legends like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre. That’s some serious company. Rodgers might be 40, but his game is aging like fine wine.
What made this performance extra special wasn’t just the numbers—it was how he escaped pressure. After two games where he wasn’t as mobile, Rodgers looked quicker, like he had something to prove. He was 6-for-6 for 88 yards when throwing outside the pocket, according to ESPN Research, marking his most completions without an incompletion outside the pocket in the past 15 years. The Patriots didn’t stand a chance against him. They brought the pressure, but Rodgers kept slipping away, his quick release and elusiveness keeping them on their toes. Saleh summed it up best, saying, "The cool thing was he showed the mobility that we saw in training camp. He may not be what he used to be with his legs, but his arm is still 30 and his mind is still operating at a high level."
And let’s not forget, this game was emotional for Rodgers. He was back at MetLife Stadium, where his Achilles injury ended his season in Week 1 last year. This time, he stayed on the field the entire game, with the crowd chanting his name by the third quarter. That had to feel good.
Rodgers gave the Jets a 7-0 lead early on with a touchdown pass to Allen Lazard, who made a point of running over to hand Rodgers the ball afterward. Lazard, who has history with Rodgers from their time in Green Bay, knew this was a meaningful night. "I’m just so happy for him," Lazard said. "To be able to make it back here, being 40 years old, coming off the Achilles, playing three games in 10 days—I'm very proud of everyone, especially him. It was just a special moment for us." It was a simple gesture, but one that symbolized how far Rodgers has come, battling back from an injury that could have been career-ending for many.
Rodgers didn’t stop there. He led touchdown drives of 73, 91, and 66 yards, spreading the ball around to eight different receivers. His second touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson late in the third quarter put the game out of reach, making it 21-3. The chemistry between Rodgers and his receivers was evident, but his connection with Wilson really stood out. After missing Wilson on a previous play near the goal line, Rodgers went right back to him on the next snap. "He kind of said something coming back to the huddle, like, ‘Throw me the ball again,’ which is great," Rodgers said. "So I said OK." And just like that, Rodgers fired a laser to Wilson, who made the catch right before Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez could get there.
It was a moment of redemption for Wilson, who hadn’t scored a touchdown all season. "Me and the end zone have a tough relationship right now," Wilson joked. "So it definitely felt good to get on good terms with the end zone."
The Jets are now 2-1 and have back-to-back wins under their belt, largely thanks to Rodgers finding his rhythm. His performance was a glimpse of what Jets fans have been hoping for ever since he joined the team. With his mobility returning and his arm as dangerous as ever, Rodgers reminded everyone why he’s one of the best to ever play the game.
In the end, the awkward sideline moment with Saleh might be what goes viral, but what really matters is how Rodgers played. If Thursday night’s game was any indication, the Jets have a lot to look forward to this season. Let’s just hope they save the hugs for the Super Bowl.
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