Aaron Rodgers dazzles in Jets' win over Patriots

 

Re writer EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Jets rolled to their second victory of the season on Thursday night against the New England Patriots, 24-3. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers impressed in his return to MetLife Stadium, throwing two touchdowns in the first half and prompting the crowd to chant his name.

Here are the most important things to know from Thursday night for both teams:

Rodgers looked like his old self against the Patriots, throwing for over 250 yards with two touchdowns. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York Jets (2-1)

Simply put, it was vintage Rodgers, whose second Jets home opener was a lot more joyous than the first.

This time, Rodgers dazzled the MetLife Stadium crowd with uncanny accuracy and an array of off-platform throws, passing for 281 yards and two touchdowns in the Jets' second straight win.

By the end of the third quarter, the sellout crowd was chanting Rodgers' name. Now think back to last season's opener on Sept. 11. The stadium fell eerily silent when, on the fourth snap of the season, Rodgers ruptured his left Achilles and was helped off the field.

On Thursday night, Rodgers (27-for-35) resembled a point guard, distributing the ball to everyone around him. He completed passes to eight different receivers. Significantly, the 40-year-old quarterback moved well in and outside of the pocket, much better than he did in the first two games. That he did this on a short week -- only three days' rest -- bodes well for the rest of the season.

The Jets began the season with Super Bowl aspirations. When Rodgers plays like this, all things seem possible in the Jets' universe.