The last time Aaron Rodgers played at MetLife Stadium, the 40-year-old had to come out in tears with questions on whether he would ever return on the gridiron. However, this Thursday was a special moment for the four-time MVP as he made his way back to MetLife Stadium. Even the home crowd did play their part by offering a thunderous ovation for the first time since that horrific moment on Sept 11, 2023.

But his motivation to make a strong comeback paid dividends as A-Rod shared, “Obviously, it was emotional to come back home for the first time since then. But I really think the first week kind of took a lot of the fears and anxiety of playing out. And tonight, I feel like I played pretty free.” Well, unlike the one he had a year ago, Rodgers indeed enjoyed a special night in New York.

This time, A-Rod didn’t carry the American flag on his shoulders during pregame introductions. You could be wondering who would reject the pride in carrying their country’s flag when given the opportunity. Well, Rodgers had a good reason for it. When asked about his decision, Rodgers stated, “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to make a decision whether to carry the flag or not cause I was probably gonna be the only guy that wouldn’t. I am stitious, maybe that superstitious. But I think I would have passed on that.” 

And who can blame the 40-year-old for passing on the American flag – the last time he had one, it didn’t end on a happier note. Within moments of making his Jets debut, the excitement surrounding Rodgers in green and white quickly evaporated. Struggling to get off the field after playing just four snaps, Rodgers suffered an ACL injury. That moment could have been the last time we witnessed Rodgers taking the field. However, it wasn’t so; after opening their season with a loss against last year’s runner-up 49ers, Rodgers ensured he got the team on his back in MetLife Stadium.

Patriots blown apart by Aaron Rodgers led-Jets

Seeing him back at MetLife, it didn’t feel like Rodgers was out for a year with an injury. Looking to guide the Jets for a strong start to their season, Rodgers fractured the Patriots’ defense that looked clueless. His first touchdown at home was special as Rodgers passed to his former Packers teammate Allen Lazard. Moreover, his racing to the end zone confirmed the first of many TDs that Rodgers is sure to deliver.

After finishing his night with 27-of-35 for 281 yards and two TDs, Rodgers expressed, “This was kind of a first step in playing like I know I’m capable of playing. I felt like I was, you know, myself.” Well, the Jets QB didn’t end there to convey his emotions on the night as he used 3-words to sum it up, “really special night.” Looking back, for the Jets, it was indeed a special night. But for the Patriots, it wasn’t so; the visiting team had an awful night, to say the least. After their starting QB Jacoby Brissett, who managed just 12-0f-18 passes and 98 yards, how could it be any special?

While New England’s starting QB got sacked 5 times. It wasn’t a good day either for the 22-year-old Drake Maye. He finished with 4-of-8 passes for 22 yards while getting sacked 2 times. Judging on the third week of NFL action, it looks like the Jets have rediscovered their form courtesy of Aaron Rodgers. But will it last long enough to break their 13-year hiatus from playoffs? Only time will tell as we expect more surprises from the Jets this season.

With that being said, do check out our latest Think Tank exclusive interview with Doug Sanders. It’s packed with exclusive insights about the current NFL season, college football, and much more.