Rodgers and Saleh Laugh Off Denied Hug as Jets Celebrate Victory

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New England Patriots struggled to contain New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a Thursday night match-up at MetLife Stadium. Demonstrating a remarkable performance, Rodgers threw for 281 yards, completing two touchdown passes, leading the Jets to a convincing 24-3 victory.

The standout moment of the game, however, wasn’t just the score. It came during the second quarter when the Jets bolted to a 14-0 lead thanks to a 1-yard touchdown run by Breece Hall. After returning to the sidelines, Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh experienced an awkward encounter. While celebrating, Saleh attempted to embrace Rodgers, but the quarterback responded with a gentle shove, signaling his disinterest in the hug.

After the game, both men downplayed the incident. Rodgers smiled, explaining, “He’s not a big hugger usually, so I didn’t know he was going for the hug. He likes to do the two-hand chest push as well. So I kind of gave him a push and said, ‘Two-score lead.’” Saleh added that they had discussed the significance of maintaining a two-score lead, hinting that his eagerness was to share a camaraderie celebration.

Fortunately, the light-hearted banter was easy to come by in the aftermath of the Jets’ second consecutive win. They began the game strong, with Rodgers showcasing his skills against New England’s defense. He remarked afterward, “This was kind of the first step in playing like I know I’m capable of playing. I felt like I was myself from five years ago.”

With a completion rate of 27 out of 35 attempts, Rodgers became one of only four quarterbacks in NFL history to complete 75% of his passes while throwing for over 250 yards at the age of 40 or older. This elite group includes Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre.

Rodgers’ agility during the game was a notable highlight. After two previous games that saw him limited in movement, the 40-year-old quarterback appeared more spry as he deftly evaded defenders. Stats from ESPN reveal that he completed all six of his attempts, racking up 88 yards while throwing from outside the pocket—his most successful performance outside the pocket in the past 15 years.

“The cool thing was he showed the mobility that we saw in training camp,” Saleh observed. “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.”

This game held personal significance for Rodgers as it marked his return to MetLife Stadium, where he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just weeks prior. By the third quarter, the Jets’ fans were chanting his name, a testament to his resilience. He opened the scoring with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Allen Lazard, who enthusiastically handed him the ball afterward, recognizing the moment’s importance.

Lazard shared his admiration for Rodgers, stating, “I’m just so happy for him. 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.”

Rodgers effectively orchestrated touchdown drives of 73, 91, and 66 yards, distributing the ball among eight different receivers. The Jets extended their lead with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson in the third quarter, putting them firmly ahead at 21-3.

Following a previous misfire, Rodgers aimed to make it up to Wilson near the end zone. The quarterback acknowledged making a common “mortal sin” by premeditating the throw but decided to go for it after Wilson encouraged him. Rodgers delivered a precise pass just before cornerback Christian Gonzalez could make a play, marking Wilson’s first touchdown of the season and ending an eight-game scoring drought.

Reflecting on his journey, Wilson admitted, “Me and the end zone have a tough relationship right now. So it definitely felt good to get on good terms with the end zone.”