Aaron Rodgers helped lead the NY Jets to their first win of the 2024 season on Sunday, securing a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans in a game that might not have been as convincing as the team would have hoped.
It was the first time Rodgers had walked off the field as the winning quarterback in 623 days, and while it was his first win of the season, the four-time MVP made sure to remind everyone that it technically wasn't his first win as a member of the Jets.
When asked about how it felt to win his first game with the Jets, Rodgers reminded reporters that it's technically his second win with the team. Rodgers famously started Week 1 of the 2023 season only to suffer a torn Achilles just four plays into the game.
But as far as the record books are concerned, Rodgers is now 2-1 as the starting quarterback of the Jets. No one can take those four snaps in 2023 away from him.
"Technically it's my second. We all know that. Somehow that first one counts. Four important plays. But yeah, it feels great."Aaron Rodgers
The NY Jets have a chance as long as they have Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is clearly still trying to shake off some of the rust from his extended absence, but the future Hall of Famer has shown that he still has plenty left in the tank. The arm talent and football IQ that made him one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time are still there.
Rodgers finished the game completing 18 of 30 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He didn't light up the stat sheet, but Rodgers was safe with the ball and trusted his receivers to make plays. That's what helped the Jets win Sunday's game.
The escapability and mobility that once made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in football aren't there anymore. Age and his injury have limited what he's able to do outside of the pocket.
But when kept upright, Rodgers is proving that he can still play at a very high level. The longtime Packers quarterback was Pro Football Focus's fifth-highest-graded quarterback in the Jets' Week 1 loss to the 49ers. His Week 2 grade might not be quite as high, but the result is what matters.
Aaron Rodgers is back, and as long as he continues to play at this level, the Jets have a chance to make a playoff run this season.
There are still plenty of flaws with this Jets roster. Rodgers hasn't been perfect, either. But he's been good enough, and he should only continue to get more comfortable with every passing week.