Aaron Rodgers on incomes first win as Jets quarterback: 'It has been a very long time coming for me'

Aaron Rodgers‘ first 12 months as a member of the New York Jets did not go as anticipated, or because the workforce hoped, with the veteran quarterback happening with a season-ending Achilles damage simply 4 snaps into the 2023 season. Rodgers’ first recreation of the 2024 season additionally did not go because the workforce hoped, shedding 32-19 to the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers, however shedding the sport was quite a bit higher for New York than shedding its quarterback for the season.

It took every week, however the Jets and their followers lastly obtained a recreation fully led by Rodgers that resulted in a Jets win. New York gained its first recreation final season, and because the starter, Rodgers was credited with the win. But it was a a lot completely different situation contemplating he solely performed 4 snaps of the matchup.

The Jets defeated the Tennessee Titans 24-17 at Nissan Stadium to enhance to 1-1 on the younger 2024 season. When requested the way it feels to win his first recreation as a Jet, Rodgers joked, saying, “technically my second,” if we embody the sport he performed only a few snaps in.

“It feels prefer it’s been a very long time,” Rodgers stated with a smile. “It has been a very long time coming for me to be part of a recreation like this.”

The sport was tied at 17 factors every with simply over eight minutes to go within the fourth quarter. The Jets marched down the sector, going 74 yards on seven performs with simply over 4 minutes left to make it 24-17, the place the rating would stay.

It was then as much as the Jets protection to make an enormous cease. On third-and-goal on the 8-yard line, Titans quarterback Will Levis was sacked for a lack of six yards, forcing a fourth-and-goal that resulted in an incomplete go and a turnover on downs.

Rodgers commented on the way it felt to seal the sport and line up in victory formation and gave credit score to the protection for its efficiency. The unit compelled two turnovers, a fumble and an interception, and sacked the opposing quarterback 4 instances for a lack of 22 yards. 

“To have the ability to take a knee on the finish is one thing particular,” Rodgers stated. “Pleased with our protection, they made some huge performs within the first half once we have been actually sputtering and obtained the ball again twice and we lastly began placing a couple of issues collectively. Nonetheless there’s quite a bit to enhance on, however this feels actually good.”

Rodgers went on to thank the remainder of his teammates, in addition to these within the stands sporting Gotham inexperienced.

“I am grateful for the fellows, I am grateful for our followers that traveled. Unbelievable fanbase, I imply they have been loud, particularly on the final fourth down,” he stated.

The 40-year-old is coming off a severe damage, so getting again to the sector and having the ability to carry out on the NFL degree is not any simple feat. 

“There’s so many individuals which have helped me get thus far proper now that I’ve simply a lot gratitude for. I really like this recreation. I really like being again out right here and I really like being aside of this workforce,” he stated. 

Rodgers went 18 of 30 for 176 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, in comparison with final week, when he went 13 of 21 with 167 yards, one landing and one interception. Rodgers admitted that the Jets offense nonetheless has quite a bit to work on 

“That is an excellent protection and we harm ourselves quite a bit. There are numerous issues that we did in Week 1, we did not do in Week 2, however once we needed to have a drive to win the sport we got here up huge,” he stated. “So I am happy with our guys who had numerous grit, numerous toughness. It is a lengthy season. We gotta get wholesome the subsequent couple days and work out learn how to get one other win.”

Rodgers can win his first house recreation because the Jets quarterback subsequent week after they host the New England Patriots in an AFC East battle on Thursday evening.