The image of Aaron Rodgers running out of the tunnel carrying an American flag has served as a reminder of what could have been for the Jets in 2023.
On Thursday night, Rodgers runs out of that tunnel again, and it is a symbol of what might be in 2024.
The 1-1 Jets play their home opener against the Patriots and MetLife Stadium should be electric as it was a year ago when Rodgers emerged and the stadium was as loud as it’s ever been at a Jets game.
The enthusiasm only lasted four plays that night. This time, the Jets are hoping for a full Rodgers experience in front of the home fans.
“I feel good about it,” Rodgers said. “It’s been a long time since I took the field at Jetlife, so there will be a lot of emotions for sure, but we’re thankfully into our third game of the season, played two full games, body feels good, about as good as it can on a short week, but it’ll be fun to be out there with the crowd, and night games, I love night games, so, excited about it.”
The Jets enter this game off of two uneven performances to start the season.
They were not sharp against the Titans on Sunday, but played better in the second half and escaped with their first victory of the season.
They will now attempt to get to 2-1 to start a season for the first time since 2015.
The Patriots (1-1) come into this game playing better than people projected. They shocked the Bengals in Week 1 and lost in overtime to the Seahawks last week.
This is the first time the Jets are facing the Patriots without Bill Belichick coaching them since 1999, so this will have a different feel with Jerod Mayo now calling the shots.
The Jets snapped a 15-game losing streak to the Patriots in last year’s season finale, putting to bed a storyline that had bothered them for years.
This is the third game in 11 days for the Jets, but they should get a lift from a raucous MetLife crowd.
“I hope it’s off the chain,” coach Robert Saleh said. “I mean, it’s our home opener coming on a Thursday. I know our fans are some of the most passionate fans in all football. Really looking forward to the atmosphere on Thursday night.”