Sep 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and tight end Tyler Conklin (83) takes the field against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
On Thursday, September 19th, the New York Jets held their season’s home opener against their arch-rivals, the New England Patriots. The Jets came into this game, having just beaten the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 by a score of 24-17.
The Jets were led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ two touchdown passes, and 176 yards through the air on 18 of 30 passing. However, a new star was also born in this game as running back Braelon Allen had himself a day, scoring the winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Fast forward just four days, and the Jets found themselves back on the field this time at home, against the Patriots. This game was all New York Jets in the best ways possible. Gang Green made light work of the Pats, defeating them 24-3. It’s tough to pick just three players who led the team to victory, as this was about as much of a complete team win as it gets. With that said, these are the three players who led Gang Green to victory.
Clark entered the 2024 season, having missed the entirety of 2023 with an injury. Immediately, Clark had something to prove, not only to himself but to his new team as well. The former Baltimore Raven wasted little time making his presence felt. In Week 1, Clark picked up five total tackles, off of three solo and two assists. We’d see more of the same in Week 2, as Clark picked up four total tackles, all solo. Clark made some big plays for the Jets, showing that he more than deserved to be here.
In Week 3 against the Patriots, Clark had his first big game with Gang Green. Early in the fourth quarter, Clark tackled Rhamondre Stevenson, forcing a fumble. Clark would recover the fumble to keep all the momentum in the Jets direction. After a full year of not being able to see Clark on the field, it’s safe to say that the safety has more than shown why the Jets brought him back on a 1-year deal after missing last season.
Clark finished the game with seven total tackles (four solo) and also picked up a sack to go along with the fumble he forced and recovered. This was for sure a game that Clark is going to be able to build off of and continue into weeks to come. The safety position has been an issue for the Jets in recent years, however with Clark now back and fully healthy, we may see a different version of that position this year.
Have a day, Tyler Conklin! Conklin came into this game with a very quiet first two games. In Week 1, Conklin caught one pass for just six yards. He only got two looks this game, as Rodgers didn’t look his way more than a couple of times.
In Week 2, things weren’t much better for Conklin as he caught just one pass, this time for 10 yards. Once again, the tight end only got two looks and was far from a main player for Rodgers. However, that all changed this week.
For the first time this season, Conklin quickly became a key player in what Rodgers was trying to do. Conklin led the Jets in targets with six, receptions with five, and yards with 93. It should be interesting to see how this connection develops in the coming weeks, but one has to think that after a game like this, Rodgers could be looking at Conklin’s way far more than not.
His longest reception came in the first quarter when he picked up a massive 22-yard reception putting the Jets in scoring range. This reception led to a Jets touchdown. This game could mark one of Rodgers’ new favorite connections with Conklin. With so many weapons already at his disposal, Conklin could have cemented himself many more targets in future games with his performance tonight.
The difference it makes having an actual quarterback under center is truly astounding. Previously, Jets fans weren’t fortunate to have a quarterback who could offer even league average production. In any other circumstance with former quarterback Zach Wilson, the Jets would not have won this game as easily as they did. If anything, with Wilson it would have come down to a battle of field goal kickers. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case and Rodgers not only led the Jets to victory but looked very impressive in doing so.
Rodgers started this game by completing his first six passes, looking incredibly sharp. On the first touchdown drive of the game, Rodgers did a great job of spreading the ball around. In all, five different touched the ball, including Jeremy Ruckert, Breece Hall, Xavier Gipson, Braelon Allen, and of course Allen Lazard, who caught Rodgers’ first TD pass of the game.
Rodgers finished the game completing 27 or 35 attempts for 281 yards and a pair of touchdowns and finished with a robust quarterback rating of 118.9. Rodgers did an excellent job of spreading the ball around, throwing to seven different players on the Jets offense. Most notably, his new found connection with Conklin, and his renewed connection with Allen Lazard. It’s also interesting to see Mike Williams get some touches and look well again. Rodgers at quarterback could make things very interesting this season for the Jets.