CNN
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The last time Aaron Rodgers played at MetLife Stadium in the NFL, he lasted only four snaps before a torn Achilles tendon ended his season in Week 1 of the 2023 season.

On Thursday – more than a year after his serious injury – the 40-year-old took to the field for the second time as a New York Jet and was much more successful: He led his team to a comfortable 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots.

Rodgers defied his age in this win, moving with ease and effectiveness, evading Patriots defenders and dismantling New England’s defense with his throws.

He finished the game with 281 yards through the air on 27 of 35 passing, two touchdowns – one each to Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson – and no interceptions. He also ran three times for 18 yards. Breece Hall added a rushing touchdown that helped secure the comfortable victory.

Notably, Wilson became the first wide receiver drafted in the first round to catch a touchdown pass from Rodgers, even though it was the four-time NFL MVP’s 480th TD of his illustrious career.

The Jets’ loyal fans chanted Rodgers’ name throughout the game, and afterward the quarterback called it a “really special night.”

“I felt really good out there,” Rodgers told reporters. “I felt really good before the game and I’ve been making progress. I told you guys after Week 1 that it’s going to be a process to keep extending plays as I get more comfortable, and that was kind of the first step to playing the way I can. I felt like myself a couple years ago.”

When asked about his return to the field at MetLife Stadium, Rodgers added: “I’ve been really quiet about it, honestly, I haven’t thought about it much.

“Obviously it was emotional coming home for the first time since then, but I really think the first week took away a lot of the fears and worries about playing and tonight I feel like I played pretty freely.”

The Jets struggled on offense last season with Rodgers on the bench. But in the third game of the season with the Super Bowl XLV winner at the helm, things seemed to be working out for New York.

Not only was Rodgers a master at orchestrating the offense, but he also had a dynamic running game – Hall and Braelon Allen combined for 27 carries and 109 yards on the ground through their one-two effort – while the newly formed offensive line withstood the pressure to give Rodgers time in the pocket.

It was a disappointing night for the Patriots, as they were clearly outperformed by their AFC East rivals.

However, Thursday’s loss gave New England fans their first opportunity to see 2024 first-round quarterback Drake Maye in action in the regular season.

Maye — the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft — was named the team’s backup behind veteran Jacoby Brissett. But after Brissett was slowed by a ruthless Jets defense, Maye was brought in midway through the fourth quarter to make his first NFL appearance.

The 22-year-old completed four of his eight passes for 22 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, and ran for 12 yards twice. The New York defense didn’t give him a warm welcome to the league either, as he took some tough hits, including two sacks.