Rodgers happy with Jets preseason debut, eyes Week 1: 'We're ready'
Aaron Rodgers is happy about his preseason debut with the New York Jets.
"Didn't get hurt, scored, it was a good night," Rodgers said after Saturday's 32-24 victory over the New York Giants, according to Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports.
Rodgers played two offensive drives in his first preseason start since 2018. The 39-year-old completed five of eight pass attempts for 47 yards and a touchdown.
The four-time NFL MVP, who joined New York in an offseason trade from the Green Bay Packers, received a big ovation from fans at MetLife Stadium after officially taking the field for the first time with his new team.
"I had some butterflies, for sure. That's always normal. ... I loosened up pretty good when I got the ovation when I took the field, that was a special moment to have that kind of support," Rodgers said.
Fans at MetLife on their feet as @AaronRodgers12 steps on the field to start for the first time
- NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2023
: #NYJvsNYG on NFL Network
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/624TrfDUF6 pic.twitter.com/0L8V6xEcTG
Rodgers' touchdown pass versus the Giants was caught by his new No. 1 receiver, reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, on a 14-yard completion.
"Just a great throw from Aaron," Wilson said. "He's so precise and has answers to everything we see, so I just had to do my job at that point and finish the catch."
"Aaron makes football a whole lot of fun," the pass-catcher added.
New York will now focus on its Sept. 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills to officially kick off the team's highly anticipated 2023 season.
"I think we're ready," Rodgers said ahead of the season opener. "Next week will be an important week. Obviously, there will be some tough decisions with the roster, but working on some other things as we transition now to the final 53 that we're going to be doing every single week. ... We'll put the final touches in the offense, but I feel good about where we're at."
In addition to Rodgers, the Jets brought in four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook on a one-year contract. Cook, as well as second-year running back Breece Hall, didn't face the Giants on Saturday but are expected to play against the Bills in Week 1.
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