Aaron Rodgers happy to beat ‘everybody associated with Jets’ in Steelers debut, MetLife return

Revenge game, complete.

In the days leading up to Sunday afternoon's season opener, Aaron Rodgers had downplayed this game as just one of 17 regular season meetings.

However, the veteran quarterback's play showed this one meant so much more.

Rodgers was the best player on the field as he led the Steelers to a thrilling back-and-forth victory over the Jets in his first game back at MetLife Stadium since the new regime opted to part ways this offseason.

I thought he was game all day," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. You guys asked me last week why I was confident? That's why I was confident. That's what I've been looking at in preparation and I'm appreciative of it, not only his efforts, but the efforts of the collective."

Rodgers certainly was game as he showed flashes of his vintage Pro Bowl form, going blow-for-blow with his replacement, Justin Fields.

The 41-year-old threw for a game-high 244 yards and connected with big-bodied WR Ben Skowronek, TE Jonnu Smith, RB Jalen Warren, and speedy WR Calvin Austin III for his four touchdowns on the afternoon.

He also led another one of his classic fourth quarter drives that was capped off by Chis Boswell's career-high 60-yard field goal, which pushed Pittsburgh back in front for good.

Though Rodgers is still friendly with some of his old teammates now on the opposing sideline, he admitted it was satisfying getting the last laugh.

I was happy to beat everybody associated with the Jets," he said. Hearing some of the cat calls out there and the boo birds, I expected it, but there were people in the organization that thought I couldn't play anymore so it was nice to remind those people that I still can."