Jacoby Brissett Stats Highlighted in Jets-Patriots Showdown

Jacoby Brissett Stats in Focus

The NFL schedule makers did the Jets no favors this season. Thursday’s home opener against the New England Patriots will mark the Green & White’s third game in 11 days after beginning the season with consecutive road trips.

New York, however, following a 24-17 victory in Tennessee on Sunday, has put itself in position to emerge, with a win against its AFC East rival from this difficult stretch above .500. With more than a week off before facing visiting Denver on Sept. 29, with a win the Jets could build momentum in pursuit of their first playoff berth since 2010.

“The coaching staff is exhausted, the players are exhausted, but at the same time, it's the same message,” HC Robert Saleh said. “Nobody cares how you get to gameday. Nobody cares about contact. They don't care if your dog died. They don't care. The expectation is that you perform and that's the expectation in this building.”

Aaron Rodgers and His Influence

Aaron Rodgers, a 20-year NFL veteran, is no stranger to a short week. Against the Titans, he earned his first “complete game” win as the Jets’ starter, throwing for 176 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. He was also a calming voice in the huddle, specifically on their final offensive series (excluding the kneel down) in which the Jets drove 74 yards in 7 plays for the go-ahead touchdown.

“Rodgers makes you feel like we can score every time you touch the ball,” Saleh said. “We're working through things, obviously, but to have three scoring drives and also get a field goal out of it. His presence, his ability at the line of scrimmage, his confidence in the huddle, his confidence on the sideline. The guy's a first ballot Hall of Famer and he's had production in this league for a very, very long time. He’s seen everything and to have a presence like that in the huddle for a lot of guys who haven't seen everything, it's pretty cool.”

WR Mike Williams, who played a season-high 37 snaps and had a leaping 19-yard catch on the Jets game-winning drive, added: “He keeps everybody relaxed. He gets us to the line, and he is making the calls, and he always knows what the defense is doing and puts us in the right position to make the play. I trust him blindly sometimes. I just trust his instincts. I am excited to have that the rest of this year.”

In addition to Rodgers' calming effects on offense, the Jets will benefit against New England from a run game that found its stride in Tennessee. RB Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen combined for 95 rush yards (4.2 YPC) and a touchdown. Early this season, New England has allowed 16.5 points per game, fifth fewest in the NFL, and 116 rushing yards, second fewest.