Jets Host Patriots in Home Opener

The New York Jets are set to play their home opener at MetLife Stadium against the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football, following two weeks of road games. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, excited for the home crowd, emphasized the importance of winning rather than focusing on the historic rivalry between the teams, which has lost some intensity with the departure of key figures like Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Despite the Jets' recent success in ending a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots last season, Rodgers noted it takes more than a couple of games to make a significant impact on a rivalry. The Jets enter the game at 1-1, having beaten the Tennessee Titans last week, while the Patriots also stand at 1-1 after a loss to Seattle. Both teams are dealing with injuries, with the Jets' Jermaine Johnson out for the season, while the Patriots' Ja'Whaun Bentley is expected to miss the rest of the year as well. The matchup will showcase Rodgers' first home start since his Achilles injury last season, with expectations for him to utilize more downfield passes against a struggling Patriots defense.