Allen Lazard’s resurgence continues underneath Aaron Rodgers’ Jets return

Aaron Rodgers discovered a well-recognized face for his first residence TD as a Jet.

Allen Lazard, who seems to be rejuvenated with Rodgers wholesome, hauled in a display screen and darted 10 yards for the rating within the opening quarter of Thursday night time’s 24-3 breeze over the Patriots.

As a substitute of celebrating, Lazard instantly ran to Rodgers at hand him the ball as a memento — a symbolic second to distinction the quarterback’s final look at MetLife, when his Achilles ruptured and Gang Inexperienced’s season was detonated on the fourth snap of Recreation 1 in 2023.

Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets is greeted by Allen Lazard #10 of the New York Jets after a touchdown during the first quarter. — Aaron Rodgers will get the ball again from Allen Lazard after he caught a primary quarter landing cross from the veteran quarterback within the Jets’ 24-3 win over the Patriots on Sept. 19, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Publish

Lazard was a catastrophe final season with out Rodgers.

He managed simply 23 receptions on 49 targets and 311 yards, falling off precipitously from his earlier campaigns with the Packers, the place Rodgers was underneath middle.

Lazard, who joined the Jets on a four-year, $44 million contract that was seen as an appeasement to Rodgers, was even deactivated within the remaining two video games of final season.

However he’s predictably been higher for these Jets (2-1).

The 28-year-old already has three touchdowns, two greater than final season.

His rating Friday was an amusing sight as a result of Lazard’s compression undershirt stretched roughly 8 yards behind him within the hand of New England CB Alex Austin, who missed the deal with however didn’t let go of the white shirt.

It seemed like Lazard had an enormous tail.

He then grabbed a 27-yard reception on the next Jets drive, which ended with a 1-yard TD rush from Breece Corridor to present Gang Inexperienced a 14-0 benefit within the second quarter.

Lazard completed with three receptions for 48 yards and the TD, whereas Rodgers was beautiful with 281 yards on 27 of 35 passing, two TDs and 0 interceptions.

“I imply, [Lazard’s] been within the league some time. He’s been productive for some time,” Jets coach Robert Saleh stated earlier this season. “His mindset and the place he’s is a lot completely different than a yr in the past. … You possibly can put him anyplace on the soccer area from an alignment standpoint, which simply provides us nice flexibility.”

Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) breaks away from Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) to score a touchdown during the first quarter — Jets huge receiver Allen Lazard breaks away from Patriots security Kyle Dugger to attain a landing in the course of the first quarter. Invoice Kostroun/New York Publish

After their TD connection Thursday, Rodgers embraced Lazard with a hug — which was solely noteworthy as a result of the QB appeared to forcefully reject a hug from Saleh later within the recreation.

The ball was handed from Lazard to Rodgers and marked as “Rodgers first TD at MetLife.” It was one other second the previous Packers may share.

And Lazard is aware of why he’s higher this season — the improve over Zach Wilson.

“Aaron Rodgers,” he stated final week. “Yep, it’s fairly easy.”