Fri Sep 20 04:08:06 UTC 2024: ## Familiar Face, Familiar Success: Lazard Catches Rodgers’ First Home TD as Jet

**East Rutherford, NJ** – Allen Lazard, the wide receiver who joined the New York Jets in a move seen as a direct appeasement to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, scored Rodgers’ first touchdown at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night, a symbolic moment for the veteran duo.

Lazard caught a screen pass from Rodgers in the opening quarter of the Jets’ 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots and sprinted 10 yards into the end zone. The score marked a welcome turnaround for Lazard, who struggled mightily in the absence of Rodgers last season.

Instead of celebrating, Lazard immediately ran to Rodgers and handed him the ball, marking a poignant contrast to last year’s season opener where Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on the fourth snap at MetLife Stadium. Lazard, who joined the Jets on a four-year, $44 million contract, was deactivated for the final two games of last season after a disappointing campaign.

Lazard has flourished in Rodgers’ presence, already notching three touchdowns, two more than his entire 2023 season. He also secured a 27-yard reception on the following Jets drive, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Breece Hall that extended New York’s lead to 14-0 in the second quarter.

Rodgers, meanwhile, put on an impressive performance, completing 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

“Winning cures a lot of things,” Lazard said. “I feel great. Last year is last year. I had a lot of adversity in my life, and I always push through it.”

The duo’s connection has brought a sense of familiarity back to Rodgers, who, after a recent hug with Lazard, appeared to reject a hug from head coach Robert Saleh later in the game.

“I told him I wanted the first touchdown that he threw as a Jet, and after I got that, then his first touchdown here at [MetLife] Stadium,” Lazard said. “The way his season ended here last year and everything, it was a special moment for us. Just so happy for him.”

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