Intrigue surrounds the Jets as Week 1 approaches, and nothing Aaron Rodgers did on Saturday against the Giants dampened the momentum.
Rodgers played two series with the rest of the Jets' starters, entering the field to a loud ovation and leaving the field to an even louder one after leading a quick touchdown drive.
Rodgers wasn't impeccable, at one point appearing openly frustrated after he missed TE C.J. Uzomah, but what he did at the end of his second drive represented exactly what the Jets were looking for when they acquired him. Rodgers threw a tight spiral to Garrett Wilson in the end zone, hitting the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year with the kind of sharp pass Jets fans can get used to.
Rodgers' two drives also didn't tell us anything about the Jets' offensive line that we didn't already know. The unit had its share of issues, forcing Rodgers to make quick decisions and letting new Giants acquisition Isaiah Simmons slip by to force an incompletion at the end of the first series.
The next test for Rodgers and his offensive line will be one that counts. After escaping the preseason unscathed, the four-time MVP will make his Jets regular season debut against the Bills in prime time on Sept. 11. For now, Jets fans have a glimpse of what a Rodgers-led offense will look like.
MORE: Watch select NFL preseason games live with Fubo (free trial)
The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from Rodgers' preseason debut with the Jets. Check out all of the key moments you might have missed.
Aaron Rodgers stats
5/8, 47 yards, 1 TD, 118.2 passer rating
Jets vs. Giants live updates, highlights from Aaron Rodgers preseason debut
6:54 p.m. — That'll do it for Rodgers, as Zach Wilson enters the game for the Jets. Rodgers finishes 5 of 8 for 47 yards and a touchdown in a very solid preseason debut. The next time you'll see him? Sept. 11 against the Bills.
6:41 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — If Rodgers is coming back in, he'll have to wait even longer. Brandin Echols intercepts Taylor and takes it all the way to the house to put the Jets up by two touchdowns.
.@matayo_echols's TURN!
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 26, 2023
(via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/LduvUvQa4n
6:30 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — That's exactly what Jets fans want to see. Rodgers with a tight throw, Wilson with a great catch, and the Jets are on the board with a touchdown. We'll see if that's it for Rodgers, but if it is, what a great way to end his day.
AARON RODGERS TO GARRETT WILSON. TOUCHDOWN. 🎯
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 26, 2023
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/3hYq1UBWxH
6:29 p.m. — Garrett Wilson can't come up with a pass from Rodgers along the sideline, but a pass interference call will give the Jets a fresh set of downs.
6:27 p.m. — Rodgers is visibly frustrated after missing C.J. Uzomah on 2nd down.
6:24 p.m. — Rodgers will be coming back out shortly. Jermaine Johnson comes in and gets the sack of Tyrod Taylor on 3rd & 14, and the Jets will have very good field position after a great punt return.
6:19 p.m. — New Giants acquisition Isaiah Simmons puts Rodgers under heavy pressure and forces an incompletion. That's the end of Rodgers' first series, but he'll be back out for at least one more.
6:17 p.m. — After three consecutive completions to start the game, Rodgers sails one over Cobb and faces a 3rd & 12.
6:16 p.m. — Now the Jets go backwards, as a 7-yard catch by Tyler Conklin is marred by an illegal block from Randall Cobb.
6:14 p.m. — Rodgers' first pass is a near-lateral to Garrett Wilson, and a facemask penalty on the Giants adds 15 more yards to what was already a first down.
.@AaronRodgers12 + @GarrettWilson_V. Easy money.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 26, 2023
📺 #NYJvsNYG on WNBC + NFLN pic.twitter.com/dbQgfiBnT1
6:11 p.m. — Rodgers gets a loud ovation as he takes the field for the first time in a Jets uniform. Can you imagine what it'll sound like in Week 1?
6:08 p.m. — We are underway, but the Giants will start with the ball. Rodgers waits.
6:02 p.m. — Still waiting on kickoff, but Rodgers is in uniform and ready to go. The Giants won't be playing their starters tonight, and Zach Wilson is expected to handle about two quarters after Rodgers is pulled.
5:52 p.m. — Rodgers might be the most experienced quarterback in the NFL, but Daniel Jones is the New York veteran as he enters his fifth season with the Giants.
Rodgers 🤝 Jones pic.twitter.com/XzRSYzh7DM
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 26, 2023
5:37 p.m. — And there he is in his new threads:
and here…we…go
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 26, 2023
✈️ @AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/qkBSGdGXmg
5:15 p.m. — Rodgers won't play most of the game, but he won't be limited to just one series. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports Rodgers and the Jets' starters are expected to play 2-3 series, or a maximum of about 20 plays.
From @NFLTotalAccess on @nflnetwork: Expect to see a few series for Aaron Rodgers and the #Jets’ starters against the #Giants, as they go through a dress rehearsal on what his rhythm is like on a game day. pic.twitter.com/Y4gV4IhYKW
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 26, 2023
How to watch Aaron Rodgers' Jets debut
- Local TV Channel: WNBC 4 NY (New York)
- Out-of-market channel: NFL Network
- Live stream: Fubo, NFL+ (US) | DAZN (CA)
Jets vs. Giants will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network as Rodgers steps into the spotlight. Fans watching in the New York market will be able to watch the game locally on NBC 4 New York. Giants radio broadcasters Bob Papa and Carl Banks will have the call for WNBC.
Streamers can enjoy the game in the United States on Fubo, which comes with a free trial for new subscribers or on the NFL's platform, NFL+.
Fans in Canada don't have to miss out either, as DAZN will take care of things north of the border.
MORE: Why Jets WR Corey Davis announced surprise retirement
Jets vs. Giants start time
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 26
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
Kickoff between the Jets and Giants from MetLife Stadium is set for 6 p.m. ET. The game will be one of 11 around the NFL on Saturday.
Jets schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff (ET) | TV channel |
| 1 | Sept. 11 | vs. Bills (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| 2 | Sept. 17 | at Cowboys | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| 3 | Sept. 24 | vs. Patriots | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | vs. Chiefs (SNF) | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | at Broncos | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | vs. Eagles | 4:25 p.m. | Fox |
| 7 | BYE | — | — | — |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | at Giants | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 9 | Nov. 6 | vs. Chargers (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| 10 | Nov. 12 | at Raiders (SNF) | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 11 | Nov. 19 | at Bills | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| 12 | Nov. 24 | vs. Dolphins | 3 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | vs. Falcons | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 14 | Dec. 10 | vs. Texans | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 15 | Dec. 17 | at Dolphins | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 16 | Dec. 24 | vs. Commanders | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 17 | Dec. 28 | at Browns (TNF) | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| 18 | Jan. 6/7 | at Patriots | TBD | TBD |
Giants schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff (ET) | TV channel |
| 1 | Sept. 10 | vs. Cowboys (SNF) | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 2 | Sept. 17 | at Cardinals | 4:05 p.m. | Fox |
| 3 | Sept. 21 | at 49ers (TNF) | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| 4 | Oct. 2 | vs. Seahawks (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | at Dolphins | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | at Bills (SNF) | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 7 | Oct. 22 | at Commanders | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | vs. Jets | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 9 | Nov. 5 | at Raiders | 4:25 p.m. | Fox |
| 10 | Nov. 12 | at Cowboys | 4:25 p.m. | Fox |
| 11 | Nov. 19 | vs. Commanders | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 12 | Nov. 26 | vs. Patriots | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | BYE | — | — |
| 14 | Dec. 11 | vs. Packers (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| 15 | Dec. 17 | at Saints | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 16 | Dec. 25 | at Eagles | 4:30 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | vs. Rams | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 18 | Jan. 6/7 | vs. Eagles | TBD | TBD |
