Aaron Rodgers believes his budding chemistry with Garrett Wilson can transpire into something "special" after he led the New York Jets to victory on Thursday.
After suffering a ruptured Achilles at the start of last season, Rodgers orchestrated a commanding 24-3 triumph over the New England Patriots in his first home start since the injury.
The 40-year-old ended the contest at MetLife Stadium with an impressive stat line of 27 completions on 35 attempts, yielding 281 yards and two touchdowns, one of which went to Wilson in the third quarter.
Rodgers' back-shoulder throw was perfectly delivered into the hands of Wilson, whose game had been subdued until then.
And speaking after the game, Rodgers was excited about what the future may bring for his improving relationship with the 24-year-old wide receiver, who has already racked up 15 catches this season.
"Once five (Wilson) and I get on that same page, it's going to be special," Rodgers said.
Rodgers didn't miss the chance to address the loyal Jets fanbase either, acknowledging their long-suffering endurance after last season's disappointment.
A 2023 campaign they entered with Super Bowl aspirations finished at 7-10 for the second consecutive season, and failed to improve on their record during 2022.
It was also the Jets' fourth consecutive season with at least 10 losses, but Rodgers spoke about his eagerness to transform their fortunes in New York after they improved to 2-1 this time around.
"It felt great to be able to play an entire game in front of our amazing fans. I feel like we started faster than we have and we were way more efficient," Rodgers said.
"Had a lot of guys involved. A lot of guys made a lot of plays. Feel like the line did a nice job up front. We had to finish drives, and we did a good job of that.
"We're trying to change this whole attitude around here. We're trying to build something special around here, get these fans to believe in us.
"They've been tortured for a long time. Last year was obviously a tough year, but it's good to be back, good to be healthy.
"It's great to be a Jet, great to have nights like this, and even better to have a weekend off!"
'I failed myself' - Lamb apologises for attitude in Cowboys loss to Ravens
CeeDee Lamb has apologised for his performance and attitude in the Dallas Cowboys' 28-25 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.
The All-Pro wide receiver was seen having a touchline disagreement with quarterback Dak Prescott during Sunday's loss at the AT&T Stadium.
Lamb also lost a red zone fumble and dropped a pass, while he caught four of seven targets for 67 yards.
Reflecting on a disappointing game for him and his side two days on, Lamb said: "I expect a lot out of myself, more than anyone could put on me.
"And quite honestly, I failed myself, and obviously I failed the team, just as far as producing and being that game-breaker.
"I kind of let the game get to my head a little bit. Honestly, I've got to be truthful to myself, and I played a part in that loss, a big part.
"Honestly [neither] my body language nor attitude, [helped change] the outcome of the game.”
Lamb has 13 receptions this season on 24 targets for 218 yards and a touchdown, having sat out the off-season as he waited for a new contract.
The 25-year-old's connection with Prescott has been lacking, but he insists there are no issues between them.
"Our relationship, if anything, has gotten stronger," he said. "Don't let what's out there fool you. We're brothers to the end.
"We know that we're all we got. I tip my hat to him. I have the utmost respect for him. I look at him as a brother.
"Everything is going to come out: the energy, the passion, the love, the fight, and then we'll make up in the end. No craziness now."
The 1-2 Cowboys face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium next up on Thursday.
Niners' woes pile up as Hargrave tears triceps and McCaffrey sees specialist
The San Francisco 49ers' selection woes show no signs of easing with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave suffering a potentially season-ending injury and Christian McCaffrey needing specialist treatment on an Achilles issue.
The 49ers have made a 1-2 start to the 2024 season after winning the NFC championship for the eighth time last campaign, with injuries hampering them early on.
McCaffrey, the NFL's reigning Offensive Player of the Year, was placed on injured reserve last week after missing the entirety of preseason with what was later diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle also missed Sunday's 27-24 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, during which Hargrave partially tore his right triceps.
That injury will require surgery and will likely bring his 2024 season to a premature end.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said: "It's a big loss. I thought he had his best game. I thought he was a huge factor, really affected the quarterback in that game.
"He's one of our better players. He was definitely going in the right direction and was going to have a big year."
McCaffrey, meanwhile, has flown to Germany to see a specialist regarding his Achilles issue.
He must miss four games after being placed on IR. Having missed two thus far, he cannot return until after the 49ers' October 6 meeting with the Arizona Cardinals at the earliest.
Shanahan also revealed quarterback Brock Purdy had complained of back soreness after the Rams game and would be evaluated daily, though an MRI scan came back all-clear.
Playoffs far from Burrow's mind after loss to Daniels-inspired Commanders
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said making the NFL Playoffs was the "furthest thing" from his mind after the Washington Commanders dropped them to 0-3 on Monday.
Despite Burrow returning to fitness after a wrist injury ended his 2023 season prematurely, the Bengals have endured a dismal start to 2024.
Defeats to the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs were followed by Monday's 38-33 loss to Washington, as visiting rookie quarterback Jaylen Daniels took centre-stage.
Daniels completed 21 of 23 attempts for 254 yards and threw the first two touchdown passes of his NFL career as Washington improved to 2-1.
Burrow, meanwhile, finished with 324 yards on 29-of-38 passing and threw two touchdowns to Ja'Marr Chase, but a porous Cincinnati defense was unable to keep Washington quiet.
This is Cincinnati's worst start to a campaign since before Burrows' arrival in 2019, leading him to push thoughts of a playoff charge to the back of his mind.
"We're by no means out of it, but playoffs and winning the division is the furthest thing from my mind," Burrow said.
"That'll be some critical thinking that I'll have to do. See what kind of leader I want to be going forward, what I feel like the team needs from me going forward."
Daniels, meanwhile, was hailed by his Washington team-mates after setting a new NFL single-game record for pass completion by a rookie quarterback (91.3%).
Defensive tackle Jon Allen said of Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick of this year's draft: "He is the answer."
Washington scored on 14 consecutive drives, excluding taking a knee at the end of each half, and receiver Terry McLaurin – the recipient of Daniels' second touchdown pass while he was being hit by a rushing defender – praised his maturity.
"I think he grew up tonight," McLaurin said. "I'm so excited for him because now as a rookie, once you see those throws, you get more confidence.
"His confidence is just going through the roof right now. When we needed it most, Jayden did a great job of taking a hit. Those are big-time throws for a rookie to make."
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