How Different Patriots Play Catalyst For Culture Change For Jets, Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets hoped star quarterback Aaron Rodgers would instantly change their fate of decade-plus-long misery that’s lasted throughout the greater history of the franchise.

His season-ending injury in Week 1 last year put that hope on hold. The hope returned on Thursday night as Rodgers carved up the New England Patriots in a 24-3 victory at MetLife Stadium.

“We’re trying to change this whole attitude around here,” Rodgers told Amazon’s Kaylee Hartung postgame. “We’re trying to build something special here. These fans that believe in us, they’ve been tortured for a long time.”

So much of that torture Rodgers alluded to is Patriots-induced. The Jets are finally taking a slow turn as New England operates the start of a clear rebuild. For reference, New York’s win over Bill Belichick in his final game as the head coach of the Patriots last season was its first win against New England since 2015 after a 15-game losing streak.

Thursday’s win marked the first home win over the Patriots for the Jets since the aforementioned 2015 victory in overtime at MetLife Stadium. They’ve now beaten the Patriots in consecutive meetings for the first time since Week 11 in 2008 and Week 2 in 2009.

With that said, the Jets should not take much in these modern wins. It’s not shifting the goalposts, it’s just the reality that New York isn’t facing Belichick and Tom Brady anymore. They’re facing an extremely young team with issues up and down the roster with a few glistening talents to build around for a post-dynasty future that will be an extended work in progress for the Patriots.

The teams meet again at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 27. The first installment in 2024 just further emphasizes the reality for the AFC East of these two teams trending in different directions after a history of one side holding consistent dominance over the other.