Aaron Rodgers calls out longtime teammate after Jets’ season opener

New York Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers has witnessed first-hand what wide receiver Allen Lazard is capable of on an NFL field.

Lazard made the Green Bay Packers’ roster as an undrafted rookie in 2018. He spent his first five pro seasons with Rodgers as his quarterback before earning a free-agent contract from the Jets in 2023.

After a disappointing maiden voyage with Gang Green, Lazard finished as the top receiver in the Monday Night Football season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. With Rodgers back slinging the rock, Lazard looked like his old self. The 28-year-old wide receiver made six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

The production followed a miscue on Lazard’s first opportunity of the season. Rodgers hit Lazard in the hands on a 3rd-and-3 throw from the Jets’ 37-yard line on the game’s opening possession. It costed New York a first down and forced a punt.

“Well, he should have caught the stick to start the game,” said Rodgers with a chuckle. “Other than that, I mean, he played really good.”

Lazard was on the receiving end of a 36-yard scoring strike from Rodgers where the quarterback drew the defense offsides. The big-bodied receiver is also an asset as a run blocker. On Breece Hall’s three-yard first-quarter touchdown rush, Lazard lined up close to the formation just outside of tight end Jeremy Ruckert and threw a nice block that helped spring the ball carrier.

“I’m as proud of him of the goal line play as anything else because that’s how he got paid. He got paid being the grimy guy, sticking his head in there and blocking guys and finishing plays,” said Rodgers, who has previously highlighted Lazard’s renewed approach and willingness to get his hands dirty.

Pro Football Focus graded Lazard as the second most-effective Jets player behind Rodgers on Monday night. He came in at 78.7 on the PFF scale.

“He caught a great fade to get him going after he had the drop and then great adjustment on the free play. Had a stick route go for 15 yards, so I’m really proud of Allen. That’s what I expect of him, so the cool thing is, that’s what he expects of himself,” said Rodgers. “Last year was definitely really hard for him, but that’s the Allen that I think you guys have all seen in training camp and the Allen that I know and love on Monday night.”

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Author(s)

Ralph Ventre, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.