Aaron Rodgers threw a 52-yard Hail Mary on the final play of the first half against the Buffalo Bills – and it forced an instant reaction from Patrick Mahomes and LeBron James
Aaron Rodgers turned back time with a sensational 52-yard Hail Mary to Allen Lazard, leaving Patrick Mahomes and LeBron James in awe on social media.
The New York Jets seemed set to be 10 points behind the Buffalo Bills at half-time during ‘Monday Night Football’, but the four-time NFL MVP Rodgers had a different plan. Lazard managed to leap above Bills defenders Taylor Repp and Taron Johnson to secure one of the season’s most remarkable touchdown catches.
Moments after, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Mahomes took to social media, commenting: “Why is Aaron so good at that” – followed by three laughing emojis. Basketball icon LeBron James chimed in with: “Right!! It’s ridiculous!”
Initially, Jets fans were puzzled as interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich began calling timeouts when the Bills were close to scoring towards the end of the half. Josh Allen, the Bills quarterback, seized the opportunity and connected with tight end Dawson Knox in the end zone corner, making the Jets’ strategy seem flawed.
However, Ulbrich’s faith in Rodgers was not misplaced, believing he could deliver a touchdown, particularly since the Jets offense was performing at its peak all season under Todd Downing, who took over play-calling duties. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett had been relieved of this role before Monday night’s game.
It seems like destiny that Lazard would be the one to catch it, as the former Green Bay Packers duo have reignited their connection at the Jets this season. Lazard nabbed his fifth touchdown of the campaign with a 52-yard reception, marking an impressive tally in just six games. Despite this, the Jets failed to beat the Bills – losing 23-20.
The pair, who shared five seasons at Green Bay, looked set for a split when the Packers traded their star quarterback to the Jets. However, the Jets had other plans and secured Lazard with a hefty four-year deal following Rodgers’ move.
Last season didn’t quite pan out as hoped, with Rodgers’ year cut short to a mere five minutes due to injury in Week 1 of the 2023 season, which cast a shadow over the rest of the year, and Lazard only managing one touchdown in 14 games. With Rodgers back in action and fighting fit this season, Lazard has transformed into a formidable force, but the seeds were sown during training camp.
Reflecting on Lazard’s performance, Rodgers said in training camp: “I think he’s had a really nice camp. I’m really proud of him. I think his leadership, as much as anything, has been great.
“I think he’s conducted himself with a lot of humility, which is always some of the pie that you eat after a season you’d like to have gone differently. I’m really proud of the way he’s responded. He’s had a fantastic camp.”
