Jets' Aaron Rodgers throws a 52-yard Hail Mary to Allen Lazard to end the first half vs. Bills

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates with running back Frank Gore Jr. (20) after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Allen Lazard during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. ā€“ Aaron Rodgers did it again.

The New York Jets quarterback threw a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to Allen Lazard as time expired in the first half of a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

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With the Jets trailing 20-10 and at their 48-yard line, Rodgers took a few steps back and danced around a bit before launching the ball toward the end zone. Lazard leaped and reached up in front of two Bills defenders and fell on his back in the end zone.

ā€œI saw the ball calling my name,ā€ Lazard said.

After a quick huddle, officials ruled it a touchdown ā€” stunning the Bills and sending the Jets and their fans into a frenzy. Rodgers raised both arms to signal a TD and running back Breece Hall hugged him.

It's the fourth Hail Mary Rodgers has completed in his career, with the first three coming while with Green Bay.

ā€œThey decided to rush two guys, so I had all day to do it,ā€ Rodgers said. ā€œI actually threw it right where I wanted it. I was trying to throw it right between the hashes. The wind was a little swirly tonight. There was a lot of jostling, and then I saw Allen come down with it.ā€

ā€œPretty good feeling.ā€

The ball traveled 61.4 yards in the air ā€” the longest completion by a Jets quarterback since Next Gen Stats began compiling statistics in 2016.

ā€œWeā€™re fortunate that we have the best Hail Mary thrower in the history of this game,ā€ Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. ā€œHe made somebody pay again.ā€

The Hail Mary even had Jets Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath excited on social media.

ā€œWhat a play!ā€ Namath wrote on X. ā€œTalk about making the team and fans feel better about going in to the half.ā€

Rodgers' knack for Hail Mary throws is something at which Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes marvels.

ā€œWhy is Aaron so good at that,ā€ Mahomes wrote on X with three laughing emojis.

Rodgers finished 23 of 35 for 294 yards with two touchdowns, but threw an interception on the Jets' final drive for the second straight game.

ā€œYeah, itā€™s frustrating,ā€ he said. ā€œIā€™m here to win those games. But weā€™ve got to be on our details. Itā€™s little things every single time.ā€

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL


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