Allen Lazard’s resurgence has been underway since the offseason, and fans finally got a glimpse of it in a real game against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.
After ending his second season with the New York Jets, Lazard was tested on the first possession and his response was evidence of a renewed focus. The veteran receiver, who caught just 23 of 49 targets in 2023, dropped a third-down pass that hit his hands Monday night. Instead of moving the chains on what would have been Aaron Rodgers’ first completion as a Jet, Lazard sealed a season-opening three-and-out.
“I thought Allen had a really good game, except for the first third down,” head coach Robert Saleh said after the 32-19 loss.
Instead of falling back, Lazard caught six of his next eight targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns. With Rodgers at the helm, Lazard brought the 2021 Green Bay Packers to mind. He caught eight touchdown passes in 15 games that year, helping Rodgers win a second straight NFL MVP award.
His first touchdown Monday was a superb 36-yard strike from Rodgers.
“We were able to blow them offside, and that’s kind of an Aaron Rodgers patent to be able to blow the defense offside and take an open play. They left the middle of the field open, so I went into the pipe. Aaron threw a great ball and I was able to catch it,” Lazard said in a postgame interview with team reporter Caroline Hendershot.
In addition to the two touchdown receptions, which double his touchdown total from last year, Lazard moved the chains on each of his other four receptions.
After signing a four-year, $44 million contract with the New York Jets in 2023, Lazard had a less-than-memorable first season with the Green and White. He was left off three times and never had more than three receptions in his 14 appearances.
With a seemingly renewed outlook and the return of his longtime quarterback, Lazard is looking to become the Jets’ WR2. He brings an extra dimension to the run game with his blocking ability and his size makes him an ideal target in the red zone.
Rodgers suggested Lazard has returned to his roots, doing the things that got him on the Packers roster as an undrafted rookie.
Rodgers is back, and apparently so is old Allen Lazard.
More New York Jets news:
• The Jets’ two key offseason additions at receiver were inconclusive in the season opener
• Jets sign former Vikings All-Pro kick returner
• Jets inactive three 2023 draft picks for season opener against 49ers
• Jets add former Packers center and Dolphins linebacker to active roster
• Head coach confident in Jets’ pass rush, unfazed by star DE’s resistance
