Aaron Rodgers comes out of preseason game healthy after throwing TD pass to Garrett Wilson in Jets debut

Aaron Rodgers made his Jets debut Saturday night, and it could not have gone any better for Gang Green.

Rodgers played two series, threw one touchdown pass and was barely touched by the Giants’ defense at MetLife Stadium in the final preseason game for both teams. The TD pass was the first of what should be many from Rodgers to Garrett Wilson.

The Jets defeated the Giants, 32-24, but the night already was a victory before the final whistle. The Jets weren’t concerned that the Giants rested their starters. All that really mattered was that Rodgers came out of the game healthy.

“I got in, didn’t get hurt, scored,” he said. “It’s a good night.”

The next time Rodgers will lead the offense on the field will be on Sept. 11 against AFC East rival Buffalo on Monday Night Football at MetLife.

Saturday night was the first time that Robert Saleh played his starters on both sides of the football. It was the first game action for Rodgers and Wilson, who showed the chemistry and brilliance that could make them a difficult duo to stop this season.

Rodgers connected with Wilson on a 14-yard touchdown pass with 8:23 left in the first quarter. It was a perfectly thrown ball that Rodgers put in a place where only Wilson could catch it.

Facing pressure, Rodgers released the ball quickly, before Wilson was even open. He threw the ball over the head of rookie cornerback Gemon Green and Wilson made the grab.

“He’s pretty easy to throw that ball to,” said Rodgers

, who was done for the night after the touchdown pass.

Rodgers played nine snaps and completed 5 of 8 passes for 47 yards. Wilson caught three of them for 30 yards and the score.

“Garrett is a special football player,” Saleh said. “He trusts him. It’s a start.”

Rodgers said he felt some butterflies before the game, but they went away after he took the field 1:46 into the first quarter and received a big ovation from the Jets fans in the stadium.

“I loosened up pretty good when I got the ovation,” Rodgers said. “That was a special moment just to have that kind of support. That was pretty special.”

Saleh said the plan was for Rodgers to play multiple series. He wanted to see the quarterback and the rest of the offense come to the sideline after a possession, make adjustments and go back on the field.

Mission accomplished.

The first series didn’t go smoothly after a good start. Rodgers threw a quick screen to Wilson for 10 yards on first down. A 15-yard facemask penalty on the Giants made it a 25-yard play.

On second down, Rodgers got it out quickly again and hit tight end Tyler Conklin for 14 yards, but Randall Cobb was flagged for a blindside block, negating the play. Rodgers completed his next pass to Wilson for 6 yards.

The Jets’ offensive line had some issues as Rodgers was under pressure the next two downs and threw incomplete. Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale dialed up blitzes, forcing Rodgers to roll out to his right and avoid the rush on third down.

After the Jets’ defense forced a three-and-out, Rodgers led the offense back out on the field. The Jets had good field position as the drive started on the Giants’ 48.

Michael Carter began the drive with a 6-yard run and Rodgers overthrew C.J. Uzomah on second down. On the ensuing play, Rodgers threw it to Wilson, who almost made a ridiculous catch, but Giants cornerback Amani Oruwariye was called for pass interference

, giving the Jets a first-and-10 from the 24.

After a 10-yard completion to Mecole Hardman, Rodgers and Wilson connected for the score.

“Wink has an array of coverages and pressures that he can call,” Saleh said. “Which he did. Which challenged us. Which was awesome, because it forced us to communicate on the sideline and come up with adjustments. It was a really productive day overall.”

The Jets’ starting defense played seven snaps even though Saleh said the plan was for them to play more. The only first down the Giants got was on a late-hit personal foul by Jermaine Johnson.

“Just saw the first couple of series,” Saleh said. “They’re ready.”

Extra points

Hardman hurt his right hand in the first half and didn’t return. Saleh said he is fine . . . Saleh also said Mekhi Becton, who started at right tackle for the first time Saturday, will be the Jets’ starting right tackle Week 1 . . . Third-string quarterback Tim Boyle was 9-for-11 passing for 107 yards and threw two touchdown passes to receiver Alex Erickson . . . Receiver/returner Xavier Gipson helped his chances to stick with the Jets by making seven catches for 79 yards

.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.