The 2023 NFL season kicked off on Thursday night when the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns faced off in the annual Hall of Fame Game. Cleveland, playing less than an hour from its home stadium, trailed 13-0 early before rallying to post a 21-16 win over the Jets, who played without the services of new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The game was a celebration of the past and a look to the future. The nine-member 2023 Hall of Fame induction class -- a group that includes former Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas and former Jets defenders Darrelle Revis and Joe Klecko -- were celebrated throughout the night. The actual game featured several notable plays and performances from players who are hoping to make contributions to their clubs this season and beyond.
Here's a look at the most notable moments from the NFL's first game of the 2023 season.
Rookie QB shines in NFL debut
Thursday night was the first NFL game for Browns rookie fifth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The former UCLA standout made several nice plays with his arm as well as his legs. He led the Browns on a 16-play, 93-yard drive that included a 14-yard completion to Mike Harley Jr. and a 15-yard run that set up Demetric Felton's touchdown run.
Thompson-Robinson gave the Browns their first lead when he fired a 22-yard touchdown pass to Austin Watkins Jr. with fewer than 10 minutes remaining.
Browns running backs impress
Cleveland appears to have two solid running backs behind Nick Chubb in Felton and John Kelly Jr. Kelly scored the Browns' first touchdown on a three-yard reception. Felton opened the second-half scoring with a nifty 16-yard touchdown run.
Felton led both teams with 46 yards on seven carries. Kelly rumbled for 42 yards on 10 carries and also caught four of five targets for 27 yards.
McDonald shows off his moves
Jets' first-round pick Will McDonald IV displayed a wicked spin move that forced a Browns punt late in the third quarter. McDonald, who tallied 34 sacks during his time at Iowa State, has displayed "freakish" ability during his first NFL training camp, according to Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Wilson has early success
With Aaron Rodgers in street clothes, former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson led the Jets on their first three drives. He went 3 of 5 for 65 yards that included a 57-yard strike to Malik Taylor that set up the first of Greg Zuerlein's two first-quarter field goals.
Browns dominate statistically
While the final score was close, the Browns were the far superior team from a statistical standpoint. The Browns had a 23-9 edge on first downs and had 346 total yards to the Jets' 188. Cleveland was 7 of 13 on third down, while the Jets were a meager 2 of 12 on third down and were 0 of 2 on fourth down.
The biggest difference between the two teams was on the ground. The Browns rumbled for 172 yards on 33 carries for a 5.2 yards-per-carry average. Conversely, the Jets picked up just 53 yards on 23 carries while averaging just 2.3 yards-per-carry.
Both teams committed a slew of penalties. Cleveland was flagged 10 times for 103 yards. The Jets were penalized 12 times for 80 yards.
Rodgers speaks
While he didn't play, Rodgers joined the NBC telecast during the third quarter of Thursday night's game. Rodgers spoke on a number of topics that included his optimism for the 2023 Jets.
Check out our live blog below to re-live Thursday night's action in real time.