EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Buffalo Bills faced the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium for a Monday night matchup, marking their second consecutive year meeting in this venue.
In a previous encounter last season during Week 1, the Jets shocked everyone by winning 22-16 in overtime, despite losing their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury early in the game. The victory was sealed by a punt return touchdown from Xavier Gipson.
This time, the Jets are engulfed in additional drama following the firing of head coach Robert Saleh, with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepping in as interim head coach. Offensive play calling duties were also shifted from former Bills offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to Jets QB coach Todd Downing.
Throughout the night, the Bills managed to secure a narrow victory with a final score of 23-20. The win places Buffalo at 4-2, while New York falls to 2-4.
Josh Allen had a solid performance, completing 19 of 25 passes for 215 yards and throwing two touchdowns. Ray Davis contributed significantly on the ground with 97 rushing yards on 20 carries. For the Jets, Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 35 passes for 294 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while Breece Hall rushed for 113 yards on 18 carries. Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson were standout receivers for New York, each recording over 100 receiving yards.
The game featured a total of 22 accepted penalties, accumulating 204 yards.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred with just under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Taron Johnson intercepted Aaron Rodgers at the Bills’ 18-yard line, effectively sealing the game for Buffalo. Earlier, the Bills took the lead with Tyler Bass’s 22-yard field goal, thanks to a controversial series of penalties, including multiple infractions against Jets defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
The game was marked by missed opportunities, as Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein missed a field goal attempt off the upright, adding to his earlier misses.
As the game progressed, the Bills demonstrated grit; particularly on a drive where Allen nearly had a fumble rescued by teammate O’Cyrus Torrence, enabling a touchdown pass to Dawson Knox just before halftime.
Ultimately, despite both teams dealing with challenges, the Bills walked away with the victory, showcasing resilience and defensive prowess in critical moments.