EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Buffalo Bills faced the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium for a second consecutive year on Monday night, aiming to overcome the previous season’s shocking loss in Week 1. Last year, the Jets prevailed in overtime despite losing star quarterback Aaron Rodgers early in the game to an Achilles injury, with Xavier Gipson scoring the decisive touchdown on a punt return.
This matchup carried added tension for the Jets, who recently fired head coach Robert Saleh, promoting defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to lead the team. Additionally, the Jets’ offense underwent a shift in leadership, with quarterback coach Todd Downing taking over play calling from Nathaniel Hackett.
In a hard-fought contest, the Bills narrowly edged out the Jets with a final score of 23-20, maintaining their position at the top of the division with a record of 4-2, while the Jets fell to 2-4.
Josh Allen showcased a strong performance, completing 19 of 25 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Ray Davis contributed on the ground with 97 rushing yards on 20 carries. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers finished with 23 completions on 35 attempts for 294 yards, also throwing two touchdowns but recording one interception. Jets’ receiver Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson were standout performers, each catching a touchdown pass.
The game was marred by numerous penalties, with 22 accepted for a total of 204 yards.
Key moments included Taron Johnson’s fourth-quarter interception of Aaron Rodgers, sealing the victory for the Bills after Allen successfully managed to run down the clock. The Bills secured the lead after Tyler Bass kicked a 22-yard field goal.
Zuerlein’s struggles continued for the Jets as he missed a critical field goal attempt that could have shifted momentum in their favor.
The game was characterized by a series of penalties that disrupted both teams’ offensive flows and contributed to the tense atmosphere.
As the game unfolded, the Bills recovered from missed opportunities, overcoming errors and penalties to emerge victorious for the evening.