EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Buffalo Bills faced off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Monday night, marking their second consecutive year playing in this venue.
Last season, the teams met in Week 1 when the Jets managed a 22-16 overtime victory despite losing star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury early in the game. This time, the Jets are experiencing additional turmoil, having recently fired head coach Robert Saleh. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took over as interim head coach, and offensive play-calling duties shifted from former Bills offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to Jets QB coach Todd Downing.
Final score: Buffalo Bills 23, New York Jets 20
The game was hard-fought, but the Bills secured the win. Taron Johnson intercepted Aaron Rodgers late in the fourth quarter, allowing Josh Allen to run for a crucial first down to help the Bills maintain their lead. With this win, Buffalo improved to 4-2 while New York fell to 2-4.
Josh Allen had a strong performance, completing 19 of 25 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Ray Davis contributed significantly on the ground with 97 yards on 20 carries. For the Jets, Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 35 passes for 294 yards, tossing two touchdowns and one interception. Breece Hall also had a notable game with 113 rushing yards on 18 carries. Wide receivers Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson made impressive contributions with 114 and 107 receiving yards, respectively.
The game was marked by numerous penalties, with 22 accepted for a total of 204 yards.
In the closing moments of the fourth quarter, Taron Johnson made a pivotal interception, returning to the field after missing four games. This interception came during a possession that included a confusing sequence of plays featuring a sack and a fumble from Rodgers, which was ruled an incompletion, along with several penalties.
The Bills took the lead when Tyler Bass converted a 22-yard field goal with 3:43 left on the clock. Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid played crucial roles in advancing the ball down the field. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw received multiple penalties during this drive, which allowed Buffalo to capitalize.
Greg Zuerlein’s field goal attempt for the Jets clanged off the left upright, marking the second consecutive miss in the game for him.
The jets had several opportunities close to the end zone but failed to convert, resulting in a frustrating drive that ended with Zuerlein’s missed field goal.
Both teams faced challenges with penalties, and the Bills were pushed back on several drives due to infractions.
Overall, both teams exhibited moments of brilliance and struggle throughout the game, but the Bills emerged victorious in a tightly contested matchup.