EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Buffalo Bills faced the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium for their second consecutive Monday night matchup. Last season, the Jets triumphed over the Bills in overtime, despite losing star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending injury early in the game.
This year’s game brought added tension for the Jets as owner Woody Johnson dismissed head coach Robert Saleh the previous week. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took charge, while offensive play calling shifted from former Bills offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to Jets quarterback coach Todd Downing.
Final score: Buffalo Bills 23, New York Jets 20
The match was hard-fought but ended in a win for the Bills, who now improve to 4-2, while the Jets fall to 2-4. Late in the fourth quarter, Taron Johnson intercepted Aaron Rodgers, allowing Josh Allen to secure a crucial first down and help bleed the clock.
Josh Allen finished the night with 19 completions on 25 attempts for 215 yards and two touchdowns, while Ray Davis contributed 97 rushing yards on 20 carries. For the Jets, Aaron Rodgers recorded 23 completions from 35 attempts for 294 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Breece Hall rushed for 113 yards, and Allen Lazard caught six passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
The game was marked by 22 penalties accepted for a total of 204 yards.
In a critical late-game moment, Taron Johnson returned to action by intercepting Aaron Rodgers at the Bills’ 18-yard line, after a chaotic series of plays.
The Bills regained the lead with a 22-yard field goal from Tyler Bass, assisted by a series of penalties on Jets defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw during the possession.
Greg Zuerlein, attempting a field goal for the Jets, hit the left upright—marking the team’s second field goal miss of the night. The teams collectively missed four scoring opportunities, with Zuerlein missing two field goals and an extra point, while Tyler Bass also struggled.
After both defenses had strong moments, the Jets managed to tie the game at 20 with a field goal, following a missed opportunity to score a touchdown from within the Bills’ 5-yard line.
Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass also faced challenges, missing a 47-yard field goal attempt earlier in the game, which limited scoring opportunities for the Bills.
The first half concluded dramatically as Aaron Rodgers connected with Allen Lazard for a Hail Mary touchdown, putting the Jets ahead momentarily.
Previous possessions for both teams included notable plays, such as several sacks against Rodgers and impressive defensive stops by the Bills as they worked to contain the Jets’ rushing attack.
Injury updates included concern for Jets safety Chuck Clark, who left the game for X-rays on an ankle injury.
Team changes included the Bills elevating running back Frank Gore to fill in for James Cook, who missed the game due to injury. The Bills were bolstered by the return of Taron Johnson, a key player in the secondary.
This matchup had significant implications for both teams, positioning the Bills for continued success, while the Jets struggled to adjust following their coaching changes.