EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills managed to edge out the New York Jets with a 23-20 victory on Monday night, securing their position at the top of the AFC East. The game took a dramatic turn when Aaron Rodgers completed a Hail Mary touchdown pass to end the first half, but the Bills held their composure in the second half to secure the win.
Allen showcased his talents by throwing two touchdown passes and sprinting for another score, while Tyler Bass redeemed himself after an earlier miss, successfully booting a pivotal 22-yard field goal with 3:43 remaining on the clock. This win allowed the Bills, now at 4-2, to halt a two-game losing streak, extending a remarkable record of never losing three consecutive games since Allen became the starting quarterback.
The loss marked the Jets’ third straight defeat, compounding a challenging week for the team. Coach Robert Saleh was dismissed, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepped in as the interim head coach, and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was stripped of his play-calling responsibilities, turning over those duties to Todd Downing.
In a match marked by a flurry of penalties, both teams combined for a total of 22 flags. Greg Zuerlein, normally a reliable kicker for the Jets, struggled significantly, hitting the left upright on two crucial field-goal attempts.
Allen had an impressive performance, completing 19 of 25 passes for 215 yards. Rookie Ray Davis stepped up in lieu of the injured James Cook, rushing for 97 yards on 20 carries while also contributing 55 receiving yards on three catches. With the Jets trailing by three, Rodgers took a deep shot for Mike Williams, but the attempt was intercepted by Taron Johnson, who made his return after breaking his right forearm in the opening game of the season. This interception allowed the Bills to run down the clock and secure their victory.
Rodgers completed 23 of 35 passes for 294 yards, throwing two touchdowns alongside the interception. Breece Hall contributed significantly for the Jets, rushing for 113 yards and receiving 56 yards. The highlight of the first half was Rodgers’ sensational Hail Mary pass that had fans and social media abuzz. Attempting to pull off a miracle play just before halftime, Rodgers launched the ball towards the end zone from the Jets’ 48-yard line. Allen Lazard managed to secure the catch while tumbling to the ground, resulting in a touchdown after a brief discussion among the officials.
The Jets started strong under Downing’s play-calling, quickly reaching the red zone but settling for a 34-yard field goal from Zuerlein, marking their first points on an opening drive this season. The Bills responded effectively, dominating the Jets’ defense with a 61-yard rushing effort in their opening drive, highlighted by a one-yard touchdown run from Allen, which pushed the score to 7-3. This run placed Allen just behind O.J. Simpson for second place in franchise history for career rushing touchdowns.
However, the Jets regained the lead with Garrett Wilson catching a 5-yard touchdown from Rodgers in the back of the end zone after a critical replay overturned an incomplete pass ruling. The Bills answered back decisively with a 90-yard drive culminating in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Allen to Mack Hollins. Though Quinnen Williams blocked the extra-point attempt, the Bills regained the lead.
Allen continued to show his prowess, tossing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Dawson Knox just before halftime, pulling Buffalo ahead 20-10. Unfortunately for the Bills, Bass missed a 47-yard field goal attempt to start the second half. Zuerlein evened the score at 20 with a 22-yarder midway through the third quarter.
However, the Jets had a golden opportunity to take the lead late in the game with Braelon Allen running for a near touchdown. A holding penalty on left tackle Tyron Smith thwarted that effort. Following a failed catch by Wilson, Zuerlein’s potential game-winning field goal attempts also hit the left upright, resulting in yet another missed opportunity.
Injury reports showed that Jets safety Chuck Clark was ruled out in the second quarter due to an ankle injury, while cornerback D.J. Reed left the game in the third with a groin injury. Looking ahead, the Bills are preparing to host Tennessee, while the Jets will face Pittsburgh on Sunday night.
