EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Jets concluded a challenging week in a fashion reminiscent of their recent struggles, suffering yet another heartbreaking defeat. In a tightly contested matchup on Monday night, Aaron Rodgers threw an interception during the Jets’ final offensive series, allowing Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills to control the clock and secure a 23-20 win that could have gone in New York’s favor.
“It’s certainly frustrating,” Rodgers commented after the game. “My aim is to win these games, but we need to focus on the details. It consistently comes down to little mistakes.” These mistakes included a staggering 11 penalties against the Jets, which Rodgers described as “somewhat ridiculous,” alongside two missed field goals from kicker Greg Zuerlein, a disappointing 1 for 4 performance in the red zone by the offense, and a defense that struggled to contain Buffalo’s ground game. “We had our opportunities,” he expressed.
The Jets’ week was full of turmoil, having lost to Minnesota in London the previous Sunday. This was followed by head coach Robert Saleh’s dismissal by team owner Woody Johnson on Tuesday, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepping in as the interim head coach, and Ulbrich’s decision to demote offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, replacing him with pass game coordinator Todd Downing on Wednesday. “It’s been a peculiar week,” Rodgers acknowledged.
Despite the chaos, a victory over the Bills (now 4-2) could have propelled the Jets (2-4) to first place in the AFC East based on the head-to-head tiebreaker. Instead, with this loss, Ulbrich and the team are now facing a three-game skid. “We’re certainly not out of the race,” Ulbrich stated confidently. However, Rodgers and the Jets understand that the margin for error diminishes with each frustrating defeat. “There’s a sense of concern, but that’s significant,” Rodgers noted. “We really need to find traction. This was a pivotal chance. Some games in the NFL you take, others you lose. This one was a missed opportunity.”
The Jets appeared poised for a memorable night when Rodgers executed a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to Allen Lazard just before halftime, which trimmed the deficit to 20-17. “You have to capitalize on those moments of momentum,” Ulbrich remarked. “You’ve got to finish a team off, and that’s where we fell short.” However, the Jets could only manage a game-tying field goal from Zuerlein, despite having opportunities to pull ahead.
Rodgers ended the game with impressive statistics, completing 23 of 35 throws for 294 yards, contributing two touchdowns alongside the interception. Breece Hall dazzled with a 113-yard rushing performance and 56 receiving yards, while Garrett Wilson caught eight passes for 107 yards and Lazard added six receptions, including the Hail Mary touchdown, totaling 114 yards. However, failing to secure more than one touchdown from four trips inside the Bills’ 20-yard line proved critical. “Our red zone performance was unacceptable,” Rodgers pointed out. “We missed two field goals and couldn’t convert on a crucial drive. We had ample chances.”
The Jets’ run defense faced harsh criticism as well, surrendering 149 yards on the ground, with rookie Ray Davis leading the way with 97 yards while stepping in for the injured James Cook. “That’s not how you win football games defensively,” Ulbrich said. “That falls on me, on every player, and every coach. It’s a collective responsibility.”
Early in the second half, it appeared the Jets might regain the momentum when Tyler Bass misfired on a 47-yard attempt. Zuerlein managed to tie the game at 20 with a 22-yard field goal midway through the third quarter. However, when the Jets seemed close to taking the lead on their next drive with Braelon Allen’s 4-yard run, a holding penalty on left tackle Tyron Smith negated the score. Although Rodgers found Wilson in the end zone moments later, the receiver took a hard hit and could not secure the catch. Zuerlein’s struggles continued as he hit the left upright on a 32-yard attempt, preserving the tie. He later missed a crucial potential go-ahead 43-yarder with under ten minutes remaining, ultimately hitting the upright again. “I’m just not executing well,” Zuerlein lamented. “These guys deserve better, and I know I can improve. I need to make those kicks.”