EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Buffalo Bills secured a gritty 23-20 win over the New York Jets, snapping their two-game losing streak while adding to the Jets' woes in the midst of a franchise shake-up.
Despite a promising start, the Bills’ defense faced some uncharacteristic challenges. One of the most notable moments of the game was the Jets' last-second Hail Mary touchdown to close the first half, reducing Buffalo's lead to just three points. But the Bills bounced back, with standout performances and a timely interception by nickel corner Taron Johnson that sealed the victory.
Taron Johnson’s Game-Changing Return
Taron Johnson, a 2023 second-team All-Pro, made his presence felt in his first game back since suffering a forearm injury in Week 1. His interception of an Aaron Rodgers pass in the final minutes preserved the Bills' win. It was a crucial play in a game where Buffalo’s defense allowed eight plays of 20 or more yards, a significant jump from their usual performance.
Buffalo also struggled to contain the Jets' running game, which outperformed their season average, racking up 121 rushing yards. The Bills' red zone defense, however, held strong, allowing just one touchdown on four Jets’ trips inside the 20.
Josh Allen Continues to Protect the Football
Quarterback Josh Allen extended his streak to six consecutive games without throwing an interception, the longest of his career. Allen also flashed his physical prowess, hitting a top speed of 16.26 mph on a 42-yard pass to Ray Davis — the fastest speed by a QB on a deep completion since 2022, per Next Gen Stats.
Eye-Catching Stats and Key Performances
Ray Davis, stepping up in the absence of James Cook, delivered a stellar performance. He recorded 116 scrimmage yards in the first half alone, the most by a Bills rookie in a half since 1980. He finished the game with 152 total yards, contributing significantly to Buffalo's offense. The Bills’ ground game, bolstered by Davis' breakout, proved to be crucial in their ability to control the clock and avoid costly mistakes.
On the downside, kicker Tyler Bass continued his inconsistent season, missing a 47-yard field goal and struggling with accuracy in tough conditions. His issues have been a concern for the Bills since training camp, and Monday night’s blustery winds didn’t help.
Jets’ New Era Begins with Familiar Struggles
For the Jets, the loss marks their third straight defeat and first under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who stepped in after Robert Saleh's surprising midseason firing. The coaching change did little to solve the Jets' issues, as they were plagued by 11 penalties for 110 yards, missed opportunities, and two crucial missed field goals by Greg Zuerlein.
While Aaron Rodgers rebounded from his poor performance last week, throwing for 294 yards and two touchdowns, it wasn’t enough to secure the win. His 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown to Allen Lazard at the end of the first half was the longest such completion by a Jets quarterback since 2010. But the magic ran out on the final drive when Rodgers was picked off by Johnson.
Jets Running Game Shows Promise, But Red Zone Efficiency Lags
Breece Hall, who had been quiet in the previous two games, came alive with 113 rushing yards and 56 receiving yards. The Jets found more creativity in the run game, but their inability to convert in the red zone (1-for-4) ultimately doomed them.
Despite the new coaching staff and some positive moments, the Jets are now 2-4, and their playoff hopes are fading fast. Owner Woody Johnson’s midseason coaching change hasn’t had the immediate impact he had hoped, and the team now faces an uphill battle to salvage the season.
Looking Ahead
The Bills (4-2) will host the Titans in their next game, hoping to continue their momentum and extend their lead in the AFC East. The Jets (2-4), meanwhile, head to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers in a primetime matchup where they'll attempt to end their losing streak and keep their slim playoff chances alive.
The Buffalo Bills showcased their resilience, snapping a two-game losing streak and holding off a determined Jets team in a hard-fought AFC East showdown. Despite defensive lapses and kicking concerns, Buffalo's key plays in crunch time, led by Taron Johnson and Josh Allen, secured a much-needed victory. For the Jets, the early season coaching change hasn’t delivered immediate results, and their season risks unraveling unless they can address key issues like red zone inefficiency and penalties.
This game demonstrated that while both teams have the talent to compete, execution in critical moments often determines who walks away with the win.
0 Comments