The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills put forth an early candidate for game of the year on Monday at MetLife
The New York Jets lost Aaron Rodgers for the season but won their Week 1 showdown against the Buffalo Bills.
An incredible defensive effort, one that featured three interceptions from Jordan Whitehead, allowed the Jets to escape from MetLife Stadium with an opening victory, topping the division rival Bills 23-16 in this year’s season premiere of Monday Night Football.
Garrett Wilson and Xavier Gipson provided the victorious points: the former’s improbably juggling grab created a 13-all tie in the fourth quarter while the undrafted rookie Gipson closed things out with a 65-yard run to glory on a punt return in the early stages of the extra session.
GARRETT WILSON WITH THE TOUCHDOWN OF THE SEASON IN WEEK 1. HOLY SMOKES!!!pic.twitter.com/eB03x8iJ8N
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 12, 2023
Hard Knocks star Xavier Gipson returns the punt for a 65-yard game-winning touchdown. #Jets pull it off without Aaron Rodgers.
WHAT. A. GAME. pic.twitter.com/g7yts5E7R0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 12, 2023
Several big names stood up for the Jets after Rodgers’ medically-induced departure, none bigger than those on the defense. Whitehead, who entered this season with seven interceptions earned over his five NFL seasons, had three alone on Monday.
Picked by Jordan Whitehead! @jwhite_333
📺: #BUFvsNYJ on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/6SstXq1rq7 pic.twitter.com/FTTDJRgZ8L— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2023
But whether the Jets won or lost on Monday, the headlining play came in the first quarter, one where Rodgers was forced to leave the game due to an injury sustained when he was sacked by Buffalo newcomer Leonard Floyd. Rodgers was immediately taken to the covered medical tent and was escorted to the Jets’ locker room for observation on a medical cart.
After the game, Robert Saleh told the media that the team fears an Achilles rupture. An MRI is scheduled for Monday to confirm the diagnosis.
Aaron Rodgers injury appears to be either Lisfranc foot injury, ankle sprain or possibly even Achilles. Similar mechanism to JK Dobbins injury Sunday.
Best case is ankle sprain. Will miss several weeks best case. pic.twitter.com/MQFjdPHxCX— Dr. Mark Adickes (@jocktodoc) September 12, 2023
The Jets, however, remained in the game by tying things up with a Greg Zuerlein field goal before the cursed half let out, one set up by an 83-yard rushing tally for Breece Hall. A 10-point halftime deficit awaited them, however, as Allen found Stefon Diggs for a five-yard score.
Breece Hall is so back.
83 YARDS on this play, 109 yards on 2 carries so far tonight.pic.twitter.com/1hATb5kJDv
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 12, 2023
The latter score to create the lead, a 34-yard field goal for Tyler Bass, was set up via a Wilson interception to Matt Milano, though the latter was charged 15 yards for celebrating his takeaway in Wilson’s face.
Matt Milano ▶️ picks off Wilson
Zach Wilson ▶️ hit-sticks Milano
Matt Milano ▶️ taunts Wilson#MNF is back❕pic.twitter.com/PcRz2W6r2h— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 12, 2023
The Jets will hit the road for the first time this season on Sunday, serving as the opponent for the Dallas Cowboys’ home opener in Arlington (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
Great win and show of fortitude knowing you lost your QB. JD has to go find someone to replace Rodgers. He’s already make a huge mistake with rolling the dice with Zach, who is not an NFL QB, as his backup. This roster is as good as anyones in the NFL but they will not be able to overcome Zach’s poor play. Just can’t watch another year of him but Dallas with their defense may make that decision moot. JD has to act right now and have a guy on the roster by mid week, Heineke, Winston, we all know the names.