Disaster struck, but the New York Jets are keeping pace with the mighty Bills
For four precious plays against the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets fans’ wildest dreams were fulfilled.
Aaron Rodgers made his official debut as the Jets’ starting quarterback but lasted a mere four snaps after he was forced to leave the game due to an ankle injury. Escorted to the Jets’ locker room via medical cart, Rodgers will not return to Monday’s contest, which stands at a 13-3 score in Buffalo’s favor. Stefon Diggs caught a touchdown pass from Josh Allen while the Jets earned three points through a short Greg Zuerlein field goal.
Jets (3)
- PASSING: Zach Wilson (5-of-8, 41 yards, 1 INT)
- RUSHING: Breece Hall (2 carries, 109 yards)
- RECEIVING: Allen Lazard (1 rec., 22 yards)
Bills (13)
- PASSING: Josh Allen (17-of-21, 133 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
- RUSHING: James Cook (8 carries, 37 yards)
- RECEIVING: Stefon Diggs (6 rec., 54 yards, 1 TD)
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
A-Gone
Any discussion around this game would be remiss without mentioning the injury of Rodgers, who has been officially ruled out due to an ankle injury. If anything, the world is about to see what, if any, impact Rodgers’ teachings had on Wilson, who is poised to finish the rest of the game. The acquisitions of Rodgers’ fellow Green Bay veterans may not be in vain even if their teammate is out long-term: in an offense tailored to Rodgers’ tendencies, the efforts of Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb could come up big.
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
Go Hall In
The rise of one injury could lead to the spotlighted return of another ailing player: running back Breece Hall. Offensively, Hall has now become the Jets’ MVP and he lived up to that emergency designation in the opening period with two momentum-shifting runs: before disaster struck, Hall got the Jets’ offensive season off to a brilliant start, breaking loose for a 26-yard gain that ignited an already raucous Meadowlands crowd. Hall later set up the Jets’ first points of the game with a soothing 83-yard carry that negated Josh Allen’s arm punt that set the Jets up in the shadow of their own goal post. Not every carry will be as lucrative, but the Jets would be wise to boost Michael Carter and Dalvin Cook‘s workload in the second half.
John Franklin-Myers wouldn’t be denied 💪 #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/UZI1YpC9sP
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) September 12, 2023
Defensive Struggle
Rodgers’ arrival was meant to take pressure off the Jets’ defense, to ensure that they wouldn’t have to play spotless football in order for Gang Green to linger in games. For the most part, the unit has responded to the unthinkable: it has kept the pressure up on Allen, forcing him into uncomfortable situations and short gains while working with the unfavorable field spots that a clearly rattled offense has provided. This game should at least remain interesting if they keep that up.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
