A career day from Breece Hall allowed the Jets to end a three-game losing streak
It’s not exactly a Rocky Mountain High, but the New York Jets certainly won’t reject it.
A long Breece Hall touchdown run changed the complexion of the Jets’ Sunday visit to a mile high above sea level, as Gang Green ended a three-game losing streak with a 31-21 victory over the Denver Broncos.
The New York #Jets knock off the Denver Broncos, 31-21, to improve to 2-3 on the year. pic.twitter.com/flMEgm4y7Q
— Jets X-Factor (@jetsxfactor) October 8, 2023
Hall’s 72-yard run to glory in the early stages of the third was part of a career-best rushing day (177) and gave the Jets (2-3) a permanent lead.
Greg Zuerlein scored 16 points with five field goals and an extra point after Hall’s score.
BREECE HALL IS BACK 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/SKEUaXR3X5
— PFF (@PFF) October 8, 2023
Zuerlein’s first goal came on the Jets’ second possession, one earned before Denver got their first after Samuel Eguavoen recovered a muffed Marvin Mims punt.
The patient Broncos needed just six plays to go 75 yards, the final 22 coming on Jaleel McLaughlin’s scoring grab from Russell Wilson.
Jaleel McLaughlin with an outstanding play to put the @Broncos on top! 🤯🙌🏼
7-3 Denver Broncos 🏈#NFL #DENvsNYJ #BroncosCountry
pic.twitter.com/nIeotD5dqr— The Sports Forum (@DenverForum) October 8, 2023
New York cut into the lead when Wilson was flagged for intentional grounding in his own end zone (leading to a two-point safety) but drives that featured three consecutive field goals (one for Zuerlein, two for Will Lutz) gave Denver a 13-8 lead going into the intermission.
Hall’s game-changer on the Jets’ first second-half play from scrimmage. The defense responded in kind by opening the latter half-hour with five consecutive drives of three plays or less, one of which was a fumble.
The Jets boosted their lead to 24-13 with Zuerlein field goals in between.
Typical Jets heartbreak lingered, however: Adam Trautman earned a three-yard score from Russell Wilson and Michael Burton punched in a two-pointer.
A Zach Wilson interception on the Jets’ final offensive possession, landing in the arms of Patrick Surtain II, seemed to spell New York’s doom.
However, Quincy Williams forced a fumble from Russell Wilson which was recovered by Bryce Hall and taken back 39 yards for the sealing score.
QUINCY WILLIAMS LOOKS A LOT LIKE HIM.#NYJvsDEN on CBS pic.twitter.com/YSy4Q03PXi
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 8, 2023
Creating a winning streak won’t be easy: the Jets return to action next Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, one of two undefeated teams left in the league after Sunday’s afternoon action, at MetLife Stadium (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX).
This hopefully isn’t another Denver wins and we lose AVT again.
Last year, he and Breece were done for the year and Cory Davis missed games but was never the same all season in another ugly win.
A win today was a must but if the Jets want an opportunity to move up a level they need the D to play like they can coming out of the gate.
On offense I can somewhat live with the way too conservative attack.
The 3 drives where they had 1st and goal at the 9 each started with 2 runs then a throw.
A play action or rollout on 1st down likely turns at least one of those 3 field goals into 7. Maybe more.
Wilson, aside from a few sloppy plays, played well again however it was more difficult because on most of his 26 throws were on “passing downs”
We used a number 2 pick on Wilson and while Rodgers is out if we want to see if he can be a top 15 qb with proper coaching and play calling, now is the time.
Planning to win will make it more likely. Being afraid to lose also will make that more likely.
A win is a win. However, the Jets never let you feel completely good. AVT going for an MRI for calf or possibly Achilles. This team needs a break. BTW not being able to kick a FG before the half is embarrassing.