NY Jets-Giants: Jets leading 7-3 at half, story is major injuries

The New York Jets have an early advantage thanks to a Breece Hall breakthrough in an offensive slog

The New York Jets and New York Giants are playing one of the ugliest games the NFL has seen this year. At rain-drenched MetLife Stadium, both teams have sustained key injuries. The teams have combined for 0-for-18 on third down.

Despite two turnovers from the Jets’ offense, the Giants have mustered just a field goal. The Jets’ offense hasn’t done much better, their lone offense coming on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Zach Wilson to Breece Hall.

.@BreeceH is SO GOOD.#NYJvsNYG on CBS pic.twitter.com/vdHEeKvQ0l

— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 29, 2023

Jets (7)

PASSING: Zach Wilson (8-of-18, 129 yards, 1 TD)
RUSHING: Breece Hall (6 carries, 10 yards)
RECEIVING: Breece Hall (3 rec, 68 yards, 1 TD)

Giants (3)

PASSING: Tyrod Taylor (4-of-7, 8 yards)
RUSHING: Saquon Barkley (11 carries, 34 yards)
RECEIVING: Darren Waller (1 rec., 4 yards)

Give ‘Em the Boot

It’s perhaps never a good sign when your punter is the MVP, but the Jets are bucking the trend thanks to a game-changing performance from Thomas Morstead. The Super Bowl champion from New Orleans has been heard his named called often and has mostly responded well, averaging over 50 yards on his first five boots, three of which have landed inside the Giants’ 20-yard-line. Field position is vital in inclement weather

Hello, Newman

There will be a lot of focus on a third-stringer once action resumes. For the Jets, that focus lies not under center, but in fact with the center itself: after injuries to Connor McGovern and Wes Schweitzer, the green snapper is now second-year undrafted free agent Xavier Newman, who is less than 24 hours removed from the practice squad. Time will tell how the Jets handle the situation with Wilson, but don’t expect much shotgun in the early going.

Blitz All Night

With Tyrod Taylor likely out, the Giants are now working with Tommy DeVito in his first NFL action. Despite their hard-nosed reputation, the Jets pass rush has been patient in lieu of outright blitzing: the 58 designed blitzes they had entering Sunday’s game were tied for the sixth-fewest in the NFL. With the Jets boasting several elite pass rusher, several of whom are looking for extended opportunities, it’s time to offer Devito a rude welcome to the NFL.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags