The Jets somehow defeated the Buffalo Bills 22-16 in overtime thanks to Xavier Gipson’s 65-yard punt return to win. The big news of course is the injury to quarterback Aaron Rodgers that is believed to be a torn Achilles. That would obviously end his season very prematurely.
But for now, we’ll stay positive here for the most part and look at some studs and duds from the roller coaster night on Monday at MetLife.
Stud: S Jordan Whitehead
What a night for Jordan Whitehead. After an up-and-down 2022 in what was his first season with the Jets, Whitehead started the 2023 season with a bang. Whitehead had never recorded three interceptions in a season let alone in one game before Monday night. He did just that Monday by picking off Bills quarterback Josh Allen three times and had 11 tackles to help keep Buffalo’s offense in check and allow the Jets a chance to win. New York turned those three interceptions into 10 points, including the touchdown to Garrett Wilson. The secondary continues to get stronger and stronger for the Jets.
Stud: LB Quincy Williams
If you recall, Quinnen Williams was not the only Williams brother to get paid this offseason. New York also secured linebacker Quincy Williams and it didn’t take long for that investment to pay off. Williams had a phenomenal night, recording 10 tackles and breaking up a pass intended for running back James Cook that absolutely would have been a touchdown if Williams didn’t get there. And as it turned out, that non-touchdown wound up being huge for the Jets.
Studs: Jets defensive line
We’ll group the whole defensive line here because they all did a fantastic job of helping stop the Bills’ offense. Josh Allen was sacked five times on Monday — two for Quinton Jefferson and one each for Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers and Al Woods. Remember, this was done without Carl Lawson, who was inactive as the Jets wanted to make sure he is good to go for Week 2. With their pass rush, the Jets should be able to hang in just about every game.
Stud: WR Garrett Wilson
Garrett Wilson made an absolutely insane catch against Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White that eventually tied the game 13-13 after Greg Zuerlein’s extra point. It took a long while for Wilson to get going, but he eventually did and finished with five catches for 34 yards and the touchdown. The pair of Wilsons were able to take advantage of one of Jordan Whitehead’s interceptions and turn it into a touchdown. Wilson against Trevon Diggs on Sunday will be fun to watch.
Stud: PR Xavier Gipson
By now, we’ve all seen the clip on Hard Knocks where head coach Robert Saleh told Xavier Gipson he had made the 53-man roster. Gipson earned his spot with a strong camp as a returner. The Jets only dressed five wide receivers Monday as Jason Brownlee and Irvin Charles were inactive. Gipson was the starting punt returner and it paid off with the 65-yard punt return for a touchdown in overtime. Yes, there was a tripping penalty that didn’t get called but the Jets would have been in field goal range anyway. Regardless, the Jets are clearly happy with their choice of Gipson as the main punt returner.
Duds: Jets offensive line
The biggest concern entering the regular season was the offensive line. Those concerns came up in Week 1 as Aaron Rodgers and Zach Wilson felt pressure throughout the night and the offensive line allowed three sacks. The first one was obviously the costly one as the sack from Leonard Floyd on Rodgers wound up ending Rodgers’ season after just four offensive plays. Tackles Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton had moments where they struggled. On the plus side, the Jets rushed for over 170 yards, including 127 for Breece Hall. So it wasn’t all bad for the group. But it’s that one sack that will loom large for the rest of the season.
