Jets Topple Bills in Monday Night Overtime Thriller

Monday Night Football kicked off its 2023 run last night with a marquee matchup between the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. The game lived up to its prime-time positioning as the two teams brought the game to a thrilling overtime finish.

But it wasn’t Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen or any other star who secured the win.

The Jets (1-0) overcame the Buffalo Bills (0-1) 22-16 last night in the season opener for both teams. The game came down to a 65-yard, game-winning punt return by Jets undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson.

THE ROOKIE DID IT! THE ROOKIE DID IT!@Gipson22X TAKES THE PUNT BACK AND WE WIN THE FOOTBALL GAME.#BUFvsNYJ on ESPN pic.twitter.com/VxK1q6W802

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2023

How it happened

Both teams started off slow with each of their opening drives finishing in punts. The Jets ran into dire trouble early after star quarterback and blockbuster new addition Aaron Rodgers went down on his fourth play from scrimmage. Head coach Rob Salah reports Rodgers’ injury is likely an Achilles injury and could sideline him for the season. He will receive MRI testing today to confirm the injury.

The Bills struck first with a field goal but quickly let up the equalizer thanks to Josh Allen’s first of three interceptions thrown on the night. A season after leading the league in turnovers, Allen’s crucial mistakes Monday night moved him to 0-5 in career overtime games. The Bills would reach the endzone first to go up 10-3. They tacked on three more points after Zach Wilson’s sole pick of the night. Wilson took over for Rodgers and threw for 140 yards and a touchdown in the win.

After heading to the locker room down 13-3, The Jets scored a field goal to open the half and scored their first touchdown after Allen’s second pick. With the game tied, the Bills fumbled the ball and allowed New York to go up 16-13. Regulation ended with a field goal from Bills kicker Tyler Bass to force overtime.

GARRETT WILSON IS THAT GUY!!!

WE'RE TIED!!#BUFvsNYJ on ESPN pic.twitter.com/SUMWcTPF1e

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2023

Following an unsuccessful drive from Buffalo to start overtime, the Bills sent a punt back toward Gipson. He weaved defenders for 65 yards and miraculously wound up in the end zone for a Jets win.

What it means

The Bills certainly have a foul taste in their mouth after the loss, but the solution may be to simply move on. Buffalo still features a talented roster that competed until the end despite its struggles. The team will have to count on not producing four turnovers in another game this season.

Despite the win, the Jets’ outlook might be more grim than Buffalo’s. A win is a win, but it’s highly likely their star quarterback (with a star-level paycheck) will be out for the season. With questions already surrounding Rodgers’ longevity in New York before the season, the injury certainly throws a wrench in the Jets’ plans. Zach Wilson must do his best to not limit the potential of an extremely capable New York team.

We're thinking about you, @AaronRodgers12 🙏 pic.twitter.com/kypDTBMFf0

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2023