Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills managed to outlast the New York Jets 23-20 on Monday night, seizing control of the AFC East despite a first-half Hail Mary touchdown throw by Aaron Rodgers. Allen contributed two touchdown passes and ran for another score, while Tyler Bass redeemed himself with a decisive 22-yard field goal with 3:43 remaining, helping the Bills (4-2) end a two-game losing streak. This marks the first time in Allen's starting career that the Bills have lost three consecutive games.
The Jets (2-4) suffered their third consecutive loss, following a tumultuous week that saw coach Robert Saleh fired, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich step in as interim coach, and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett demoted from play-calling duties in favor of Todd Downing. Greg Zuerlein, typically a reliable kicker, missed two potential go-ahead field goals, striking the left upright on both attempts. The game was marred by penalties, with each team accumulating 11 flags.
The Jets started strong on offense under Downing's play-calling, with Rodgers leading New York into the red zone. A drop by Hall on third down forced the Jets to settle for a 34-yard field goal by Zuerlein, their first points on an opening drive this season. Buffalo responded by dominating New York's defense, rushing for 61 yards, including 48 on six carries by Davis, and capping their opening drive with a one-yard keeper by Allen to make it 7-3. Allen's 56th career TD run placed him one behind OJ Simpson for second in franchise history.
Garrett Wilson regained the lead for the Jets with a five-yard pass from Rodgers, initially ruled incomplete but reversed on video replay. Allen then orchestrated a 90-yard drive, capped by an eight-yard TD pass to Mack Hollins. Quinnen Williams blocked Bass' extra point attempt. Allen's second touchdown pass, a 12-yard throw to Dawson Knox, put Buffalo up 20-10 before halftime. Rodgers' deep throw on the final play of the half resulted in a touchdown, making the score 20-17 to the Bills at halftime.
Bass missed a 47-yard field goal on Buffalo's opening drive of the second half, and Zuerlein tied the game at 20-20 with a 22-yarder. The Jets appeared to take the lead with a four-yard run by Braelon Allen, but a holding call on left tackle Tyron Smith nullified the score. Zuerlein missed two more potential go-ahead field goals, hitting the upright on both attempts. With the Jets trailing 23-20, Rodgers' deep pass to Mike Williams was intercepted by Taron Johnson, allowing the Bills to run out the clock and secure the win.
