Momentum was draining for the New York Jets as the first half of their “Monday Night Football” matchup against the Buffalo Bills waned.
Down 13-10, the Jets defense racked up penalties while the defensive line failed to hold its gaps as the Bills charged down the field in an attempt for the two-score lead. With 21 seconds till halftime, Bills quarterback Josh Allen found tight end Dawson Knox for the score and 20-10 cushion.
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Another example of New York personnel lacking accountability — which linebacker Quincy Williams told SNY last week was lacking “from the top to the bottom” — felt palpable.
Then Aaron Rodgers let it fly.
HAIL MARY BEFORE THE HALF! @AaronRodgers12 let it fly!#BUFvsNYJ on ESPN pic.twitter.com/4Hf2aBmI5C
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 15, 2024
As the second frame expired, Rodgers threw a 52-yard Hail Mary into the end zone, where Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard high-pointed the ball for the six-point pickup as nearly four Bills players fell on top of him.
The Hail Mary is the fourth of Rodgers’ 20-year career. He previously threw one during the 2015 NFC Divisional playoffs versus the Arizona Cardinals, one during the 2015 season versus the Detroit Lions and another during the 2016 NFC wild-card game versus the New York Giants.
The four Hail Mary’s are the most by a single QB in NFL history.
All four @AaronRodgers12 Hail Marys in all their glory. pic.twitter.com/GS6vWMuxuG
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2024
New York started the drive on its own 34, and after a 4- and 14-yard pickup, found itself on the 48. The touchdown brought the Jets within three points of Buffalo — 20-17 — after Greg Zuerlein connected on a 22-yard field goal.
The Jets (2-4) fell to the Bills (4-2), 23-20, and subsequently to third in the AFC East.
Required reading
- Can Jets offense improve without Aaron Rodgers ceding preferences?
- How will the Bills respond to a desperate Jets team? Who could step up at WR?
- Russini’s what I’m hearing: Saleh’s foiled plan to save Jets offense, Steelers’ Justin Fields feelings
(Photo: Ed Mulholland / USA Today)
