EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a game filled with dramatic shifts, the New York Jets narrowly escaped a major upset by defeating the Washington Commanders 30-28, courtesy of Greg Zuerlein’s 54-yard field goal in the final seconds. This win came after the Jets saw a 20-point lead slip away in an intense third quarter.
Jets’ Early Dominance and Commanders’ Rally
The Jets, who have struggled offensively this season, took command early against Washington’s 32nd-ranked defense. An interception of Sam Howell’s pass by Tony Adams set the tone, leading to Zuerlein’s first field goal. New York then capitalized on a blocked punt, with Trevor Siemian connecting with Jason Brownlee for an 8-yard touchdown, the first of Brownlee’s career.
Breece Hall’s 95 yards rushing and two touchdowns further solidified the Jets’ dominance, as they soared to a 20-0 lead. However, the Commanders, at 4-11, refused to yield. Led by a benched Howell and replaced by Jacoby Brissett, they initiated a remarkable comeback.
Brissett’s Impactful Entry
Brissett, replacing Howell in the third quarter, completed 10 of 13 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown, igniting the Commanders’ offense. His efforts were bolstered by Chris Rodriguez’s two touchdown runs and Antonio Gibson’s 1-yard run that briefly put Washington ahead.
Jets’ Final Drive and Zuerlein’s Heroics
With the game hanging in the balance, Siemian, who finished 27 of 49 for 217 yards, led a crucial final drive. He marched the Jets into field goal range, setting the stage for Zuerlein’s decisive 54-yard field goal, securing a much-needed victory for New York.
Injuries and Next Steps
Both teams faced injury concerns, with significant impacts on their gameplay. The Commanders lost RT Andrew Wylie and CB Benjamin St-Juste, while the Jets’ TE Jeremy Ruckert left with a concussion.
Looking forward, the Commanders will host San Francisco next Sunday, while the Jets face a quick turnaround with a Thursday night game against Cleveland.
This game, marked by its dramatic twists and a stellar comeback attempt by the Commanders, underscores the unpredictability of the NFL. It also highlights the importance of resilience and the ability to capitalize on opportunities, as demonstrated by the Jets’ last-minute victory.
