Jets’ Bittersweet Monday Night of Madness ✈️

09/12/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

After Aaron Rodgers Injury, Jets Win MNF Thriller Against Bills on Xavier Gipson’s Walk-Off Overtime Punt Return TD (22-16, OT)

The Monday Night Football clash of Week 1 had a little bit of everything, except Aaron Rodgers. Jets fans started the night ecstatic to see their new Hall of Fame QB after a shelter-in-place order due to weather prior to the game. The order was lifted just in time for kickoff, but Rodgers went out with an injury on the first series. QB Zach Wilson was efficient enough to keep things interesting, and the Jets made big plays in the second half to overcome a 13-3 halftime deficit and force overtime (16-16). That’s where rookie undrafted free-agent Xavier Gipson ran back a 65-yard punt-return TD for the walk-off win (22-16). An absolute stunner to wrap up Week 1! But the biggest news of the day is Rodgers’ injury. Here’s how Monday night went down.

Aaron Rodgers Injury: After an offseason full of chaos, ‘Hard Knocks’ and an emotional buildup to Week 1 for Jets fans, their new quarterback played just four snaps and threw one pass (incomplete) before getting injured on a sack. He immediately popped up before sitting back down on the Metlife turf. Rodgers later appeared in a walking boot and did not return. Sources speculated a sprained ankle (best case) or a torn Achilles (worst case). The severity of the injury will likely become clear this morning with an MRI scheduled, but no injury at 39 years old is good news. Jets personnel later said they think it’s an Achilles injury and “it’s not good.” Stay tuned.

Jet’s D Does Damage: Bills QB Josh Allen had plenty of great moments in the first half, but safety Jordan Whitehead (3 INTs) had his number all night. LB Quincy Williams was flying all over the field (10 tackles). The Jets tallied five sacks and forced a fumble inside five minutes left with the game tied (13-13). And in overtime, they forced a three-and-out before special teams found the dagger.

The OT Punt Return: The quick three-and-out from the stifling Jets’ defense earned the ball back just minutes into OT, but no offense was necessary to finish the job on this chaotic night in New York. Rookie Xavier Gipson took the punt down the left sideline and got a caravan of blockers before bouncing into the end zone. Jets fans released an evening of emotions in one loud gasp. Good night, New York!

MNF Stats (QBs & Top Performers)

QB J. Allen (BUF): 29/41, 272 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs

QB Z. Wilson (NYJ): 14/21, 140 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

RB B. Hall (NYJ): 11 touches, 147 yards

WR S. Diggs (BUF): 10 receptions, 102 yards, 1 TD

WR G. Wilson (NYJ): 5 receptions, 34 yards, 1 TD

S Jordan Whitehead (NYJ): 3 INTs

Watch: Jets Beat Bills Without Rodgers in Stunning MNF Opener (22-16, OT)

Bonus Highlights

Jets’ WR Garrett Wilson Hauls In Miraculous 1-Handed TD

Bills’ K Tyler Bass Doinks In 50-Yard Field Goal to Force OT

Jet’s Rookie Xavier Gipson Springs Walk-Off Punt-Return TD

CBS Sports: Jets Fear Aaron Rodgers Has Torn Achilles With MRI Looming

SI: Jets’ Radio Call of Xavier Gipson’s Game-Winning Punt Return TD Was So Good

B/R: Relive the Moment Jets WR Xavier Gipson Found Out He Made the Jets on ‘Hard Knocks’ (Video)

Photo: Mike Stobe / Getty Images