The New York Jets found themselves level .500 going into the bye week after a win against last year’s Super Bowl runners up the Philadelphia Eagles. This win we thought as fans would be the catalyst to push us on for the remainder of the season, especially with the bye week. The team could nurture injuries, improve on areas that needed improving, and most of all rest up for what will be hopefully a busy few months (On the assumption they find themselves in the Playoffs).
It seemed like a long two weeks; however, it was great scheduling by the NFL who gave the New Yorkers what they wanted. The long-awaited Jets versus Giants matchup, Green or Blue, whose colour would be shining from the Empire State Building.
The Jets came into the game favorites, which was no surprise, a top-10 defense facing off against a backup QB with a mediocre O-Line, it was going to be a long day for whoever was back there. But as Jets fans we didn’t expect that would be the same for us. Giants Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux bullied the Jets O-line and made Zach Wilson's day absolute hell picking up three sacks on the day. That along with the 24 punts combined by each team, and the number of penalties the Jets amassed, it was a very ugly day to be a fan of either team.
Yet, when it looked like we were down and out and Graham Gano was about the slot a field goal from just over 30 yards out, what happened next was nothing short of fascinating. Gano hooks it left, and with 24 seconds left, Zach Wilson leads the team down the field and spikes the ball with one second left on the clock… yes, one second. Greg ‘The Leg’ Zuerlein stepped up and sent us into overtime, where he would once against after a defensive stop by the Jets, kick us to a 13-10 victory. The Jets after potentially one of the most frustrating three hours I had ever seen, had won the battle of New York and moved to 4-3 on the season.
But what did it cost? Al Woods the experienced veteran nose tackle is out for the season with a torn Achilles, but probably the most concerning injury came on the offensive side being starting center Connor McGovern. When McGovern went down, the sideline seemed daunt, not another member of the O-Line. However, Ian Rappaport reports the native North Dakotan dislocated his kneecap and will most likely not require surgery. This should be a relief to the Jets fans, especially as McGovern’s backup Wes Schweitzer also got injured in the same game and reportedly left MetLife in a boot and crutches. This forced to Joe Douglas to make a move, but not through a trade on the deadline day. The Jets acquired free agent two-time Pro Bowler Rodger Saffold to the practice squad with the aim of moving him into the 53-man roster.
Other than that, no moves were made. Carl Lawson and Dalvin Cook remain on the team despite talks of them being shipped, Zach Wilson keeps the Jets winning, but how long for? Aaron Rodgers looks to be beating science and experts as he eyes a 2023 season return, something no one predicted but himself when his torn Achilles was confirmed.
Week nine sees the Jets face the Los Angeles Chargers, another AFC team eager to show they’re a playoff-worthy team. New York fans in the UK may seek an early nap Monday evening, as this clash will feature as the NFL’s MNF primetime game. With the Jets playing the Chargers and then the Raiders, two wins on the bounce would give the team some breathing space. 6-3 would look a lot nicer going into back-to-back AFC East matchups starting with a rematch in Buffalo against the Bills and then welcoming the offensive powerhouse of Miami.
With plenty of inconsistent play in the AFC, the playoffs are wide open for teams to go in and out. I do believe there are going to be more ugly games to come, a lot of that through inconsistent quarterback play. Yet, Zach Wilson has won three games on the bounce, and made important throws when it matters, let us hope he can keep this up! Go Jets.
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