Oct 31, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
On Thursday, October 31st, the 2-6 NY Jets played host to the 6-2 Houston Texans. This looked like a massive mismatch that would likely end the Jets’ playoff hopes on paper. However, in a bizarre turn of events on Halloween night, everything finally began to click for Gang Green. The Jets came alive and defeated one of the AFC’s top teams by a commanding score of 21-13. This caught a lot of fans by surprise, myself included. However, this was a very welcome victory.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 211 yards, completing 22 out of his 32 pass attempts. He threw for three touchdowns, as well. However, the bigger story of this game came on the defensive side of the ball. The Jets defense this season hasn’t been terrible, but they were a far cry from last year. They were able to get to CJ Stroud a total of eight times while getting a QB hit 11 times. The defense disrupted passes, picked up big tackles for loss, and stood tall against one of the AFC’s best. This was a great sign of things to come. So, who were the three players who led the NY Jets to victory?
About time. The New York Jets defensive line is one of the greatest in the entire NFL. However, sadly this season they haven’t played like it. Guys like Quinnen Williams have been quiet, while Haason Reddick was out for a good majority of the season. However, there have been players who stepped up including Will McDonald IV. This was a fantastic game for the entire defensive line as they got to Stroud an impressive number of times (8!).
On the stat sheet, Jamien Sherwood and Michael Clemons each picked up two sacks. Clemons has already reached his career-high in sacks, sitting at 2.5, compared to his 1.5 last season. Quinnen Williams had himself a great game as well, picking up 1.5 sacks, which is what the fans have been waiting for. Williams has had a rather quiet season, but this game could be a massive building block in the weeks to come. D.J. Reed and Solomon Thomas also picked up one sack each, and Haason Reddick picked up a half sack.
To say the defensive line looked rough at times this season would be an understatement. However, this could very well be a huge turning point in the Jets season. The whole team looked rough, so to blame all the woes on the defense wouldn’t be fair to do. If this game is any indication for the future, the Jets defensive line finally woke up. What happens remains to be seen, but this is an excellent start.
Well, that didn’t take too long. Aaron Rodgers got his favorite weapon back when Davante Adams was traded to the Jets from the Las Vegas Raiders roughly three weeks ago. In his first game back with his long-time quarterback, Adams only brought in three receptions for a total of 30 yards. His second game didn’t fare much better, as Adams was targeted six times catching four of the passes for 54 yards. However, on Thursday, Adams had his big breakout game again, alongside Rodgers.
Adams picked up seven receptions and was targeted 11 times. He led the Jets in receiving yards on the score sheet with a total of 91. He also picked up the final touchdown of the game, sealing the Jets win late in the fourth quarter. Rodgers found Adams for a 37-yard touchdown on 3rd & 3. This made the score 21-13, all but putting the game away and hopefully turning the season around for the Jets. Adams averaged 13 yards a catch in this game, which also led the team.
The Adams-Rodgers connection has always been special, especially back in Green Bay. Even though time has changed things and nobody can stay young forever, we got a glimpse tonight of what could be in store for the rest of the season. If Rodgers and Adams can reconnect and find their mojo again, the entire NFL has to watch out. This was arguably the most lethal duo for quite some time, and if they can do it again, it could lead to great things for the Jets. However, Rodgers does have one better receiving weapon who should never be forgotten.
What a game for Garrett Wilson. Wilson kicked off the Jets scoring in this game in the first drive of the second half. Trailing 7-0, Rodgers found Wilson for an amazing one-handed catch for a 21-yard touchdown. This play could be viewed as the Jets turning point of the entire season. Wilson caught this pass with one hand and tied the game at seven against one of the AFC’s best teams. However, Wilson’s night was still just getting started.
On the very next Jets drive while the Jets were trailing 10-7, Wilson caught an absolutely insane pass from Rodgers. This could have been one of the greatest catches of the year, and it’s easy to see why. This was up their with the Odell Beckham Jr. catch that sadly didn’t count. However, this one counted. Wilson used his wherewithal to stay in play as his shin hit the ground before his knee went out, securing the Jets touchdown and the lead.
The Jets never looked back from this play and went on to win the game, 21-13. Wilson finished this game with a total of nine receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Everything is truly beginning to click for this Jets offense. It may have taken some time, but if we can get both Adams and Wilson going, this could very well be the start of something big. Despite sitting at a lackluster 3-6, the season is a long way from over, and crazier things have happened. Buckle up Jets fans, it’s going to be a wild ride.