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 their gaps as the Bills charged down the field in an attempt for a two-score lead. With 21 seconds until halftime, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen found tight end Dawson Knox for the score and 20-10 cushion.
Another example of New York personnel lacking accountability — which linebacker Quincy Williams told SNY 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’ 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.
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 — before Greg Zuerlein connected on a 22-yard field goal. The two teams continue to battle for a grip on the AFC East.
(Photo: Ed Mulholland / USA Today)
