With this win over their division rival, the Buffalo Bills have claimed first place in the AFC East. Josh Allen led the charge, throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns, along with 19 rushing yards and a score on the ground. The Bills offense racked up 149 rushing yards, despite the absence of RB James Cook. Rookie Ray Davis took charge in the backfield, running for 97 yards. On the defensive side, Taylor Rapp and Taron Johnson each tallied eight tackles, with Johnson sealing the victory with a critical interception. Defensive end A.J. Epenesa added 2 sacks, while DaQuan Jones recorded another.
New York Jets vs Buffalo Bills, Regular Season, October 14, 2024, at MetLife Stadium
Location: MetLife Stadium
Final Score: Bills 23, Jets 20
Records: Bills (4-2), Jets (2-4)
Next Matchup: Bills vs Titans, Sunday, October 20, 1 PM ET
Key Lineup Updates
- Josh Allen: Marked his 100th career game as QB for the Bills
- Spencer Brown: Celebrated his 50th career game
- Frank Gore Jr.: Made his NFL debut as a running back
- Taylor Rapp: Returned after missing the previous game due to a concussion
- Taron Johnson: Back in action after being sidelined for four games with a forearm injury
- Khalil Shakir: Rejoined the lineup after missing a game with an ankle injury
- James Cook: Missed his first-ever game due to a toe injury
- Ty Johnson: Made his debut start for the Bills
Early Fireworks
The Jets took the opening kickoff and marched down the field, with QB Aaron Rodgers hitting WR Garrett Wilson for 24 yards. After a solid run by RB Breece Hall, the Jets settled for a field goal, going up 3-0. On the Bills’ first possession, they leaned heavily on the run game, with Ray Davis picking up 48 yards on the drive. Josh Allen capped it off with a one-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Bills ahead 7-3. Rodgers quickly responded, finding Wilson again for a touchdown to reclaim the lead for the Jets, 10-7.
As the second quarter ticked on, the Bills began to tighten their grip on the game. Josh Allen connected with WR Mack Hollins for a touchdown to take the lead, 14-10. The Jets were driving, but the Bills’ defense stepped up with sacks from DaQuan Jones and A.J. Epenesa, stalling the Jets’ momentum.
Knox’s First Score of the Season
Just before halftime, the Bills extended their lead to 20-10. Josh Allen, under heavy pressure, managed to escape a sack and threw a strike to TE Dawson Knox, who caught his first touchdown of the 2024 season. Two costly pass interference penalties helped the Bills move into scoring position, setting up Allen’s scramble and throw to Knox in the corner of the end zone.
Jets' Hail Mary Magic
In the final moments of the first half, the Jets clawed their way back. With just 21 seconds on the clock, Aaron Rodgers launched a Hail Mary from midfield, which WR Allen Lazard pulled down in a crowd for a stunning touchdown. The score narrowed to 20-17 heading into halftime.
Defensive Battle
The pace slowed in the second half as both defenses locked in. The Jets managed to tie the game at 20 with a field goal, following a 45-yard burst by Breece Hall. The Bills defense held strong in the red zone, forcing the Jets to settle for three points. Later, Jets rookie Braelon Allen had a touchdown called back due to a holding penalty, and Greg Zuerlein missed a critical field goal attempt, keeping the game tied.
Bills Seal the Victory
Following another missed field goal by Zuerlein, the Bills took over at their 33-yard line. Josh Allen orchestrated a methodical 10-play drive, setting up a 22-yard field goal by Tyler Bass to give the Bills a 23-20 lead. On the Jets' final drive, penalties pushed them into a third-and-16 hole. Rodgers’ deep pass intended for WR Mike Williams was intercepted by Taron Johnson, securing the win for Buffalo.
Key Stats and Highlights:
- Josh Allen: Now has 234 total touchdowns, the most by any player in their first seven NFL seasons, surpassing Patrick Mahomes.
- Josh Allen on Monday Night Football: Tied Dan Marino’s record for fastest to 25 touchdown passes in Monday games (10 games).
- Rushing and Passing Milestones: Allen had his fourth career game with both a rushing and passing touchdown against the Jets.
- Defensive Consistency: The Bills have recorded a sack in 25 consecutive road games, the second-longest active streak in the NFL.
- Ray Davis: The first Bills player since Fred Jackson in 2011 to record 50+ rushing and receiving yards by halftime.
- Dawson Knox: Became the fourth Bills tight end to surpass 2,000 career receiving yards.
- Ray Davis: Joined a select group of Bills players to have 75+ rushing yards and 50+ receiving yards in a single game.
Conclusion
The Bills showed grit and determination in a hard-fought win over the Jets, highlighting their dominance in both offense and defense. Despite some tough moments, Josh Allen led the team with another milestone performance, while the defense made crucial plays to secure the victory. The Bills now sit atop the AFC East, looking ahead to their next matchup against the Titans.
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