(East Rutherford) The New York Jets signed one of their best victories in recent years — except that they were not able to fully savor it.
They may have to finish the season without their offensive leader.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was injured on the fourth recovery of the Jets game on Monday night, but the New York team still won 22-16 in overtime against the Buffalo Bills. After the game, Jets head coach Robert Saleh indicated that it was likely an injury to the Achilles tendon in his left leg.
“It surprised us,” admitted Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner. But we absolutely wanted to win this match for him. »
Rodgers was the victim of a quarterback sack by Leonard Floyd and fell uncharacteristically to the field. Saleh said Rodgers, who is 39, will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging test Tuesday morning, after those taken during the game came back negative.
“I’m concerned about his Achilles tendon,” Saleh admitted, looking serious. The magnetic resonance imaging test will likely confirm what will happen, so our prayers are with him tonight. But it looks pretty bad. »
It cast a shadow over the game — won by the Jets after rookie Xavier Gipson returned a punt 65 yards for the game-winning touchdown in overtime — as well as the Jets’ season.
It was the third punt return returned for a touchdown in overtime in NFL history. The other two were made by Patrick Peterson (2011), of the Arizona Cardinals, and Tamarick Vanover (1995), of the Kansas City Chiefs.
“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions,” Gardner admitted.
The Jets’ aggressive defense caused four turnovers by Bills quarterback Josh Allen, including three interceptions by Jordan Whitehead, during an unpredictable and sometimes chaotic game.
“We shot ourselves in the foot,” agreed Bills head coach Sean McDermott. When you commit four turnovers, it becomes difficult to win in this league. You face two opponents: one on the sidelines at the other end of the field, and yourself. That’s what happened tonight, and it’s not the right formula for winning games. »
For his part, Allen tied a career high with four turnovers and is now 0-5 in his career in overtime, including playoff games.
“I cost our team the victory tonight,” said Josh Allen, who completed 29 of 41 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs. It’s ugly when you feel like you’re the cause of that loss, and tonight I was the reason of our loss. »
