The New York Jets delivered an action-packed Monday Night Football showdown, culminating in a remarkable 22-16 overtime victory against division rivals, the Buffalo Bills. Undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson emerged as the hero, sealing the win with a game-winning punt return touchdown in overtime. However, the game was filled with pivotal moments, including Aaron Rodgers’ ankle injury on the Jets’ opening offensive possession.
Despite Rodgers’ injury, the Jets’ defense disrupted Josh Allen, leading to multiple turnovers. Garrett Wilson’s exceptional performance also played a crucial role in the game’s dynamics.
Gipson’s electrifying punt return ignited jubilation among Jets fans and generated substantial social media buzz.
THE ROOKIE XAVIER GIPSON WINS IT! #BUFvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/lC26hn74bm
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2023
WEUFBUIPEWAFQIOJWEBFIWEUNPIFNAEWPIUFNWE2EWFFEW
XAVIER GIPSON TO THE HOUSE JETS WIN JETS WIN JETS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2023
WOWOWOWOWOWOW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 12, 2023
Only to have the Jets walk off the game on a punt return.
THIS LEAGUE https://t.co/bbRdYzeu7T
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) September 12, 2023
NFL script is going CRAZY…
It’s only Week 1… pic.twitter.com/gKctdBxPPV
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 12, 2023
An undrafted rookie free agent delivers the #Jets to a stunning comeback win over the Bills. Xavier Gipson, Hard Knocks star. Now a real star.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 12, 2023
AND IT WAS THE HARD KNOCKS GUY WHO MADE THE TEAM IN THE LAST EPISODE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) September 12, 2023
Though the euphoria of the victory briefly overshadowed Rodgers’ health concerns, it was a significant setback. The Jets announced that X-rays were negative, but Rodgers was ruled out for the remainder of the game. This dampened the energy at MetLife Stadium during parts of the contest, particularly when the Bills established a double-digit lead by halftime.
However, the Jets’ defense held firm in the second half, preventing the Bills from scoring until Tyler Bass’ 50-yard field goal miraculously bounced off the upright and through the posts, sending the game into overtime. New York had already taken the lead through Greg Zuerlein’s field goals and an extraordinary catch by Wilson in the end zone.
Garrett Wilson is just unfair 🤯
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/mjvNJwsXhO
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 12, 2023
This was a TD catch. 😳 pic.twitter.com/ki9N0h0LYI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 12, 2023
all of us watching that @GarrettWilson_V catch pic.twitter.com/9S3D6oLFCn
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2023
Jordan Whitehead intercepted three of Allen’s passes, and his late fourth-quarter fumble recovery set up the Jets for a critical field goal. Buffalo’s offense struggled in overtime, leading to the game-deciding punt return by Gipson.
While Rodgers’ long-term status remains a significant concern, the Jets’ Week 1 victory stands as one of the most thrilling regular-season games in recent memory.
