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WHAT JUST HAPPENED — The New York Jets thought they finally had their quarterback to lead them to the Super Bowl.
Future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers revitalized and energized the Jets faithful and gave the franchise hope. Even Dalvin Cook signed with the Jets to bolster the offense because Rodgers was on the roster.
All was going to be good ... until it wasn't.
On his fourth snap of the game against the Buffalo Bills in the season opener, Rodgers was sacked and suffered a torn Achilles. It's a season-ending injury, and very well could be career ending. Suddenly, the energy was sucked out of MetLife Stadium and the future of the franchise was in doubt (real and figuratively).
Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, who learned a lot under Rodgers' tutelage in the short time they had been together, was called on to, once again, lead the Jets in battle. And while it wasn't all perfect for the former Cougars signal caller, Wilson did what he needed to in relief duty to lead the Jets to a Week 1 win.
The game itself was a bit of a snooze, with the Bills holding onto a 13-6 lead going into the fourth quarter. But Wilson marched the Jets down field and got his team into the red zone, where a touchdown would change the tone of the game.
From the 4-yard line, Wilson takes the snap, steps back and throws a pass in the direction of former Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson at the front, left corner of the end zone. The defender, Tre'Davious White, was locked up with Wilson and a touchdown seemed improbable.
That's where Garrett Wilson shines.
The receiver performed his own one-handed tip drill across the body of White and collected the ball in spectacular fashion. TV play-by-play analyst Joe Buck was amazed and yelled: "Wow. What a catch. Touchdown Jets. That kid's amazing."
Wilson to Wilson to tie the game! 😱
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2023
📺: #BUFvsNYJ on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlushttps://t.co/6SstXq1rq7pic.twitter.com/oq5UZNznft
What a catch indeed.
The play helped the Jets send the game into overtime, where undrafted punt returner Xavier Gipson returned a 65-yard punt for the walk-off touchdown to beat the Bills.
THE ROOKIE XAVIER GIPSON WINS IT! #BUFvsNYJpic.twitter.com/lC26hn74bm
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2023
Yes, Rodgers was lost for the season, but the night ended up in spectacular fashion for the home team.
