Read about the exhilarating Monday Night Football clash between the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, highlighted by Xavier Gipson’s game-winning punt return and the unfortunate injury to Aaron Rodgers.
In the heart of East Rutherford, New Jersey, a stormy evening set the stage for a monumental event at MetLife Stadium. The thunderstorm’s emergency alerts couldn’t deter the anticipation of Jets fans, who gathered in full force with a sellout crowd of 83,345. It was a night they had eagerly awaited – the night when Aaron Rodgers would take the field as the New York Jets’ quarterback. A journey six months in the making was finally reaching its culmination, even as the physical storm departed the area. Yet, spiritually, another storm was brewing.
In an unforgettable edition of “Monday Night Football,” Jets supporters were treated to euphoria, courtesy of undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson’s remarkable 65-yard punt return in overtime, securing a 22-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills. However, this elation was accompanied by a sense of dread, as Rodgers, the linchpin of their season hopes, suffered what appeared to be a significant Achilles injury, casting a shadow over the team’s prospects.
Gipson, the hero of the night, made sure to bask in the moment. As he crossed the goal line and waved in jubilation, head coach Robert Saleh was among the first to embrace him in the right corner of the end zone, surrounded by members of the Bills’ special teams unit sprawled on the (often criticized) MetLife turf.
“It feels like I’m dreaming,” remarked Gipson, recalling the emotional moment when Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas informed him of his place on the team, a heartwarming scene featured on “Hard Knocks.”
The fans had risen to the occasion, fueled by an emotional rendition of the national anthem on the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which had forever changed the greater New York area. The intensity soared further when the defense delivered a pivotal stop in the first series.
“I thought the crowd was absolutely electric the entire day…to win on this day for this city, for these fans, and for the (New York Police Department), (New York Fire Department), everybody who bleeds green and white, it was a cool moment,” Saleh acknowledged.
But the moment of euphoria quickly turned to despair as Rodgers and the offense took the field. In the north end zone, Section 249B erupted into an “Aaron Rodgers!” chant. Less than three minutes later, Rodgers, brought in to elevate a roster lacking reliable quarterback play to playoff contention, was being assisted off the field.
“You felt the life leave the stadium,” said Jets running back Dalvin Cook, who was also making his Jets debut. “A guy like that, you don’t not feel it.”
Running back Breece Hall echoed the sentiment about Rodgers’ injury, saying, “It sucks, bro. I’m happy about the win, but I’d rather have that guy on the team, so it just sucks.”
The fans attempted to rally behind Zach Wilson, but their optimism was short-lived as the anemic passing attack, which had prompted the Rodgers trade earlier in the offseason, reared its head once again.
“Why didn’t he take off, man?” a fan complained as Wilson barely threw the ball away, and the Jets’ field-goal unit came on to tie the game at 3 in the first half.
“The air has been let out of the stadium and nobody has any juice in this game,” commented former Bills and Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick during his second-half appearance on the “ManningCast.”
Despite Josh Allen’s four turnovers (three interceptions and one fumble) keeping the Jets in the game and Garrett Wilson’s spectacular one-handed, tip-drill touchdown catch tying the game, victory remained elusive in regulation. Tyler Bass’ 50-yard field goal for the Jets clanged off the left upright and through with just two seconds left. The Jets’ defense then kept Allen off-balance, forcing a three-and-out to start overtime.
And then came punter Sam Martin’s 42-yard kick to the middle of the field.
Did Xavier Gipson’s game-winning TD involve tripping?
Jets third-year linebacker Chazz Surratt wasn’t aware of ESPN rules official John Parry’s claim that he had committed a tripping penalty while attempting to lead block on Gipson’s touchdown runback. At that point, Parry’s perspective was inconsequential.
“I was just trying to help (Gipson) get to the end zone and help the team out,” Surratt explained.
The Jets’ call was for a punt return left, so Gipson allowed his blockers to set up the designed wall and followed them around the edge. His first step was to the right, which took Surratt by surprise. However, Gipson’s incredible speed soon had him heading towards Surratt.
“I was just jogging at first,” admitted Surratt.
But Surratt quickly switched into high gear. Bills tight end Quintin Morris was in front of him, and he could feel Gipson on his left hip.
Gipson believed that if he could break the initial containment, he had a chance to make a game-changing play. Despite the less-than-ideal punt, Gipson managed to bounce it outside. At worst, he knew the Jets would have excellent field position and a shot at victory.
A two-time Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year at Stephen F. Austin, the 22-year-old Gipson decided to seize the moment.
“That’s meaningful, knowing how hard I worked, knowing my position, how fast it could have ended,” Gipson reflected on his undrafted status and his heroics in Week 1. “Coach Saleh, I thank God for him believing in me and giving me the opportunity.”
Saleh had predicted Gipson’s big return after the Jets’ first preseason game and had urged him to be patient. Fortunately for Gipson, he didn’t have to wait long.
“When coaches believe in you like that, and give you the opportunity, give you the chance, then I’m comfortable,” Gipson affirmed.
On one of the most tumultuous days in franchise history, Gipson etched his name into Jets folklore.
