BY RYAN LOMBARDI, SPORTS STAFFER
There’s still a lot more work to be done, but the Jets can win the AFC East
The Jets leaked one out last week in the battle of Metlife, defeating the Giants 13-10 in overtime. In a game with bad weather and a combined twenty-four punts, the Jets still found a way to win. Zach Wilson faced lots of criticism via social media entering the last 24 seconds of the game being down 10-7, but would quickly shut the haters up when he completed a 29 yard pass to receiver Garrett Wilson. With 17 seconds left on the clock, they needed about 5 yards to put them within field goal range. Zach Wilson dropped back and found a wide open Allen Lazard for another 29-yard reception. They quickly sprinted down the field, spiking the ball with just 2 seconds to go, and turned it over to their kicker, Greg Zeurlein, with a chance to send the game to overtime. He nailed the kick and tied the game at 10.
Entering overtime the Giants won the toss, but quickly would give up the ball. They ran 3 plays for -11 yards and would be forced to punt for the 13th time. The Jets would quickly work their way into field-goal range, thanks to a 30-yard pass-interference call. Zuerlein lined up with another chance to be the hero. The kick was good, completing the Jets improbable comeback.
With an easy schedule ahead, the Jets have a strong chance to push into the playoffs. After last week’s win, the Jets have now won 3 games in a row, improving to 4-3 on the year. Jets fans thought their season would be over when veteran star quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down on their first possession of Week 1. Instead, they are now above .500, and their defense has shut down three of the top quarterbacks in the league. Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts each threw 3 interceptions against this Jets defense, and Patrick Mahomes threw 2 interceptions in a game where Wilson outperformed him.
If Wilson continues to improve and be the leader of the offense, and if the defense can shut down quarterbacks the way they have, the Jets preseason Super Bowl hopes and dreams will still be alive.
Wilson has slept down in the bottom of the pit, and he has seen the lowest of lows. But right now he is climbing, pushing his way up, and he will prove the doubters wrong. His revenge tour has started, and he will take the Jets along for the ride.
lombarrl23@bonaventure.edu
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