A weather warning was issued around Meadowlands on Monday afternoon. Fans were told to expect strong winds. They were advised to pay close attention to their grills and to hold on to their tents. They should have been warned: hold on to your hats too.
But who could have predicted this? Who could have predicted how this night would unfold? Who would have thought two stuttering fouls would produce such an electric first half that blew back and forth?
Who would have thought – at half-time, when the match was so beautifully balanced – that this would turn into a boring flag festival?
Who would have thought that a game in which two punts bounced off the post – and another two were missed – would ultimately be decided by a field goal?
In the end, the Bills condemned the Jets to a 20-17 defeat and a new era in New York began with even more frustration.
Aaron Rodgers threw a late interception as the Jets were defeated by the Buffalo Bills
In the first game under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich and new play-caller Todd Downing, the Jets had little trouble moving the ball.
Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles survived more than four times and he passed for 294 yards – more than any other game this season. He threw for two touchdowns — including a remarkable 52-yard Hail Mary to Allen Lazard that prevented this night from slipping away from New York before halftime.
Rodgers has denied suggestions he played a role in Robert Saleh’s sacking. What those accusations always ignored? Other quarterbacks can also have their say on the Jets’ future. And when this play came at the right time, Josh Allen succeeded where Rodgers failed.
With less than four minutes left on the clock – because the Jets were down by three points – Rodgers grabbed the ball. He moved New York ten yards down the field. And then he threw an interception.
Moments later, with the game in his hands and the Bills on third and fourth down, Allen rushed for the first down that settled this game.
By then, MetLife Stadium was virtually empty. The Jets are now 2-4; the Bills have a two-win cushion at the top of the AFC East.