On Sunday afternoon, the New York Jets seemed on track to achieve a 2-0 start, a feat last accomplished in 2015. Despite leading the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium, crucial mistakes led to their 20-17 overtime defeat. The Packers scored 13 unanswered points, culminating in Trey Smack’s decisive 26-yard field goal.
Green Bay opened the scoring with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to MarShawn Lloyd in the second quarter. The Jets responded with a 5-yard touchdown run by Braelon Allen. Geno Smith then connected with Garrett Wilson for a 5-yard touchdown in the third quarter, pushing New York ahead 14-7.
A crucial fumble recovery in the fourth quarter seemed to secure New York’s victory, but the offense stalled, settling for a 32-yard Jason Sanders field goal. The lead expanded to 17-7 with 11:04 left.
However, penalties and failed conversions soon foiled New York’s chances. A 38-yard pass-interference call eased Green Bay’s path to a touchdown, reducing the Jet’s lead. After a turnover, Skyy Moore’s 63-yard punt return positioned the Packers for a tying field goal.
With time dwindling, New York opted to go for fourth-and-1 at midfield. Braelon Allen was unable to gain the first down, but Green Bay failed to capitalize, leading to overtime.
Overtime began disastrously for New York. Consecutive sacks on Smith and penalties forced Jets to punt from their own 10-yard line. Green Bay quickly advanced 58 yards, aided by Jarvis Brownlee Jr.’s unnecessary roughness penalty, ending the game on a Smack field goal.
Both teams grappled with penalties, with Green Bay accruing 133 yards from 14 penalties and New York 156 yards from 13 penalties. Significant calls critically impacted the Jets’ chances; a pass-interference penalty aided a late Packers touchdown drive, while Brownlee’s penalty facilitated the game-ending field goal.
Smith, completing 27-of-41 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown, delivered a competent performance with New York’s defense holding Green Bay to 1-of-9 on third downs and winning the turnover battle.
This defeat stung for the Jets, outgaining Green Bay 285-199 and dominating possession. Despite superior statistics, they couldn’t secure victory, leaving fans disillusioned about a potential 2-0 start.
Dan Zaksheske reports for OutKick.