With both teams entering the game at 1-3, sloppiness from the Denver Broncos and New York Jets wasn't unexpected. However, they tried to outdo one another by trading gaffes seconds apart in the second half.
With 3:50 left in the third quarter, leading the Broncos 18-13, the Jets muffed a punt at their own 38-yard line, giving the ball right back to Denver after forcing a three-and-out on defense.
Jets muff the punt and Denver recovers. pic.twitter.com/4ao6kT9Rxe
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) October 8, 2023
Refusing to be topped, the Broncos responded with a blunder of their own a play later.
OUR. BALL.#NYJvsDEN on CBS pic.twitter.com/iHoYmblVVK
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 8, 2023
After rushing for no gain on first down, the Broncos tried to get tricky on second down. Quarterback Russell Wilson handed the ball off to running back Samaje Perine, who flipped the football too high for reversing wideout Marvin Mims Jr.
Denver and New York combined for eight fumbles (four of them lost) on Sunday. However, only Zach Wilson threw a pick.
Believe it or not, someone had to win, with the Jets holding on 31-21. New York improved to 2-3, powered by five field goals from kicker Greg Zuerlein and a big day from running back Breece Hall.
Hall finished with 177 yards rushing off 22 carries, both career-highs while exploding for a 72-yard score, the Jets' only offensive touchdown.
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