Jets’ Overtime Collapse Against Packers

The New York Jets seemed set to achieve a 2-0 start for the first time since 2015, controlling most of their game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium. However, crucial errors in the final moments led to the Jets squandering a 10-point fourth-quarter lead. The Packers scored 13 unanswered points, winning 20-17 in overtime. Trey Smack sealed the victory with a 26-yard field goal.

Green Bay’s initial score came from a 6-yard touchdown pass by Jordan Love to MarShawn Lloyd in the second quarter. The Jets responded with a 5-yard touchdown run by Braelon Allen. In the third quarter, Geno Smith connected with Garrett Wilson for another 5-yard score, giving New York a 14-7 edge.

The Jets had a chance to take control when they recovered a Lloyd fumble at the Green Bay 18-yard line early in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the offense failed to capitalize, settling for a 32-yard Jason Sanders field goal. This extended their lead to 17-7 with just over 11 minutes left.

The situation began to deteriorate quickly for the Jets. A 38-yard pass-interference penalty allowed Green Bay to advance, leading to a 3-yard touchdown pass from Love to Christian Watson. New York’s subsequent offensive effort faltered, resulting in a punt that Skyy Moore returned 63 yards to the New York 19-yard line. Smack’s 34-yard field goal tied the game.

The Jets still had an opportunity to win in regulation play. However, after a short gain on third-and-2 and facing fourth-and-1 at midfield, coach Aaron Glenn chose not to punt. Trying to gain a single yard, Braelon Allen was stopped short, sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Jets’ initial possession was disastrous. Smith was sacked on consecutive plays, followed by a false-start penalty. Facing third-and-30 deep in their territory, they punted. Green Bay then advanced 58 yards over four plays, aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty on Jarvis Brownlee Jr., setting up Smack’s game-winning field goal.

Throughout the game, penalties were detrimental. Green Bay incurred 14 penalties for 133 yards, while New York had 13 penalties for 156 yards. However, two penalties particularly hurt the Jets: the 38-yard pass-interference call that facilitated Green Bay’s fourth-quarter touchdown drive and Brownlee’s penalty that set up the winning field goal.

The Jets outgained the Packers 285-199 and held them to just 1-of-9 on third downs. Despite Geno Smith completing 27-of-41 passes for 247 yards and no interceptions, the critical errors and penalties overshadowed their efforts.

This defeat was painful for the Jets, who left MetLife Stadium lamenting a lost opportunity to uplift the fans with a 2-0 start. Instead, they departed with questions about another unraveling.

Report by Dan Zaksheske for OutKick.