CINCINNATI — Breece Hall had a standout performance. The Jets running back, amidst trade speculation, rushed for 133 yards and scored two touchdowns on 18 carries. Notably, he also threw the game-winning pass to rookie tight end Mason Taylor during a halfback option play in the thrilling 39-38 victory over the Bengals at Peiko Stadium.
Hall’s first touchdown of the season came with a 5-yard run that cut the Jets’ deficit to 31-24 with just over 14 minutes left in the game.
Later, he rushed for a 27-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 38-31 with 7:52 remaining.
“I approached the coach this weekend and said, rather than complaining, we need the ball at least 25 times,” Hall explained. “I always tell them we don’t like to lose. If we do, we want you to feel responsible. We take pride in our running game, and today, we executed it really well.”
The Jets’ total of 254 rushing yards marked their highest output in a game since 2021. Even Isaiah Davis contributed with 65 yards on seven carries, which is pretty impressive.
While Hall’s running was noteworthy, his touchdown pass was a highlight. “I threw it up, and Mason was open at first, but I couldn’t see him clearly,” Hall commented. “I considered doing a pump fake, and then I noticed the defender had his back to me. So, I thought, why not throw it to Mason and see if he catches it?”
“I wasn’t sure if he scored, but when I turned and saw the Bengals fans, their silence spoke volumes. I thought, ‘Okay, we’re in this now.’”
Jets linebacker Quincy Williams returned after a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 3. His performance was a mixed bag; however, his energy was palpable. He recorded seven tackles, including one for a loss, and had two pass breakups.
“Honestly, it felt like I was in detention while everyone else was enjoying recess,” Williams quipped after the game. “While I was out, I told my teammates, ‘Bring all your tackles to the game. When I return, I’ll make my presence felt.’”
He did miss a tackle late in the first half on a touchdown catch-and-run by Chase Brown, attributing it to poor leverage.
Interestingly, starting linebacker Jamian Sherwood did not play on defense during the first half, even though he was involved in special teams. Coach Aaron Glenn mentioned it was a private matter between him and Sherwood, hinting it was likely disciplinary.
The Jets faced challenges with a depleted receiving corps, missing starters Garrett Wilson and Josh Reynolds. Yet, they still had standout performances. Tyler Johnson snagged three catches for 64 yards and a touchdown, while Isiah Williams had three grabs for 31 yards. Rookie Arian Smith contributed with one catch for 23 yards.
The Jets’ receivers had entered this matchup with a collective tally of just 18 receptions and 187 yards this season. That’s not much when you think about it.
Nick Folk tied the longest active field goal streak in the NFL, hitting his 27th consecutive attempt, matching Miami’s Jason Sanders.
Among those inactive for the Jets were cornerback Sauce Gardner, Wilson, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, running back Kane Nwanwu, linebacker Kobe King, defensive lineman Jay Tufre, and tight end Stone Smart.
With Taylor sidelined, rookie Brady Cook took the role of backup quarterback.
For the Bengals, inactive players included cornerback Marco Wilson, center Matt Lee, wide receiver Jermaine Barton, tight end Cam Grundy, defensive tackle McKinley Jackson, and defensive end Cam Sample.
