REPORT CARD
OFFENSE
The Jets dominated the first half, putting up 246 yards, but stalled in the second half with five punts and an interception before the game-winning field goal drive. They finished with 381 total yards. QB Trevor Siemian (27 of 49, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was not spectacular but did OK other than the interception. RB Breece Hall (20 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TDs, 12 receptions, 96 yards) had a monster game and showed what he can do when he is featured in the offense. WR Garrett Wilson (9 catches, 76 yards) picked up some tough yards.
DEFENSE
Much like the offense, the defense dominated in the first half before falling apart in the second. The Commanders only had 76 yards at halftime and the Jets owned QB Sam Howell (6 of 22, 56 yards, 2 INTs, 1.7 QB rating). But when Washington changed QBs and put Jacoby Brissett (10 of 13, 100 yards, 1 TD, 123.9 rating) into the game in the third quarter, the Jets defense had no answers. Brissett led them on three touchdown drives and the Jets blew a 20-point lead.
Tony Adams and Quincy Williams each had an interception and the defense forced a three-andout at the end of the game to give the offense a chance for the game-winning drive.
SPECIAL TEAMS
What a day for Brant Boyer’s unit. Jermaine Johnson got things started with a blocked punt in the first quarter that set up the Jets’ first touchdown. Then, Ashtyn Davis recovered a fumble by Commanders punt returner Jamison Crowder. Finally, kicker Greg Zuerlein made three field goals, including the 54-yard game winner with five seconds left in the game.
COACHING
Jets owner Woody Johnson said Robert Saleh would return in 2024 before this game. That announcement looked dicey in the fourth quarter when the Jets blew their big lead. But the Jets found a way and Saleh deserves credit for the Jets playing hard despite being eliminated from the playoffs. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett oversaw a 381-yard day with his fourth-string quarterback. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich started off fast but did not have answers for Brissett.