Trailing 31-16 after three quarters, the New York Jets mounted a comeback to upset the Bengals in Cincinnati, marking their first win of the 2025 season on a day filled with surprises. The Jets scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, concluding with a pass from running back Breece Hall to Mason Taylor with just 1:54 remaining in the game. The Jets’ defense then ensured the victory by forcing three incomplete passes from Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco on the final drive.
Hall’s performance was impressive, having rushed for 133 yards and scored two touchdowns off 18 carries.
Breece Hall double clutches and throws a touchdown to Mason Taylor!
NYJvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+
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Hall’s showcase was supported by Jets quarterback Justin Fields, who completed 21 of 32 passes for 244 yards, tossing one touchdown and not yielding any interceptions following criticism from Jets owner Woody Johnson. Fields also benefitted from an unscathed offensive line, playing on a day marked by the unexpected passing of former All-Pro center Nick Mangold at the age of 41.
“He was the heart and soul of this team,” said Jets coach Aaron Glenn, referring to Mangold’s impact on the franchise.
While the Jets’ defense had its struggles throughout the game, they nonetheless managed to register their only sack of the outing when Will McDonald IV took down Flacco, which aided in setting up their eventual game-winning drive.
Winning after seven consecutive losses not only brought relief to the Jets but also to Fields, helping them avoid joining the ranks of the 1976 Buccaneers, 2008 Lions, and 2017 Browns as the only teams in NFL history to finish a season winless. This victory is made even more admirable considering they were without key players like Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner.
“God is good, that's all I gotta say,” Fields told CBS post-game. “Before the game, I told the guys three things: belief, focus, and just playing free and having fun. We did a great job. Proud of all the guys, the defense, and the offense. We fought to the end.”
