Three Victory Monday Game Balls for Jets' Week 5 Triumph in Denver
It's a sweet Victory Monday for the New York Jets after Sunday's much-needed road win over the Denver Broncos.
There's a bevy of individuals who made it happen in Week 5, but we are limited to three Jets Country Game Balls per victory — one on offense, one on defense and one on special teams.
On offense, quarterback Zach Wilson connected on a couple of key throws and did enough to deliver a 31-21 win. Tight end Tyler Conklin made two meaningful catches and left tackle Mekhi Becton powered through discomfort to stay on the field. It was running back Breece Hall, however, who stole the show.
On defense, the edge rusher rotation was effective with Bryce Huff making more noticeable contributions. The Sauce Gardner-led secondary shut down Denver's pass-catchers and a veteran linebacker played like a man possessed. Quincy Williams was that guy again this week, continuing a season-opening tear by turning in another gem.
The special teams unit accounted for multiple heroic efforts as well. Punter Thomas Morstead pinned the Broncos deep in their own end, leading to a first-quarter safety by the Jets' defense. Making his NFL debut, receiver Irvin Charles forced a fumble on punt return coverage and linebacker Sam Eguavoen made the recovery. The object of the game is to score points and no one did that better than kicker Greg Zuerlein this week.
Victory Monday Game Balls (Week 5)
Offense: Breece Hall, RB 🏈
Returning to the site of his 2022 season-ending ACL injury, Hall looked as lively as ever. The dynamic running back totaled 194 scrimmage yards on 25 touches while handling his heaviest workload to date.
“He’s pretty good, isn’t he?” said head coach Robert Saleh during his postgame press conference.
His 177 rush yards lead all NFL players in Week 5 with only one game remaining on the slate. Hall recorded seven first downs, including bursts of 19 and 16 yards. He gave the Jets the lead for good by ripping off a 72-yard touchdown run on the team's first offensive series of the second half.
Hall reached 21.5 mph on the scoring sprint, the fourth-highest speed by an NFL ball carrier in Week 5.
Defense: Quincy Williams, LB 🏈
After signing a three-year contract in March, Williams has sprinted out of the gate at an All-Pro level. His latest performance featured two-late game sacks, including a victory-clinching forced fumble that turned into a defensive touchdown.
"He’s a game-wrecker at linebacker. I’m so proud of him," said Saleh after the win in Denver.
According to Jets' PR, Williams became the first player in franchise history to record at least nine tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one tackle-for-loss and three quarterback hits in a single game. It was the second week in a row he posted at least nine tackles, one TFL and one quarterback hit.
Through five games, the 27-year-old Williams has accounted for 48 tackles, four quarterback hits, four passes defensed and five tackles-for-loss.
Special Teams: Greg Zuerlein, K 🏈
Greg the Leg has been both reliable and remarkably accurate during his Jets' tenure thus far. Scoring a game-high 17 points, he was perfect on placekicks in Week 5.
Zuerlein went 5-for-5 on field goal attempts and hit both of his extra points. He connected from 30, 26, 27, 22 and 49 yards.
The 36-year-old battle-tested veteran punctuated three consecutive second-half scoring drives with field goals, bumping the Jets' lead to 24-13 midway through the fourth quarter.
For the season, Zuerlein has made 10 of 11 three-point attempts. He missed the Week 2 game due to a groin injury but has since returned to form.
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