NFL World Crushed Bills Punter for Effort on Jets’ Game-Winning Punt Return

NFL fans and media roasted Sam Martin for his attempted tackle of Jets returner Xavier Gipson's game-winning touchdown on Monday night.

The shocking news of Aaron Rodgers being lost for the season due to a torn Achilles overshadowed the Jets’ impressive come-from-behind 22–16 overtime victory over the Bills on Monday night.

New York capped their comeback win with a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown by undrafted rookie free agent Xavier Gipson just 39 seconds into overtime.

Gipson, who showed off his speed throughout the preseason, broke down the near sideline and eluded several Bills defenders close to the end zone before scampering in for the game-winning score. Upon further review, video replays highlighted an embarrassing tackle attempt by Buffalo punter Sam Martin, who whiffed as the last man standing between Gipson and the end zone. Former players, media and fans absolutely roasted the 33-year veteran for his lack of effort.

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Many believed Martin could have thrown his body in front of Gipson, attempting to block his path into the end zone, or at least tried to push him out of bounds. Instead, Martin simply tried to weakly throw his arm at Gipson as he broke the play back and walked untouched into the end zone.

Here’s some of the reaction to the game-ending play.