Late Fumble Derails Jets' Upset Bid, Spoils Wilson's Bounce-Back Performance

Fourth-quarter turnover costs Gang Green chance to beat Chiefs

Zach Wilson was as good as he's ever been, but it wasn't good enough. 

On a night where they were seriously tested by the New York Jets, the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs escaped MetLife Stadium with a 23-20 win on Sunday Night Football.

With the Jets driving for a potential go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter, Wilson botched a shotgun snap on 2nd-and-9 from the KC 49-yard line. Chiefs' defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton pounced on the fumble and Gang Green's offense never touched the ball again. 

"Critical situation, I can't have a play like that. I cannot drop the ball," said a distraught Wilson. "To be driving right there and to drop a snap. I cannot do that. I lost us that game and I cannot do that."

Nursing a three-point lead, the Chiefs proceeded to kill the remaining 7:24 on the second-half clock and ended the game in victory formation inside the Jets' 5-yard line. The Kansas City offense was aided by a 3rd-and-23 conversion and a subsequent holding penalty that reversed an interception by slot cornerback Michael Carter II.

“The receiver ran into me, there was a collision, same thing that was happening all game, they ain't throw no flags," said Sauce Gardner, who was deemed the guilt party on the play in question.

Had Gardner not been flagged for grabbing Marquez Valdes-Scantling on third down, Carter would have had the Jets' third pick of the night. 

"There's a lot of good stuff we put on tape, but we definitely can improve. Being better at the start, making adjustments and doing it in real time," said Carter after the home team spotted Kansas City a 17-0 first-quarter lead.

Although they only logged one sack, the Jets' defense harassed Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes for much of the contest. The reigning NFL MVP finished 18-of-30 passing for 203 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.

On the other side, the embattled Wilson put together arguably his best performance as a pro. Looking efficient and decisive, the former No. 2 overall draft pick went 28-of-39 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He was turnover-free until the fourth-quarter fumble.

"I thought he was really good, gave us a chance to win the game," said head coach Robert Saleh of his quarterback. "If he plays like that, we're gonna win a lot of football games."

How Much Longer Will Jets Back Zach as Starter?

Wilson targeted receiver Garrett Wilson 14 times, resulting in nine catches for 60 yards. Allen Lazard gained a team-high 61 receiving yards on three total grabs.

Connecting with 10 different receivers over the course of the game, Wilson accounted for a 105.2 quarterback rating. By comparison, Mahomes registered a 63.6 single-game rating.

"He [Wilson] went out there and had a phenomenal game. One of the best games I've seen him play here. I'm proud of him," said Jets' starting center Connor McGovern.

Wilson was especially efficient on the opening possession of the second half, marching the team 75 yards for a game-tying touchdown in seven plays. Completing all five pass attempts, the third-year quarterback capped the drive by firing a 10-yard scoring strike to Lazard. He proceeded to reach the endzone on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt that knotted the game at 20-20.

READ MORE:

Jets' Veteran DT and Two 2023 Draft Picks Inactive for SNF

NFL Flex Scheduling Could Bump Jets off Primetime Stage

Mac Jones Not Fined for Low Blow on Sauce Gardner