The Hero of the Jets Comeback Win Over the Giants Was a Referee With Hustle
The Jets pulled off a comeback win against the Giants on Sunday, taking the battle of New York in overtime with a 13-10 win that was really hard to watch for most of the afternoon.
In the fourth quarter, it looked like the Jets were doomed, but thanks to some late-game heroics from quarterback Zach Wilson and one speedy referee, the Jets were able to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The drama began with just 28 seconds remaining. After a missed field goal from Giants kicker Graham Gano, the Jets took over possession at their own 25-yard line trailing 10-7 with no timeouts, needing a field goal to tie the game.
On back to back plays, Wilson connected with wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard to reach the Giants 17-yard line. The Jets were in range, but they still needed to stop the clock before they could line up a potential game-tying kick and send the game to overtime.
The hero of the day wore stripes. One of the referees, clearly very aware of the situation, was sprinting to spot the ball so that the Jets could snap, spike, and stop the clock. The referee made it to the center and basically threw a slap at the ball just before the snap. Wilson was able to spike the ball with a single second remaining.
Watch the replay below and follow the official after the tackle is made.
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG#NYJvsNYG on CBS pic.twitter.com/5R9weXnh41
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 29, 2023
Had the referee been a second later, the Jets' spike would not have beaten the clock, and the game would have been over. Instead, the Jets tied the game with a field goal in that final second and went on to win the game in overtime.
Jets fans online that noticed the referee's hustle play shared their appreciation.
Shoutout to the referee who sprinted down the field and quickly touched the ball on this play.
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) October 29, 2023
That man was running for his life and legit was a big reason the #Jets somehow won this game. pic.twitter.com/ZJ6eoIo9lA
Hey @NFL, give this ref a RAISE! #Jets #NFL https://t.co/X6rJUEraXq
— RJ (@RJWait) October 29, 2023
With the win, the Jets move to 4-3 on the season, riding a three-game win streak into next week's matchup against the Chargers.