The New York Jets may be sitting at 3-9, but don’t let the record fool you - this team still has some fight in it. That much was clear in their 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13, a gritty, rain-soaked battle that ended with Nick Folk drilling a 56-yard game-winner as time expired. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the kind of win that shows character - and maybe, just maybe, hints at something to build on down the stretch.
Let’s dive into how the Jets got it done and what stood out from a performance that was equal parts resilience and revelation.
Passing Offense: B
For the first time in a while, the Jets had a quarterback who looked comfortable pushing the ball downfield. Tyrod Taylor didn’t light up the stat sheet - 172 yards and one touchdown - but he played clean, efficient football. No turnovers, smart decisions, and most importantly, he gave his playmakers a chance.
The highlight? A 52-yard strike to AD Mitchell, who had the kind of breakout game that turns heads - eight catches, 102 yards, and that touchdown. The second-year wideout looked the part of a future WR1, showing strong hands, crisp routes, and the ability to stretch the field.
Outside of Mitchell, though, the passing game was a mixed bag. John Metchie III had a few drops, and Breece Hall - arguably the team’s most dynamic offensive weapon - was targeted just twice.
That’s a missed opportunity. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand needs to find more creative ways to get Hall involved in the passing game.
Still, with Taylor at the helm, the offense felt more balanced and capable than it has in weeks.
Rushing Offense: B-
It wasn’t flashy, but it got the job done. Breece Hall carried the load with 19 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown.
He didn’t break off any huge runs, but he was steady and reliable. Tyrod Taylor added 44 yards and a touchdown of his own on the ground - his mobility was a real asset, especially on broken plays where he turned nothing into something.
As a team, the Jets ran for 110 yards on 28 carries - just under four yards a pop. Not dominant, but effective enough to keep the Falcons honest.
One curious note: Isaiah Davis didn’t get a single carry or target. Whether that was game plan or matchup-based, it’s something to monitor going forward.
Passing Defense: B
The Jets had their hands full with Kyle Pitts, who racked up seven catches for 82 yards and was a consistent mismatch all afternoon. But outside of Pitts, Atlanta’s passing attack didn’t do much damage - and that’s a credit to the Jets’ secondary, which continues to hold up despite some major changes.
Brandon Stephens deserves a spotlight here. Since the Sauce Gardner trade, Stephens has quietly become one of the most reliable corners in the league.
He was targeted four times on 37 coverage snaps and allowed just one catch for four yards. That’s lockdown stuff.
With a PFF grade of 74.7, he’s ranked 13th among 110 qualifying corners - not bad for a guy some questioned when the Jets signed him in free agency. That contract is aging well.
Rushing Defense: C-
This was the weak spot, no question. Bijan Robinson ran wild, piling up 142 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown.
He averaged over six yards per tote and added another 51 receiving yards on five catches. Tyler Allgeier also found the end zone, and the Jets have now allowed seven rushing touchdowns over their last three games.
The tackling wasn’t sharp, the gap discipline was inconsistent, and too often, the Falcons’ backs were hitting the second level untouched. With Miami’s Devon Achane on deck next week, this unit needs to tighten up - fast.
Special Teams: A
Nick Folk missed his first field goal of the season, but it came from 55 yards in the rain - a tough ask for any kicker. What matters more is that he nailed the one that counted: a 56-yarder as time expired to win the game. Clutch.
Isaiah Williams continues to be a spark plug in the return game. His 83-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter set up a game-tying field goal and nearly went the distance.
At this point, teams may start kicking away from him altogether. Quantez Stiggers also made a big play, recovering a muffed punt by Jamal Agnew - just the Jets’ second forced turnover on special teams this season.
Credit to special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, who has this group playing fast, smart, and opportunistic football.
Coaching: B+
This was the kind of game that tests a team’s culture. Rainy December afternoon, playoffs out of reach, down multiple times - this is where teams either pack it in or dig deep. The Jets chose the latter.
Despite being outgained by over 100 yards and losing the first down battle by nine, they found a way to win. That speaks volumes about the effort, the preparation, and the buy-in from this roster. Aaron Glenn has this team believing, and that’s not nothing.
Young players like AD Mitchell and John Metchie are stepping into bigger roles. Veterans are still playing hard. And most importantly, the team is showing signs of identity - something that’s been missing for a while in Florham Park.
There’s still plenty to clean up, especially on defense, but if this team keeps playing with this kind of heart, they’ll be a tough out the rest of the way. The Dolphins are up next in a divisional clash, and while the postseason may be out of reach, the chance to play spoiler - and keep building something real - is very much on the table.