The New York Jets edged out the Atlanta Falcons 27-24 on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, picking up their third win of the season and improving to 3-2 over their last five games. And while this team isn’t making headlines in the playoff race, they’re quietly building something that matters - especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Let’s start with the unsung heroes of the day: special teams. Nick Folk, the ever-reliable veteran kicker, drilled a 56-yard game-winner to seal it.
It was a clutch moment that reminded everyone why he’s still getting it done in this league. Add in a key fumble recovery, and special teams played a pivotal role in swinging momentum the Jets' way.
But the real story here? Tyrod Taylor. At 36, he’s not rewriting the quarterback record books, but he’s doing something just as important for this team right now - bringing stability.
Sunday marked Taylor’s third start of the season and his second straight since the Jets made the call to bench Justin Fields following a Week 11 loss to the Patriots. That decision is looking more and more justified with each passing week.
Taylor’s stat line wasn’t flashy - 172 passing yards and one touchdown on 57.6% completions, plus 44 rushing yards and another score - but it was exactly what this Jets offense needed: steady, composed quarterback play. It was also his first win as a starter since Week 18 of 2023, when he was still with the Giants, and his first as a Jet.
Let’s be clear: no one’s expecting Taylor to be the long-term answer. He’s not here to lead a playoff run or put together a Pro Bowl campaign.
He’s here to keep the offense functional - and that’s exactly what he’s doing. And in doing so, he’s giving this coaching staff a real chance to evaluate the young talent on the roster.
Take Adonai Mitchell, for example. The second-year wideout turned in a breakout performance on Sunday, hauling in eight catches for 102 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown.
That kind of production doesn’t happen without a quarterback who can read a defense and deliver the ball on time. Taylor’s poise in the pocket and ability to get through his progressions are helping Mitchell flourish.
Even John Metchie, who struggled against Atlanta, is coming off a career-best six-catch game the week prior. And Mason Taylor is starting to carve out a role in the passing game as well. These are young players who need reps, rhythm, and reliable quarterback play to grow - and they’re getting that now.
The contrast with Justin Fields is hard to ignore. Fields has the physical tools, no doubt, but his inconsistency and inability to get the ball out on time were stalling this offense.
With Taylor under center, the offense has opened up. Routes are developing.
Timing is sharper. And offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand finally has the freedom to dig deeper into the playbook.
That’s not just good for the stat sheet - it’s critical for the future. With five games left in the season, the Jets are in evaluation mode. They’re trying to figure out what they have in these young receivers, how their offensive line responds to different looks, and whether Engstrand’s system can flourish with the right pieces in place.
Tyrod Taylor may not be the long-term solution, but he’s proving to be the right man for the job right now. His leadership, experience, and efficiency are giving this offense a much-needed foundation. And that’s allowing the Jets to do something they haven’t done much of in recent years - develop talent the right way.
This isn’t about wins and losses anymore. It’s about growth. And on Sunday, the Jets took another step forward.