Tyrod Taylor gave the Jets exactly what they needed on Sunday: poise, playmaking, and a chance to win. And that’s exactly what he delivered.
In a back-and-forth battle at MetLife Stadium, Taylor led New York to a 27-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, marking the team’s third win of the season. It was veteran kicker Nick Folk who sealed it with a walk-off field goal, but make no mistake-this was Taylor’s game to win, and he made sure the Jets were in position to do just that.
Starting for the second straight week, Taylor looked sharp and in control. He completed 19 of 33 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown, and added 44 yards and another score on the ground. That dual-threat ability, even at this stage of his career, continues to be a stabilizing force for a Jets offense that’s struggled to find consistency all year.
One of the biggest takeaways from Taylor’s performance? His connection with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
The two linked up eight times for 108 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown that lit a spark under the Jets offense. Mitchell, a second-year wideout who arrived as part of the Sauce Gardner trade, has flashed potential before-but this was a breakout moment.
And Taylor deserves credit for recognizing the mismatch and feeding him the ball.
Mitchell was initially seen as a developmental piece in the trade, but if Sunday was any indication, the Jets might have something more than just a throw-in. Taylor’s willingness to trust him in key moments speaks volumes-not just about Mitchell’s growth, but about Taylor’s veteran savvy and leadership.
Taylor’s performance earned him a solid B grade from analysts, and that feels about right. He wasn’t perfect-there were a few missed throws and stalled drives-but he was composed, efficient, and made plays when it mattered most. That’s what you want from a veteran quarterback, especially on a team that’s building toward the future.
Speaking of the future, the Jets are widely expected to target a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. And while the long-term plan likely doesn’t include Taylor as the starter, there’s real value in keeping him around. He’s the kind of veteran presence who can mentor a young QB, step in if needed, and help guide a locker room through the ups and downs of a rebuild.
For now, Taylor is expected to start the rest of the season, with Justin Fields reportedly on his way out this offseason. Through this point in the year, Taylor has thrown for 773 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions, while adding 143 rushing yards and a score. Not eye-popping numbers, but solid-and more importantly, steady.
The Jets, who are once again out of playoff contention, have five games left on the schedule: Miami, Jacksonville, New Orleans, New England, and Buffalo. It’s a tough stretch, but also a chance for Taylor to continue playing spoiler-and maybe help Mitchell and a few other young pieces build some momentum heading into the offseason.
No, this isn’t the season Jets fans hoped for. But with Taylor under center, there’s at least a sense of direction. And for a team that’s been searching for answers, that’s a step in the right one.