The New York Jets suffered a crushing 20-17 overtime defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, squandering a 10-point lead in the final seven minutes and 58 seconds of regulation. The loss, which came in the Jets' home opener at MetLife Stadium, spoiled a potential 2-0 start to the season for the first time since 2015.
Green Bay secured the victory with a 26-yard field goal from rookie kicker Trey Smack with 5:23 remaining in overtime. The Packers had forced overtime by tying the game at 17-17 with a 34-yard field goal by Smack, set up by a 63-yard kickoff return by Skyy Moore that gave Green Bay possession at the Jets' 16-yard line.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, the Packers had cut the Jets' lead to 17-14 on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Christian Watson. The Jets had extended their lead to 17-7 with 11:04 left in the game on a 32-yard field goal by Jason Sanders. This score was initiated by a forced fumble from Jets linebacker Kingsley Enegbare, a newcomer acquired from Green Bay, which was recovered by defensive tackle Harrison Phillips at the Green Bay 18-yard line. This marked the fourth forced fumble by the Jets defense in the game, though it was the first one they recovered.
The Jets took a 14-7 lead in the third quarter with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith to Garrett Wilson, capping a 10-play, 70-yard drive. Sunday's matchup represented a significant step up in competition for the Jets, and the early stages of the game reflected this.
Green Bay's initial drive of the game was marred by an injury to receiver Jayden Reed, who was carted off with a neck injury after a catch and hit by Demario Davis and Enegbare. On the subsequent play, starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele sustained a knee injury. The Packers also struggled with penalties, committing six for 75 yards in the first half.
Despite these setbacks, Green Bay scored first, taking a 7-0 lead on a 5-yard touchdown run by MarShawn Lloyd in the second quarter. The Jets responded shortly after, tying the game 7-7 with a 6-yard touchdown run by Braelon Allen. This scoring drive was kept alive by a third-down conversion from Smith to Garrett Wilson and aided by a pass interference penalty against Packers cornerback Keissea Nixon.
In overtime, the Jets' offense stalled immediately, facing a sack on the first two plays and then a penalty. The Packers then drove down the field, with a crucial 15-yard penalty against Jets cornerback Brownlee for throwing an opponent out of bounds giving Green Bay a first down at the Jets' 22-yard line, ultimately leading to the game-winning field goal.