On October 31, 2024, under the Thursday night lights at MetLife Stadium, the New York Jets staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Houston Texans 21–13. It wasn’t just a win—it was a redemption moment after weeks of struggle. The game was a tale of two halves, filled with defensive grit, key player moments, and an electric shift in momentum that reminded fans why we love football. Let’s break down the standout plays and player stats that shaped this gritty contest.
First Half: A Quiet Offensive Start
The first half painted a bleak picture for Jets fans. The offense looked stagnant, managing just 69 total yards with no points to show for it. The Texans, on the other hand, controlled the tempo. Running back Joe Mixon anchored a 14-play, 98-yard touchdown drive that gave Houston a 7–0 lead.
Aaron Rodgers struggled, going 7-of-14 for just 32 yards in the first two quarters. At one point, boos echoed across the stadium, and frustration was visible on the sidelines and in the stands. The Jets failed to capitalize on red-zone opportunities, including a dropped touchdown by rookie Malachi Corley.
Second Half: Jets Turn the Tide
Everything changed after halftime. On the Jets’ opening drive of the third quarter, Rodgers led an 11-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson. It was the momentum swing the team desperately needed.
Houston responded with a field goal, briefly reclaiming the lead at 10–7. But the Jets were now awake. Rodgers connected again with Wilson for a 26-yard touchdown, and later found Davante Adams deep downfield for a 37-yard score. All three of Rodgers’ touchdown passes came in the second half. The comeback was complete, and so was the mood swing.
Rodgers vs. Stroud: QB Duel in Two Acts
Aaron Rodgers finished the game with 22 completions on 32 attempts for 211 yards and three touchdowns—efficient, calm, and clutch in key moments. His reads were sharp, especially in third-down situations, where he extended drives and controlled the clock.
C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ rookie standout, struggled under intense pressure. He completed just 11 of 30 passes for 191 yards and no touchdowns. More concerning were the eight sacks he absorbed—most coming in critical third-down or red-zone moments. Despite flashes of arm strength and accuracy, he was never allowed to find a rhythm.
Rushing: Hall and Mixon Carry Workloads
Breece Hall provided the Jets with much-needed balance on the ground, finishing with 15 carries for 74 yards. While he didn’t score, his runs helped keep the Texans’ defense honest and created space for the passing game to flourish.
For Houston, Joe Mixon was a workhorse. He rushed 24 times for 106 yards and scored the team’s only touchdown. In the first half, he looked nearly unstoppable, consistently breaking through the line. But once the Jets’ defense adjusted, his impact was reduced in the final quarters.
Receiving: Wilson’s Magic, Adams’ Clutch Play
Garrett Wilson was the night’s biggest playmaker. He caught 9 passes for 90 yards and scored two touchdowns—one of which was a jaw-dropping one-handed grab in the corner of the end zone. Initially ruled incomplete, the play was reviewed and overturned, becoming an instant highlight reel moment.
Davante Adams, back with Rodgers after their Green Bay years, added 91 yards and a touchdown on seven catches. He left the game briefly due to a head injury but returned in the fourth quarter to catch the game-sealing score.
On the Texans side, Tank Dell delivered an impressive performance with six receptions for 126 yards. He consistently got open downfield and stretched the Jets’ secondary, though he wasn’t able to convert any of his big gains into touchdowns.
Defense: Jets’ Pass Rush Steals the Show
The Jets’ defense was the unsung hero of the night. They recorded eight sacks on C.J. Stroud, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. Derrick Autry led the charge with two sacks, while teammates like Quinnen Williams, Haason Reddick, Will McDonald IV, and Jamien Sherwood all contributed.
Their dominance in the trenches forced Houston into uncomfortable situations and disrupted any offensive rhythm. This aggressive performance also helped the Jets win the turnover battle and close out the game in the fourth quarter.
Game-Changing Moments You Might Have Missed
Beyond the touchdowns and sacks, several small moments played huge roles. Malachi Corley’s dropped pass at the goal line in the first half could’ve swung the momentum early. On Garrett Wilson’s second touchdown, his shin barely tapped the turf before going out of bounds—just enough for the officials to overturn the call.
The Jets’ special teams quietly contributed as well. No long returns were allowed, and the punt coverage unit maintained field position when the offense sputtered in the first half.
Stats At a Glance: Table Snapshot
| Category | Jets | Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 293 | 322 |
| Passing Yards | 211 | 191 |
| Rushing Yards | 82 | 131 |
| First Downs | 17 | 21 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 26:18 | 33:42 |
| Sacks | 8 | 0 |
Rodgers: 22/32, 211 yards, 3 TD
Stroud: 11/30, 191 yards, 0 TD, 8 sacks
Hall: 15 carries, 74 yards
Mixon: 24 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD
Wilson: 9 receptions, 90 yards, 2 TD
Adams: 7 receptions, 91 yards, 1 TD
Dell: 6 receptions, 126 yards
What This Means Going Forward
For the Jets, this win was more than a morale booster—it was proof that when Rodgers is protected and the playmakers step up, this team can compete with anyone. With Garrett Wilson looking like a top-tier receiver and Adams adding veteran leadership, the offensive outlook is finally trending up.
For the Texans, there are lessons to take. Stroud needs more protection if he’s going to grow into a franchise quarterback. Tank Dell is a legitimate weapon, and Joe Mixon still has plenty in the tank. But adjustments need to be made, especially on the offensive line.
Final Thoughts
Football is rarely about just the box score. It’s about momentum, emotion, and execution in key moments. The Jets showed resilience and responded when it mattered most. Rodgers found his rhythm, Wilson delivered magic, and the defense shut the door.
Houston showed promise early, but couldn’t keep up once the Jets flipped the switch. If anything, this game reminded us how quickly things can change—and how powerful momentum can be in the NFL.
