The New York Jets ended their five-game losing streak in electrifying fashion Thursday night, defeating the Houston Texans 21-13 with the help of a pair of jaw-dropping catches by wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The most memorable of these, a 26-yard, one-handed touchdown grab early in the fourth quarter, lifted the Jets to their first win in four games under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. The play not only put the Jets ahead but also had fans and pundits alike comparing it to iconic catches in NFL history.
The Jets trailed 10-7, facing a daunting third-and-19 from the Texans’ 26-yard line when Aaron Rodgers looked to his trusted receiver Wilson. Rodgers launched a high ball to the back of the end zone, and Wilson soared, legs spread in mid-air, extending his right hand to snag the ball. The initial ruling was incomplete, but after a challenge by Ulbrich, the replay revealed Wilson’s shin had made contact inbounds, resulting in a go-ahead touchdown for a 14-10 Jets lead. MetLife Stadium erupted, with fans witnessing what might go down as one of the greatest catches in Jets history, a catch evoking memories of Odell Beckham Jr.’s legendary one-handed grab against Dallas in 2014.
“It was surreal,” Wilson said post-game. “Just to have that moment with my team and for the fans. I think we all needed that.” Rodgers, who completed 22 of 32 passes for 211 yards, had nothing but praise for Wilson. “I’ve played with some great receivers, and Garrett’s up there with the best of them,” he said. “He just finds ways to make the impossible happen.”
Wilson’s touchdown catch was one of three scoring throws by Rodgers. Earlier in the game, Wilson caught another one-handed touchdown in the second quarter, this one a shorter route but equally acrobatic. Rodgers also connected with recently acquired wideout Davante Adams on a 37-yard strike that extended the Jets’ lead to 21-10 with under three minutes left in the game. Adams, who cleared concussion protocol earlier in the game, proved to be a game-changer and gave the Jets offense a dynamic weapon alongside Wilson.
Not everything went smoothly for the Jets, though. Rookie receiver Malachi Corley was inches away from his first NFL touchdown when a mental lapse cost him a score. In the second quarter, after a handoff from Rodgers, Corley raced down the sideline for 18 yards but prematurely dropped the ball to celebrate just before crossing the goal line. A video review confirmed that the ball had not crossed the plane, resulting in a turnover on a touchback.
The Texans, now 6-3, struggled to find rhythm on offense. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud finished a disappointing 11 of 30 for 191 yards, and while the Texans defense kept them competitive, they couldn’t hold off the combined skill of Rodgers, Wilson, and Adams.
Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 29-yard field goal in the closing seconds cut the Jets’ lead to 21-13, but Adams recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the win. With this victory, the Jets improved to 3-6 and snapped a losing skid that had plagued their season.
Head coach Jeff Ulbrich praised his team for their resilience. “These guys fought hard, and they deserve this,” he said. “We’re going to keep building on this. And as long as we have playmakers like Garrett and Aaron on the field, I like our chances.”
For Jets fans, Thursday night was a game they won’t soon forget.
