At a Glance
- Bills win 35-8 over the Jets in a packed Highmark Stadium.
- Backup starters led the offense while the Jets were held to 122 yards.
- The victory secures Buffalo’s No. 6 seed for the playoffs.
Why it matters: The win not only clinches a playoff spot but also marks a heartfelt farewell to a historic stadium.
In a game that felt like a farewell to a beloved venue, the Buffalo Bills demolished the New York Jets 35-8, with a roster that relied heavily on backups and a crowd that sang from start to finish.
A Spectacular Sendoff
The stadium was still full, and fans chanted “Mr. Brightside” while the Bills’ coach Sean McDermott reflected on the unity of the crowd.
Sean McDermott stated:
> “Come on, where else does that happen in the NFL, right? That type of togetherness. That type of fellowship, community, love of their team and of each other,”
> “And I’ll never forget it. Special moment.”
Cornerback Tre’Davious White lingered near the tunnel, noting that “It’s only in Buffalo you get that,” and that the stadium “holds a lot of memories.”
Backup Stars Shine
With Josh Allen on the sidelines, backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw four touchdown passes, two to Gabe Davis, while Ty Johnson added a rushing TD and a reception.
- Mitch Trubisky finished 22 of 29 for 259 yards.
- Dawson Knox earned a $200,000 bonus after reaching 400 receiving yards and a fourth touchdown.
- James Cook added 15 yards on the ground, bringing his total to 1,564 for the season.
The Jets were blanked for 3 ½ quarters, posting only 122 yards and nine first downs.
Jets’ Season Wraps Up
The loss dropped the Jets to a 3-14 record, the first team to lose by 23 or more points in five straight games.
They also became the first team to finish a season without a defensive interception, with only four takeaways.
Aaron Glenn reflected on the season:
> “The only thing I can think about is moving on to next year. I let the players down. I let the organization down, and that burns me, It really does,”
> “But here’s what I do know: I know the reason why I came here, and I am not gonna waver.”
Undrafted rookie Brady Cook threw a 2-yard touchdown to Andrew Beck late in the game.
Looking Ahead to Playoffs
The win, combined with the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss, moved the Bills up one spot to clinch the No. 6 seed.
They will face the Jacksonville Jaguars, the AFC South champion, in the wild-card round.
Sean McDermott said:
> “I’m already there. That’s where my head is already right now, is ready to put in the work to get ourselves ready to play our best football.”
It will be the third playoff meeting between the teams, with Jacksonville winning both previous encounters.
Celebrating the Stadium
Fans stayed from early morning to the final whistle, honoring the 53-year-old Highmark Stadium.
Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed addressed the crowd, while a video message from 100-year-old coach Marv Levy played during halftime.
Key Takeaways
- Bills win 35-8, securing the No. 6 seed for the playoffs.
- Backup starters dominated, with Trubisky throwing four TDs.
- The Jets finish a 3-14 season without a defensive interception.
The game was a fitting sendoff for a historic stadium and a springboard for Buffalo’s playoff push.
