Braelon Allen shone brightly on Sunday, notching two touchdowns, including the decisive go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter, as the visiting New York Jets orchestrated a thrilling comeback to defeat the Tennessee Titans 24-17 in Nashville, Tenn.
With just 4:31 remaining, Allen electrified fans by darting 20 yards from right tackle, capping an impressive 74-yard drive, to break the deadlock. The drive saw Aaron Rodgers make a crucial connection with Mike Williams on second-and-16 for a 19-yard gain to the Tennessee 26, just two plays before Allen clinched the game-winner.
Rodgers, overcoming a sluggish start, completed 18 of 30 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, propelling New York (1-1) to victory. Supporting the ground game was Breece Hall, who added 62 yards on 14 carries.
The Titans (0-2) had a last-gasp chance to force overtime, as Will Levis evaded a sack and scrambled for 13 yards to the 10-yard line, setting up a nerve-wracking first down and goal. However, the Jets defense held firm; a critical third-down sack by Will McDonald IV forced the Titans into a desperate fourth-and-goal scenario from the 14-yard line. Levis’ pass attempt to Tyler Boyd, tragically, was deflected at the 3-yard line and fell incomplete, shattering Tennessee’s hopes.
Levis showcased resilience, completing 19 of 28 passes for 192 yards, with one touchdown – a spectacular 40-yard pass to Calvin Ridley with 3:22 left in the third quarter – and one interception. Ridley accounted for both of Tennessee’s touchdowns.
The Titans kicked off the scoring spree at 2:30 in the first quarter when Ridley completed a 10-yard turnover, completing a methodical 68-yard drive that chewed up more than 6 1/2 minutes.
In what could have been another scoring opportunity, the Titans’ solid drive was derailed when Levis, trying to evade a sack, fumbled while attempting a pass to Tony Pollard, with Quincy Williams capitalizing on the mistake at the 12-yard line.
Adding to the tumult, Levis began the subsequent possession by throwing an interception to Brandin Echols.
This game undeniably had fans on the edge of their seats, delivering a compelling display of grit and determination that embodies the spirit of the NFL.