New York Jets Aaron Rodgers
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A valiant New York Jets effort went for naught, as their home finale ended in a heartbreaking defeat to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. 

Geoff Magliocchetti

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY—Despite a career-high 341 yards and three scores from Sam Darnold, the New York Jets dropped a heartbreaker on Sunday, losing their 2018 home finale by a 44-38 overtime final.

After a missed Jets field goal and a Packers punt, New York got the scoring started with a 12-play, 83-yard drive that ended in dramatics. Facing third down at Green Bay’s 19-yard-line, Darnold would find fellow rookie Chris Herndon for a highlight-reel grab.

The tight end made a one-handed grab before withstanding a big hit from Josh Jones. Two plays after the 15-yard gain, Elijah McGuire cashed in on a four-yard scoring rush that put the Jets ahead early.

After they forced another Green Bay punt, punctuated by a Henry Anderson sack, the Jets increased their lead with a 33-yard scoring hookup between Darnold and the unrelated Robby Anderson. Faking a screen, Robby Anderson got wide open to walk into the end zone and give the Jets the two-score lead.

Aaron Rodgers led the Packers back from the dead, scoring on a 49-yard touchdown to Jake Kumerow. Andre Roberts, however, killed immediate Packer momentum, needing just 12 seconds to go from one end zone to another. He would take the ensuing kickoff back 99 yards to restore the Jets’ 14-point lead.

The Packers would reply with 13 unanswered points, including seven on a late first-half drive that saw the ejection of Leonard Williams for throwing a punch on an opponent.

A quick stretch in the third, however, put momentum back on the Jets’ side, apparently for good.

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After Herndon earned a touchdown of his own, part of a 5-for-5, 72-yard drive for Darnold, recent practice squad promotee Anthony Wint forced a fumble on the following kickoff. Recovered by Rashard Robinson, the Jets needed just two plays to cash in, as McGuire entered the end zone for the second time via an 18-yard collaboration with Darnold.

Green Bay earned themselves another score on a 94-yard drive that was assisted by a few Jets penalties. Rodgers provided the finish touch from a yard out, his short score narrowing the
gap to 35-30.

The Jets nearly used another special teams miracle to their advantage, as a direct snap to Rontez Miles on a fake punt seemingly gave them a chance to close things out. But a penalty
and the Packers defense got Green Bay the ball back. Rodgers took full advantage, leading a signature fourth-quarter drive to put the Packers ahead. He not only punched in a one-yard
score, but he also put in a two-point conversion to make it 38-35.

After a strong Andre Roberts return, however, the Jets were in business. Set up in Packers territory, the Jets enjoyed a 33-yard field goal from Jason Myers to send their penultimate game
of the season into overtime.

The Packers got the ball first and got into Jets territory thanks to a Trumaine Johnson pass interference penalty. Blessed with the flag, the Packers took advantage, as Rodgers concluded the day with his game-winner to Davante Adams. The Jets (5-10) will conclude their season against the New England Patriots next Sunday (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS).

 NEXT: Festivus, The Airing Of New York Sports Grievances 

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