MINNEAPOLIS — On Sunday, a victory slipped through the Jets’ and, more especially, Braxton Berrios’ fingers.
The normally sure-handed wideout was unable to catch Mike White’s fourth-and-goal ball from the Minnesota 1-yard line for the game-winning score with 1:43 remaining. As Berrios attempted to haul in the ball, it went to the ground and the Jets lost 27-22 to the Vikings.
“He placed the ball there,” stated Berrios. “I must perform that play.”
The Jets had one more opportunity to score the game-winning touchdown, but the one-yard throw to Berrios is the one they will regret missing. Berrios was credited by White with adjusting his approach on the play after spotting a gap in the Minnesota defense. The quarterback also held himself accountable for not throwing the ball in front of Berrios.
White stated, “I need to figure out how to place the ball slightly in front of him and allow him to make a secure catch as opposed to a difficult one.”
Berrios rejected the notion that White was to blame.
Braxton Berrios (left) expresses his fury after collecting the game-winning touchdown pass.
“That’s not his fault. That’s on me, said Berrios. It is the fourth down. The surge is approaching and he has everything in his view. He sees corpses flying in all directions. He placed it where I ought to have gotten it. That’s my responsibility.”
The Jets did a decent job against the Vikings’ standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson, but they were unable to contain him all day. On 11 targets, Jefferson ended with seven receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown. The Jets utilized a number of defensive backs against the third-year standout, but D.J. Reed saw the most action.
Reed, who reported waking up with fluid in his chest and used oxygen throughout the game, threw a 10-yard touchdown throw to Jefferson with 8:43 remaining.
Reed stated, “I was in his s–t the entire game.” “I’m frustrated because he outsmarted me on that occasion. I believed I did an excellent job of containing him. I find it aggravating because I don’t want to concede a score. I do not wish to be the cause of my team’s loss.”
The Jets replaced Max Mitchell with George Fant, who was reinstated off injured reserve on Saturday, in the second quarter.
Robert Saleh, Mitchell’s head coach, remarked that Mitchell appeared to be suffering. Solely attempting to bring George to light.
Fant was penalized for a fatal penalty in the third quarter for a block in the back, which advanced the Jets from the 6-yard line of the Vikings to the 16-yard line. They ultimately kicked a field goal.
Michael Carter did not play due to an ankle ailment. In lieu of Carter, rookie Zonovan Knight got his first NFL start. He gained 90 yards on 15 carries and added 28 yards on five receptions.
Hero
With 10 seconds remaining, Vikings safety Camryn Bynum finished the game by intercepting Mike White on fourth down at the goal line.
Zero
On fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 1:46 remaining and the Jets behind by five points, wide receiver Braxton Berrios had a chance to be the hero. White fired a rapid pass to him that struck Berrios in the hands, but he was unable to keep hold of it.
Unsung Hero
Sunday, Greg Zuerlein kicked five field goals, including a franchise-record 60-yarder before halftime. The Jets were unable to reach the end zone, but Zuerlein’s kicks kept them alive.
Key Figure
Six times the Jets entered the red zone, but only once did they score a touchdown. This was the tale of the game, which resulted in a five-point defeat.
Quote
“Today was the epitome of a game of inches, over and over and over again,” said Jets WR Garrett Wilson, who stepped out of bounds at the 11-yard line after gaining 60 yards on a grab early in the fourth quarter.
»Mike White and Braxton Berrios accept responsibility for a crucial missed touchdown«