ORCHARD PARK — When a reporter asked Jets quarterback Mike White how he felt about meeting the Bills after what happened a year ago, White responded with humor.
What occurred one year ago? White joked.
He wishes he could forget.
In last year’s 45-17 loss against the Bills, White threw four interceptions, including three in successive third-quarter possessions.
Sunday against the Bills, the Jets have much to play for. They are vying for a spot in the playoffs and a win would keep their hopes of winning the division alive. But for White, the game will be an opportunity to exorcise some demons from last year’s painful loss, which led to his benching.
White stated, “I’ve learned a lot from it, but I’ve done my best to put it behind me and go on.” “I believe it will be an excellent challenge for the team. Clearly, it is a really difficult place to play. This is a pretty strong team. They are currently advancing, therefore it will be a war. I anticipate it with eagerness.”
The Jets (7-5) require White to lead them to a victory at Highmark Stadium to alleviate some of the season’s final month of strain. They will host the Lions and Jaguars the following week. Both of these contests appear to be wins for the Jets. Sunday’s victory over the Bills (9-3) would significantly increase their playoff hopes.
A month ago, the Jets defeated the Bills at MetLife Stadium, 20-17. The game may go down in history as Zach Wilson’s last stand. After that, Wilson started one more game before being replaced by White, who is 1-1 as a starter this season.
Since then, the Bills have gotten several injured players back and have won three consecutive games — all on the road because a blizzard forced one of the games to be moved from Buffalo to Detroit.
Robert Saleh, head coach of the Jets, remarked, “It will be difficult to play a division opponent twice. It is difficult because you must devise techniques that keep them on their heels, but there is a balance in terms of how you conduct business. However, they are extremely gifted once more. They are enjoying 10 days of rest at home. It is a terrific opportunity and a divisional matchup, so it will be enjoyable. I think their supporters haven’t seen them since who knows when, since that massive snowstorm, so I’m sure they’ll be delighted to see their team again, so we’re looking forward to this challenge; it’ll be great.”
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