With the Jets-Bills Week 17 game out of reach late, veteran QB Tyrod Taylor replaced Aaron Rodgers early in the fourth quarter. Taylor produced a spark completing 11-of-14 attempts for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 40-14 loss Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.
"I don't know what led to the decision for me to come in, but I just stayed ready like any other game and got in," Taylor said. "And when your number is called, you have to go out there and perform. It was nice to put some plays on film."
The Bills led the Jets 40-0 when Taylor took his first snap with 12:37 remaining in the fourth quarter. Using his scrambling ability and quick decision-making, he led the offense on 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on his first series.
"As a quarterback, you get in rhythm when you get a completion," Taylor said. "I saw the first one get caught and after that I just wanted to create some energy. Obviously, I am in the huddle, somewhere where I haven't been the whole game, so I wanted to get something going and the guys responded well."
The drive ended with a 9-yard touchdown strike from Taylor to WR Garrett Wilson in the front right corner of the end zone. Taylor made a quick read and fired the pass to Wilson, who had his right hand held down by the defender, used only his left hand to pin the ball to his chest and come down with score. The TD marked Wilson's seventh of the season.
"They brought Cover 0 a couple of times towards the end of the first drive," Taylor said. "One of them I had to throw away but then the second one I wanted to give him a chance. Garrett is one of the better receivers in this league, and you give him a 50-50 chance, it becomes more 80-20 when he is around it. I gave him a chance and he made a play."
The Jets went for the 2-point conversion and Taylor hit an open TE Tyler Conklin on an out route to cut the deficit lead to 40-8. Conklin and Taylor weren't done. On the following drive, Taylor and the offense went 58 yards in 8 plays, capped by a 20-yard touchdown throw to Conklin down the seam, Conklin's third TD of the year.
"I am really proud of the way the guys responded," Taylor said. "No one lost confidence or faith within themselves. We played until there was no time left on the clock. Obviously, there is only one game left, but there is always something to build from. I am always going to gravitate towards he positive."
The Jets will close out the 2024 season at home against the Dolphins in Week 18.
"It was a very small sample for me on a grand scheme but there is definitely stuff to build from off today," Taylor said. "We will continue to look at this film even with one game left. We will watch with a critical eye, both myself and as a team, for where we could have been better."
