Jets finally break through with first win of 2025 — on an emotional night

The New York Jets found joy on a heartbreaking day. The AFC East team earned its first victory of the 2025 NFL season, edging the Cincinnati Bengals in a thrilling finish at Paycor Stadium on the same day franchise legend Nick Mangold passed away.

New York had to score 23 points in the fourth quarter and stop Cincinnati’s final drive to seal the win. At the end of the third quarter, it looked like an easy Bengals victory — they were up 31–16 — but the Jets weren’t done. Breece Hall and Justin Fields sparked one of the wildest comebacks of the season.

The Bengals built their lead behind two touchdown passes and one rushing score from Joe Flacco in the first half, while Fields connected with Tyler Johnson for a touchdown and Nick Folk hit two field goals to keep the Jets in range. Samaje Perine later extended Cincinnati’s advantage.

Just when it seemed over, running back Breece Hall scored two rushing touchdowns and even threw for another to tight end Mason Taylor. Even more remarkable: the Jets converted both two-point tries following Hall’s rushing scores.

The extra point after Hall’s touchdown pass to Taylor gave the Jets a one-point lead — and the defense held on, forcing a turnover on downs with 32 seconds left. Joe Flacco’s final pass toward Andrei Iosivas fell incomplete, and Fields simply took a knee to run out the clock.

Jets mourn the loss of Nick Mangold

The victory came on the same day the Jets were mourning the death of Nick Mangold. News of the 41-year-old former All-Pro center’s passing broke just hours before kickoff in Cincinnati. The team, through owner Woody Johnson, released a heartfelt statement honoring one of its most beloved figures.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” said Jets owner Woody Johnson. “He was the heart of our offensive line for a decade and a deeply respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of the Jets family.”

Mangold was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after a standout career at Ohio State. From day one, he anchored the Jets’ offensive line until his final season in 2016. Despite missing time in 2011 with an ankle injury, he went on to start 171 games between the regular season and playoffs. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in both 2009 and 2010.

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