Jets rally past Broncos 31-21 Breece Hall long TD, Bryce Hall scoop-and-score - Sentinel Colorado

Former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett led the New York Jets to a 31-21 victory against the Denver Broncos in his return to Denver. The win was dedicated to Hackett, who was criticized by Broncos head coach Payton and his staff last year.

In a highly anticipated return to Denver, Nathaniel Hackett, former head coach of the Broncos and current offensive coordinator for the Jets, reveled in the mistakes of Russell Wilson and the boos from the crowd. After the Jets' 31-21 victory over the Broncos, Hackett was showered with hugs and handshakes from his players and staff. The win was fueled by Breece Hall's 72-yard touchdown run and Bryce Hall's game-sealing scoop-and-score after Quincy Williams' second sack of the day. However, it was Hackett who received the game ball.

Jets coach Robert Saleh expressed his satisfaction with the win, especially for Hackett. He highlighted the team's impressive offensive performance, with over 400 yards gained and 31 points scored against the Broncos. Hackett's return to Denver had the atmosphere of a grudge match, as he had faced criticism from Broncos head coach Payton for his coaching and handling of Wilson during the 2022 season.

Breece Hall, who scored a long touchdown run early in the second half, credited the win to Hackett's quiet and humble approach. He emphasized that the team wanted to secure the victory for their coach. The Jets overcame a messy and contentious first half to end their three-game losing streak and hand the Broncos their third home loss under Payton's leadership. Payton, who had been involved in a public feud with Hackett, avoided addressing the issue during his postgame news conference.

After the game, the Jets took a swipe at Payton on social media, mocking his team's loss to the "offseason champs." The Broncos, despite Wilson's improved performance under Payton, continue to struggle with similar issues that were criticized in Hackett's coaching. In the second half, the crowd expressed their frustration with the Broncos' performance, just as they did during Hackett's tenure.

The Broncos' offense faltered in the second half, going three and out on four of their first five drives. They also lost a fumble, allowing the Jets to take control of the game. However, Wilson led a late comeback, scoring a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to bring the Broncos within three points. The Broncos had a chance to take the lead, but Patrick Surtain II's interception gave the Jets the ball back. The Broncos were moving towards field goal range when Williams collected his second sack, causing a fumble that was recovered by Bryce Hall for a touchdown.

Payton expressed his frustration with his offense, which struggled throughout the second half. Wilson faced constant pressure and was sacked four times during the game. Russell Wilson's record as the Broncos' starting quarterback dropped to 5-14, compared to his impressive 104-53-1 record with the Seattle Seahawks.

Breece Hall had an outstanding performance, rushing for 177 yards on 22 carries, averaging 8 yards per carry. It was nearly a year ago when his rookie season was cut short due to a knee injury in the same stadium. Zach Wilson, who started his fourth consecutive game in place of the injured Aaron Rodgers, threw for 199 yards with one interception.

Both Hall and Wilson expressed their happiness for Hackett, acknowledging the challenges he faced in the past year. They praised his resilience and expressed their gratitude for having him as their coach.

In terms of injuries, Jets' right tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker left the game with a calf injury, which is a cause for concern for the team. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined.

Overall, the Jets' victory over the Broncos marked a significant moment for Hackett, who proved himself against his former team. The win showcased the team's offensive prowess and resilience, while also highlighting the ongoing struggles of the Broncos under Payton's leadership.

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