Nwangwu scores Jets’ third TD in first half off 99-yard

Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff WriterDec 1, 2024, 01:00 PM ET

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams for a touchdown. Sound familiar? The longtime quarterback-wide receiver duo delivered the 70th touchdown connection of their careers, an 8-yard reception with 3:25 remaining in the first quarter to give the New York Jets a 6-0 lead Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium.

Rodgers and Adams haven’t displayed their old form on many occasions this season, but that old chemistry was evident on this play. The Jets lined up in a bunch formation to the right, leaving Adams in single coverage to the left against nickel corner Josh Jobe.

Rodgers’ eyes must have lit up. He looked to Adams as soon as he got the snap, and he threw a perfect pass to the corner of the end zone. It was Adams’ second touchdown as a member of the Jets, both on throws from Rodgers.

RODGERS TO ADAMS

#SEAvsNYJ on FOX pic.twitter.com/k5ho4Ulg9b

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 1, 2024

Seconds later, the Jets struck again, this time on a 4-yard shovel pass to rookie running back Isaiah Davis. It was his first NFL touchdown, and it gave the Jets a 14-0 lead after the successful 2-point conversion.

The Jets capitalized on a fumble recovery on the Seahawks’ kickoff return — a rare case of the Jets operating on a short field. Credit playcaller Todd Downing with a clever design. Davis, who rarely sees action on offense, lined up as a wing to the right. After the snap, he ran a jet motion to the left, catching the shovel pass and scooting into the end zone.

.@z4days walks it into the end zone

#SEAvsNYJ on FOX pic.twitter.com/fjalzOR3bn

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 1, 2024

The Jets scored their third touchdown on a 99-yard kickoff return by Kene Nwangwu, who went from the practice squad to the end zone in 24 hours. It gave the Jets a 21-7 lead in the second quarter.

For Nwangwu, elevated Saturday from the practice squad, it was his first game action for the Jets this season. Talk about impressive debuts. It was his fourth career touchdown on a kickoff return, and the Jets’ first since Braxton Berrios in 2021.

Nwangwu, a 2021 Minnesota Vikings fourth-round draft pick, was signed to the Jets’ practice squad on Sept. 9. During the bye last week, the coaches searched for ways to spark the team.

They decided to give Nwangwu a shot — and it paid off.