New York Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals: A Deep Dive into the Game, Stats, and Player Performance 2026
On October 26, 2025, the New York Jets traveled to Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a high‑stakes AFC showdown. This wasn’t just another midseason game — it became one of the most talked‑about contests of the 2025 NFL season due to its dramatic finish, statistical oddities, and standout individual performances New York Jets.
The Jets entered the matchup having not yet won a game, while the Bengals were positioned as a team oscillating between playoff aspirations and inconsistency. What unfolded over nearly four hours of football was a back‑and‑forth affair that showcased offensive firepower, resilience, tactical adjustments, and, ultimately, unforgettable individual contributions New York Jets.
Final Score and Game Flow
Before delving into individual stats, here’s a snapshot of how the game progressed New York Jets:
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Jets (NYJ) | 0 | 13 | 3 | 23 | 39 |
| Bengals (CIN) | 10 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 38 |
That fourth quarter was the defining chapter: the Jets scored 23 points, erased a significant deficit, and sealed a stunning comeback victory New York Jets.
Team Offensive Output
Total Yardage and Game Control
- Jets Total Net Yards: 502
- Bengals Total Net Yards: 398
- Jets Rushing Yards: 254
- Bengals Rushing Yards: 181
- Jets Passing Yards: 248
- Bengals Passing Yards: 217
- Time of Possession: Jets held the ball 33:40 versus Cincinnati’s 26:20 New York Jets.
This raw yardage tells part of the story: despite an early deficit, the Jets’ offense gradually wore down the Bengals’ defense with balanced rushing and passing plays, ultimately taking control in the second half New York Jets.
Key Offensive Performances
New York Jets
Justin Fields — Quarterback
- Completions/Attempts: 21/32
- Passing Yards: 244
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
- Rushing Contribution: Added 31 rushing yards on 11 carries Rushing Contribution: Added 31 rushing yards on 11 carriesRushing Contribution: Added 31 rushing yards on 11 carries .
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Fields entered this game with heavy scrutiny due to earlier struggles in the season. His performance here was both efficient and, more importantly, timely. The one passing touchdown was crucial in the fourth quarter, part of a comeback that changed the narrative of the Jets’ season.
More than raw numbers, Fields showed leadership and resilience, overcoming external criticism and on‑field adversity to deliver in clutch moments. His completion percentage exceeded 65 %, a solid effort considering the pressure situationally throughout the game.
Breece Hall — Running Back
- Carries: 18
- Rushing Yards: 133
- Longest Run: 35 yards
- Touchdowns: 2
- Average per Carry: 7.4 yards
Hall was arguably the most explosive player on the field. His ability to consistently gain yards after contact and break off chunk plays kept drives alive and opened up the Jets’ playbook. In the fourth quarter especially, Hall’s effectiveness forced the Bengals to respect both the play action and inside zone runs — fundamentally shifting defensive keys and openings.
Isaiah Davis — Secondary Rusher
- Carries: 7
- Rushing Yards: 65
- Average per Carry: 9.3 yards
- Longest Run: 25 yards
While Hall drew most headlines, Davis’ contributions were bold and efficient. Playing in support of Hall, he kept defenses off balance and provided key second‑down gains when the Jets needed sustainability.
Tyler Johnson — Wide Receiver
- Receptions: 3
- Receiving Yards: 64
- Touchdowns: 1
- Longest Reception: 34 yards
Johnson’s touchdown catch in the second quarter — his first as a Jet — provided a momentum pivot. Running precise routes, he capitalized on a perfectly placed Justin Fields pass. Johnson’s performance illustrated the value of reliable possession receivers in tight games.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Flacco — Quarterback
- Completions/Attempts: 21/34
- Passing Yards: 223
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
Flacco, a seasoned veteran with a long NFL career, led the Bengals’ aerial attack with poise. His two touchdown passes were instrumental in Cincinnati’s scoring burst, and although his yardage total wasn’t eye‑popping, his efficiency kept the Bengals competitive.
Cincinnati’s passing game, however, never quite found the explosive playmakers they needed in critical moments — something the Jets exploited late.
Ja’Marr Chase — Wide Receiver
- Receptions: 12
- Receiving Yards: 91
- Targets: 19
- Average per Reception: 7.6 yards
Chase’s performance was a statistical highlight for the Bengals. His 12‑reception day was the third consecutive game with double‑digit catches, a first in his career — showcasing both his durability and central role in Cincinnati’s offense New York Jets .
Although Chase didn’t score, his ability to move the chains and sustain drives was a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offensive rhythm. When matched against Jets defenders, he often won contested battles for important yardage New York Jets .
Samaje Perine — Running Back
- Carries: 9
- Rushing Yards: 94
- Touchdowns: 1
- Average: 10.4 yards/carry
Perine was the punch in the Bengals’ rushing game. While Cincinnati leaned more heavily on the pass earlier in the season, Perine’s explosive average demonstrated his threat level both inside and out New York Jets .
Chase Brown — Multi‑Versatile Contributor
- Carries: 12
- Rushing Yards: 73
- Touchdowns: 1
- Average: 6.1 yards/carry
- Receptions: Varied role in receiving game
Brown’s balanced contribution added a layer of unpredictability for the Bengals. He provided meaningful yardage on the ground while also creating mismatches when routes took him into space New York Jets .
Defensive Snapshots and Impact Plays
While the offensive stats dominated headlines, both defenses made pivotal contributions New York Jets .
Jets Defense — Fourth Quarter Heroics
One of the game’s defining moments came on a 4th‑and‑9 late in the fourth quarter. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. broke up a critical Joe Flacco pass, effectively sealing the comeback for New York New York Jets .
Jets defenders also contributed by forcing key third‑down stops and creating pressure at crucial junctures, especially when the Bengals tried to extend drives deep into the fourth quarter. Though not reflected in individual tackle totals here, those situational stops were game‑changing.
Bengals Defensive Contributions
Cincinnati’s defense scored early in a way rarely seen: veteran QB Joe Flacco himself scored a 1‑yard rushing touchdown, adding unexpected scoring from the Bengals’ offensive unit. While unconventional, plays like this signal creativity and risk‑taking.
Despite giving up yards in the second half, the Bengals defense tightened in crucial moments and nearly stifled the Jets late. However, they couldn’t prevent the final Jets touchdown drive that ultimately decided the game.
Turning Point: The Fourth Quarter Surge
Trailing by 14 points early in the fourth quarter (38–24), the Jets looked outmatched. But two of the biggest stats from the night came during this frame New York Jets :
- Jets scored 23 fourth‑quarter points.
- They overcame a double‑digit lead with under 10 minutes remaining New York Jets .
Key components of that rally included:
- Breece Hall’s bruising rushes, wearing down defenders and converting key short‑yardage situations New York Jets .
- Justin Fields’ composed passing, including a go‑ahead touchdown that changed the scoreboard.
- Tyler Johnson’s clutch earlier score, which kept the Jets within striking distance going into the second half.
- Defensive playmaking at crunch time, particularly Jarvis Brownlee Jr.’s pass breakup.
This scoring diagonal of events defined the narrative of the matchup. Not merely a comeback win, it symbolized resilience, trust in the roster, and a switch‑flipped mentality for the Jets’ group — especially important for a team staring down a winless start not long before kickoff.
Post‑Game Reflections and Broader Season Implications
Jets’ Emotional Breakthrough
This victory wasn’t just another notch in the win column — it was the Jets’ first victory of the season, breaking open a narrative of struggles and criticism. For a team that had lost seven straight, this performance gave players and fans alike renewed hope.
Head coach Aaron Glenn also secured his first win with the Jets, a milestone not lost on the locker room or the broader media. The manner of victory — overcoming adversity and mounting a comeback against a formidable AFC opponent — garnered widespread admiration.
Bengals: Narrow Loss, Big Questions
For Cincinnati, this narrow loss raised tough questions. Despite robust performances from stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Samaje Perine, the Bengals couldn’t close out a game they led heading into the final quarter. That inability to “seal the deal” was a point of internal reflection, prompting calls for players‑only meetings and sharper defensive adjustments in future contests.
Still, statistical performance from key players reinforces that the Bengals possess high‑level talent. The challenge becomes consistency and executing in clutch moments — something every NFL team strives to master.
Statistical Highlights — Quick Reference
Jets Leaders
| Player | Stat |
| Justin Fields | 21/32, 244 yds, 1 TD |
| Breece Hall | 18 car, 133 yds, 2 TDs |
| Isaiah Davis | 7 car, 65 yds |
| Tyler Johnson | 3 rec, 64 yds, 1 TD |
| Nick Folk | Perfect on FGs/XPs |
Bengals Leaders
| Player | Stat |
| Joe Flacco | 21/34, 223 yds, 2 TDs |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 12 rec, 91 yds |
| Samaje Perine | 9 car, 94 yds, 1 TD |
| Chase Brown | 12 car, 73 yds, 1 TD |
Tactical Themes and Coaching Adjustment
Jet Adjustments
After an early deficit, the Jets leaned on a more balanced offensive approach, blending Hall’s dominance on the ground with timely passing from Fields. Their offensive line solidified run lanes and protected adequately in key situations. The decision to trust Hall and utilize creative formations shifted momentum permanently in the Jets’ favor.
Defensively, shifting coverages and applying pressure on third down limited Flacco’s rhythm late in the game. The Jets’ pass defense tightened, especially in crucial moments when Cincinnati tried to extend drives.
Bengals Playcalling
Cincinnati’s strategy hinged on leveraging Chase’s elite receiving ability, as well as keeping the Jets’ front seven honest with Perine’s efficient rushing. However, when the Jets started rolling late, the Bengals’ defense struggled in long‑yardage downs and couldn’t deliver a stop when it mattered most.
Legacy and Aftermath
Though this game was but one of 272 regular‑season contests in the NFL calendar, it will be remembered for its dramatic comeback, standout performances, and the way it reshaped early narratives around both franchises. For the Jets, it’s a stepping stone — a gauge that adversity can be overcome. For the Bengals, it’s a reminder that even perfect statistical matchups don’t guarantee victory without execution in clutch moments.
In football, winning and losing isn’t just about numbers — it’s about when and how those numbers are made. In this 39‑38 battle, the Jets turned theirs into timing and opportunity — the essence of competitive sport at its purest.
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