Sunday’s victory over the Bengals does not erase a rough start to the season for the Jets (1-7), but it did show real, measurable reasons to be optimistic. The Jets generated 502 yards of total offense and staged a 23-point fourth-quarter comeback that showed aggression, creativity, solid game planning, and execution.

Here are three key takeaways that fans can be excited about.

A Moment of Redemption for QB Justin Fields

Fields was taken out at halftime last Sunday and spent the following week uncertain about whether he had lost his starting role. As reported by Yahoo Sports, earlier this week, during league meetings, Jets owner Woody Johnson criticized his quarterback and the team for their 0-7 season start, remarking that it is difficult to win “when you have a quarterback with the rating that we’ve got.”

Fields put on a brave face and stepped up during a difficult period for the roster in Sunday’s game, delivering one of his most composed performances in green. The QB finished the game completing 21 of 32 passes for 244 yards, adding a touchdown and a crucial two-point conversion that ultimately made the difference in the final 39-38 win.

The Run Game and Offensive Line Working in Harmony

Despite months of trade rumors surrounding RB Breece Hall, he’s stayed focused and has continued to shine as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise tumultuous season for the Jets. A free agent after this season, Hall carried the offense on his back, rushing for a season-high of 133 yards. According to ESPN, he became just the fourth non-quarterback since 1950 to throw a game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes of regulation.

The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, giving up no sacks for the first time this season and the first time since 2023. The NFL reports the Jets finished with roughly 254 rushing yards on the day. With the line opening lanes and Hall capitalizing on every crease, the Jets finally found balance and rhythm on the ground.

"We were very aggressive when it came to running the ball and just showing our brand of football," head coach Aaron Glenn said in an interview the next day.

The Late Defensive Stops Show Fight

Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks caught a break this week thanks to the Jets’ offense, as his unit had a rough night. The defense missed tackles throughout the game, allowing Bengals backup Samaje Perine to rack up 94 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries. Tee Higgins easily beat rookie Azareye’h Thomas for a 44-yard score in the second quarter, and the defensive front generated minimal pressure on Joe Flacco, who even added a rushing touchdown.

Aside from a key fourth-quarter sack by Will McDonald, the group struggled to make an impact. The defense did allow big chunks of yardage earlier, but the unit made critical late plays that preserved the comeback. That shows the group can bend and then hold in the moments that count. Yes, the defense still needs to tighten up across four quarters, but showing the ability to get stops in crunch time is an encouraging sign that adjustment and focus are possible.

This was more than a single win. After a 0-7 stretch, a 39-38 comeback is a morale lifter. The team now heads into a bye with tangible proof that the script can flip late in games. Momentum is not a statistic, but it changes the team's approach, energy, and how coaches evaluate confidence in personnel. The Jets showed enough that they can plan the bye week from a position of progress rather than desperation.