The shocking news of Aaron Rodgers being lost for the season due to a torn Achilles overshadowed the Jets’ impressive come-from-behind 22–16 overtime victory over the Bills on Monday night.
New York capped their comeback win with a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown by undrafted rookie free agent Xavier Gipson just 39 seconds into overtime.
Gipson, who showed off his speed throughout the preseason, broke down the near sideline and eluded several Bills defenders close to the end zone before scampering in for the game-winning score. Upon further review, video replays highlighted an embarrassing tackle attempt by Buffalo punter Sam Martin, who whiffed as the last man standing between Gipson and the end zone. Former players, media and fans absolutely roasted the 33-year veteran for his lack of effort.
Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports
Many believed Martin could have thrown his body in front of Gipson, attempting to block his path into the end zone, or at least tried to push him out of bounds. Instead, Martin simply tried to weakly throw his arm at Gipson as he broke the play back and walked untouched into the end zone.
Here’s some of the reaction to the game-ending play.
Brutal by Sam Martin here.
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) September 12, 2023
1st the punt is a right punt, from the right hash, all the coverage team is running that way and he pulls it short and left- that throws off the coverage big time, then a terrible effort to make the tackle at the end of the return https://t.co/Y1zJknEcR0
Don’t know how I missed this last night. Bills punter Sam Martin with the most pathetic effort I’ve ever seen with the game on the line. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/jtAFv29csJ
— BMatthews (@the_bmatt) September 12, 2023
Sam Martin sets back the "kickers are real players" argument 100 years pic.twitter.com/2GAnM8pjRu
— Dustin Schott (@DustinSchottNYU) September 12, 2023
Bro this type of effort is insanely unacceptable Sam Martin.. we gotta call out stuff like this😂 #billsmafia pic.twitter.com/5uIEDo2dla
— Mas (@masonbiznes) September 12, 2023
Sam Martin tackle attempt pic.twitter.com/miQCIjLpej
— Matt Dery (@DerySpeaks) September 12, 2023
Find someone who’ll treat you as well as Sam Martin treats Xavier Gipson. #MNF#BillsVsJets pic.twitter.com/pb1YIhOuiS
— Jason Taylor (@JTSooner24) September 12, 2023
Nfl script writers must have wanted to create a new meme #BillsvsJets #snl #sammartin
— Josh Pruden (@def_guy118) September 12, 2023
Sam Martin will now be a gif used worldwide… and not for a good reason https://t.co/lRtGk778oG
— Cody (@Cns920) September 12, 2023
