The New York Jets’ second-year defender made sure his team wasn’t going down without a fight on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Facing a 23-6 deficit entering the fourth quarter, New York staged a furious 17-point comeback.
McDonald’s play on special teams served as the exclamation point, as he leapt over the line on a field goal attempt from Chase McLaughlin, blocking the kick and returning it for a touchdown.
The Jets would take a one-point lead and put Aaron Glenn in position for his first win as the team’s coach. Needless to say, Glenn was pumped up for the sudden change of events.
Of course, nothing is ever easy for the Jets, who still had to defend with 1:49 left in regulation.
Glenn’s elation would be short-lived as his defense allowed Tampa to march into field goal range with almost no resistance.
McLaughlin would finish it off with a 36-yard field goal, sending the Jets to 0-3 on the season. At the very least, they’ll always have McDonald’s heroics.