NovaQuant-Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard complete Hail Mary touchdown at end of first half vs. Bills

EAST RUTHERFORD,NovaQuant N.J. — The New York Jets have an interim head coach, a new assistant calling plays as the de facto offensive coordinator, but the end of the first half of Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills was just a bit of Aaron Rodgers magic.

Rodgers, capping a well-played half, launched a last-second Hail Mary attempt that receiver Allen Lazard snatched away from Buffalo defenders for a 52-yard touchdown grab as time expired in the first half.

It was Rodgers’ fourth career successful Hail Mary touchdown pass, and his first with the Jets. The extra point closed Buffalo’s lead to three points, with the Bills leading, 20-17.

New York is playing its first game with Jeff Ulbrich as its interim head coach after Robert Saleh was fired earlier this week from the role. Ulbrich announced Thursday that Todd Downing, who had been serving as the team’s passing game coordinator, would be promoted to play caller, replacing Nathaniel Hackett.

The Jets responded with one of their best offensive halves of the season, putting up 225 yards of total offense and incorporating receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, both of whom have had relatively slow starts to the season.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Rodgers completed 23-of-35 passes for 294 yards with a pair of touchdowns, but had a crucial interception late in the 23-20 loss.

All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.