Tyler Higbee is hero in Rams’ win over Jets in first game back since January
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Tyler Higbee is not prone to tears.
“I’m not a big crier,” he said.
But the Rams veteran tight end got choked up this weekend after his wife put together a montage of video clips showing the ninth-year pro enduring through his comeback from injuries.
Higbee watched the video once Saturday night and several times before Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, Higbee’s first in 11 months following knee and shoulder surgeries.
“I did get a little emotional,” Higbee said.
Emotions — Higbee’s, teammates and Rams coaches and staff — exploded after Higbee caught a pass and dove across the goal line in the fourth quarter for the go-ahead touchdown in a 19-9 victory at MetLife Stadium.
“Almost passed out just from being so hyped,” Higbee said.
Higbee’s play was the biggest in a game that featured another 100-yard rushing effort from Kyren Williams, a fumble forced by safety Kam Curl and a defense that kept Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers mostly at bay as the Rams extended their winning streak to four games.
The Rams are now 9-6 and remain atop the NFC West heading into Saturday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium.
The Cardinals (7-8), who lost Sunday to the Carolina Panthers, have been eliminated from playoff contention, but can play the role of spoiler against a Rams team that has rebounded from a 1-4 start and is on the verge of making the playoffs for the sixth time in coach Sean McVay’s eight seasons.
“We’re starting to get to that goal of being able to play a complete game,” edge rusher Jared Verse said. “Like offense, defense, across the board.”
The Rams stayed hot on a day when the temperature was 17 degrees during warmups.
Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht came out shirtless.
“I’m Canadian,” he said, “so this is nothing.”
About 15 minutes later, the rest of his position group did the same.
Kyren Williams ran for 122 yards in 23 carries in a 19-9 win over the Jets, again carrying the load for the Rams, who hold on to first place in the NFC West.
They were sending a message that nothing, be it freezing temperatures or future Hall of Famer Rodgers, could keep the Rams from continuing their hot streak and drive to the playoffs.
It was so cold even McVay donned a beanie, covering his trademark gelled spike.
Before the game, a comfortably inviting fireplace was shown on the stadium’s giant videoboards. The only thing missing was hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Still, it was Higbee’s return from an injury suffered last January in an NFC wild-card loss at Detroit that warmed the Rams’ hearts.
“Just having him in the huddle again is great because he just brings that energy that everybody can feed off and enjoy,” Williams said.
Higbee entered the game on the fifth play. He was one of the lead blockers for Williams on a second-quarter touchdown run.
“You can feel Higs,” Williams said,
The score was 9-9 in the fourth quarter when Curl sacked Rodgers and forced him to a fumble, giving the Rams the ball at the 21-yard line.
Two plays later, McVay called a play known as “Lizard.” Stafford keeps the ball and rolls out to his right while Higbee blocks an end, hesitates and then moves to the flat.
“It’s a play that he’s really been good at,” McVay said.
Said Higbee: “There’s always a chance when he calls that one.”
Higbee caught the ball, turned toward the goal line and was met by Jets players at the pylon but he leaped and crossed the goal line.
“Felt a little bit like the ‘Space Jam’ Michael Jordan with his arm, and just got to get in,” said Higbee, who scored his 23rd career touchdown, his first since November 2023 against the Cardinals.
“Just a tone-setter for us,” Stafford said of Higbee. “It was awesome.”
Higbee spiked the ball in the end zone and then jogged to the sideline while pumping his fist. He didn’t get far as teammates mobbed him.
Check out the game summary from the Rams’ win Sunday.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been on a sideline that was more excited,” receiver Cooper Kupp said, “and I mean that’s a testament to Higbee.”
McVay concurred.
“Just as excited as I’ve ever seen a team for a guy to do what he did,” McVay said. “It’s been a really long journey back. … He epitomizes everything that’s right about this team: mentally tough, physically tough, resilient, can respond to different types of things.”
Higbee, who turns 32 on Jan. 1, said he was humbled by the love and support but was eager to move on to Saturday, when the focus will be on the team and not him.
“We’ve got a special team that cares for each other,” Higbee said, “and when you get a unit like that, that can play collectively together, it’s special.
“Find a way to win, whatever the conditions are. We did last week, we did this week and time to do it again.”
With Higbee once again firmly in the fold.
