Elijah Riley knows that Tom Brady’s game-winning touchdown against the Jets was on him.
The Jets safety was the closest defender when Tampa Bay’s Cyril Grayson hauled in a 33-yard touchdown with 15 seconds left in the game. The pinpoint pass from Brady gave the Buccaneers a 27-24 lead and the eventual win.
“I just need to make that play, for real” Riley said afterward.
TOM BRADY CLUTCH 🐐
The Goat does it to the Jets again
(via @Buccaneers)pic.twitter.com/f3JZNNrSOR
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 2, 2022
That one play marred what was otherwise a solid return for the safety. Sunday was Riley’ first game back from a serious-looking concussion a few weeks ago. He finished with six tackles and one TFL.
Riley will be remembered for his lapse in coverage, though. That mishap ultimately cost the Jets an upset over the playoff-bound Buccaneers.
“There’s no moral victories.” Riley said. “So what, we played close? We’ve got to finish it and get the win.”
