Mitchell Redeems Himself: Scores TD with Jets After Error with Colts

In MetLife Stadium, New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell scored his first touchdown in the NFL this Sunday, two months after an incident that could have been his first touchdown but ended in a comical play. During his time with the Indianapolis Colts, Mitchell was close to scoring a 75-yard touchdown in Week 4, but he fumbled the ball just before crossing the goal line. This resulted in a touchback, a mistake that affected the Colts’ seven-point loss to the Los Angeles Rams. This time, Mitchell had his moment of redemption with a 52-yard touchdown reception, one of the key plays in the Jets’ 27-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium.

Yes, that definitely crosses my mind. But it was a point of growth and learning, so all I could do was grow and learn from it. And the only thing I had in mind [on Sunday] was simply to finish, finish, finish, finish.

Adonai Mitchell

Mitchell finished the game with eight receptions for 102 yards, his first 100-yard-plus game of his NFL career. He excelled in crucial moments, with two receptions for 15 yards on the winning offensive drive, which culminated in a 56-yard field goal by Nick Folk as time expired. The Jets, who overcame a seven-point deficit in the final quarter, snapped a two-game losing streak and improved their record to 3-9.

This was Mitchell’s third game with the Jets, who acquired him in a last-minute trade. They sent star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts in exchange for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, as well as Mitchell.

At that time, Mitchell was considered a secondary player.

He was never a secondary player. He was a guy we wanted. … I hope to see him progress as the season goes on and that he returns next year and is an important part of what we’re doing.

Aaron Glenn, coach

Since the trade, the Jets are 2-2. The Colts are 1-2, and Gardner suffered a calf injury on Sunday. Meanwhile, Mitchell has established himself as a starting player, a possible complement to Garrett Wilson (knee sprain), currently on the injured list. Mitchell recounted that he was watching videos with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, preparing for a game against the Falcons, when the trade went through. I was surprised, but after the surprise disappeared, I was excited. [I was] excited for a new chapter, excited for a new beginning, just to leave everything in the past. I guess life comes full circle to get the first against Atlanta, so I’m happy to be a Jet, man. Mitchell’s 52-yard touchdown came as the Jets trailed 14-7 in the third quarter. He ran a deep route against cornerback Mike Hughes, who had single coverage. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor recognized the favorable matchup and threw the ball long, 52 air yards, the third-longest distance for the Jets in the last 15 years. The pass was slightly short, so Mitchell had to turn around. He made the reception falling backward into the end zone, landing with his rear on the goal line. It was the longest scrimmage play of the season for the Jets. AD is a very special talent. Seeing his routes and the routes in the air, seeing how he practices every day, means a lot to him. If you put the ball near him, he’s going to catch it. Mitchell achieved the first 100+ receiving yard game of the season for the Jets. Being a substitute with the Colts, his playing time was reduced after his mistake against the Rams, now he has a prominent role with the Jets.

I’d say the ups and downs definitely play with your confidence a little bit. I always knew who I can be, but it always depended on me, whether it was finishing or just paying attention to the details.

Adonai Mitchell

Mitchell remembered how he almost scored his first touchdown last season. It was against the Jets at MetLife, a 33-yard reception in which he dove, but was stopped inches from the goal line. He beat his man on a crossing route. The cornerback on the play? It was Gardner.