Lavonte David’s dumb penalty hands New York Jets a win

The New York Jets were expected to be one of the biggest jokes of the NFL season, but they managed to pull out a victory in their first game. They can thank Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David for the assist.

David pushed Geno Smith after the Jets quarterback had already stepped out of bounds around the Tampa Bay 45-yard line with a few seconds left in the game. David was hit with a 15-yard personal foul that gave the Jets the ball at the 30. Instead of needing to throw a Hail Mary to win it, the Jets had kicker Nick Folk line up for a 48-yard field goal that he made to give them a shocking 18-17 comeback win.

David only pushed Smith when he was a step out of bounds, but that was enough to draw the penalty and give the Jets a chance at the winning kick. The penalty wiped out what was otherwise a good game for David. He had 8 tackles — two for a loss including a sack — and two passes defended.

Also credit Smith for putting the Jets in a position to win that game. They went 50 yards in 32 seconds (including the penalty).

GIF via B/R