Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Jets went to Pittsburgh and improved their road record to 2-0 for the first time since 2015 with a 24-20 comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his return to action under center, Jets quarterback Zach Wilson found his groove late in the game trailing 20-10. The theme of this game for the Jets was resiliency in times of adversity. Wilson and the Jets offense were able to overcome foolish penalties, turnovers, and yet another injury to their offensive line in the game.
Zach Wilson was on the money in the crunch time of the game, converting clutch second and third and longs to keep the offense on the field. Following Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett’s rushing touchdown to make it 20-10 Steelers in the fourth quarter, Wilson responded with poise. He converted a big third down and six and then fourth down and seven to keep the drive intact. Wilson capped off that 11 play 81 yard drive with a five yard strike to wide receiver Corey Davis to pull the Jets within three.
Despite the revolving door that is the offensive line, Wilson maintained his cool with the pocket collapsing on him in what seemed like every play. Quick but smart decision making and pinpoint accuracy allowed Wilson to lead the Jets to victory in the fourth quarter.
The Jets defense provided its team with the opportunity to win the game after cornerback Michael Carter II intercepted Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett with 3:34 remaining in the game. The Jets defense wound up with three interceptions on the day which resulted in 10 total points for the Jets offense.
With a shot at proving to the Jets organization that he is capable of leading a game winning drive, Wilson overcame a couple penalties committed by his offense and drove 57 yards on the final drive. Wilson handed the ball off to his elusive rookie running back Breece Hall. Hall put his head down and then extended the ball over the goal line to give the Jets the lead with just 18 seconds remaining and essentially seal the deal. Wilson finished his return game going 18 for 36, with 252 yards, a touchdown pass, touchdown reception and two interceptions.
The Jets offensive line woes continued as rookie right tackle Max Mitchell was ruled out for the game with a knee injury in the 2nd quarter. Even with Mitchell in the game for a majority of the first half, the Jets offensive line struggled immensely. Despite the offensive line being so depleted, Wilson was sacked just once.
The Jets defense set the tone of the game early on just the second drive of the game for the Steelers offense. Safety Lamarcus Joyner intercepted Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky after his pass tipped off wide receiver Diontae Johnson’s hands. The Jets offense was able to then get into field goal range and take an early three to nothing lead at the time.
Both rookie defensive end Jermaine Johnson and veteran defensive end Carl Lawson registered their first sacks as New York Jets. Both sacks lead to the Steelers punting the football away.
The defensive pressure that the Jets put on Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky led to him being removed from the game before the start of the second half. Outside from rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett’s pair of rushing touchdowns, Gang Green’s defense got the last laugh with a Lamarcus Joyner interception on a last second hail mary.
The Jets improve to 2-2 on the season and will be at Metlife stadium next Sunday to take on the Miami Dolphins at 1:00 p.m.
Notes:
- The Jets did in fact utilize Breece Hall in this game. He rumbled for 66 yards on 17 carries and had the game winning touchdown.
- Zach Wilson caught a two yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Braxton Berrios in the first quarter.
- Rookie right tackle Max Mitchell who left the game in the second quarter was reportedly using crutches to get around and had a large knee brace on his knee.
