Jets vs. Steelers score, takeaways: Zach Wilson, New York rally late to spoil Kenny Pickett’s rookie debut

PITTSBURGH — Down 20-10, it appeared that the Jets would step apart because the Kenny Pickett period formally kicked off in Pittsburgh. Instead, the Jets rallied to pull off a dramatic 24-20 victory, their second late-game rally in three weeks. Conversely, the Steelers fell to 1-3 after falling for the third time in as many weeks. 

The comeback began when Zach Wilson — making his season debut — hit Corey Davis for a five-yard rating with 7:41 left. Michael Carter then picked off Pickett on Pittsburgh’s ensuing possession. The choose arrange Breece Hall’s game-winning, one-yard rating with 16 seconds left. 

New York’s comeback was fueled by Wilson and a protection that got here up with three picks of Pickett, who changed Mitch Trubisky after the Steelers trailed 10-6 at halftime. Wilson threw for 252 yards whereas additionally catching his first profession landing to give the Jets an early 10-0 lead. 

Here’s a more in-depth take a look at what transpired in Pittsburgh. 

Why the Jets received 

New York got here up with the large performs within the sport’s remaining moments. Carter’s choose got here after Pickett hit George Pickens for a 26-yard acquire that put the ball on the Jets’ 31-yard line. New York capitalized on the choose after Wilson made a number of clutch throws that included an eight-yard acquire to Tyler Conklin on a Third-and-6 play. 

Why the Steelers misplaced 

Turnovers plagued the Steelers, who’re 1-3 for the primary time since 2019. Pittsburgh’s two turnovers led to 10 New York factors. The Steelers misplaced the turnover battle regardless of interceptions from Cam Sutton and Minkah Fitzpatrick. And whereas they had been good for a lot of the sport, Pittsburgh’s protection gave up two late scores. They additionally registered only one sack on Wilson regardless of placing constant stress on the second-year quarter. 

Turning level 

Pittsburgh had all of the momentum after Pickett entered the competition. His first landing run — following Fitzpatrick’s interception — gave the Steelers the lead. The lead swelled to 10 factors after Pickett capped off a 12-play, 82-yard drive along with his second landing run with 13:36 left. Carter’s choose, nevertheless, flipped the sport on its head whereas jump-starting the Jets’ comeback. 

Play of the sport 

Wilson’s landing catch was the results of a perfectly-executed play, as Garrett Wilson, upon receiving the ball after stepping into movement, handed it again to Berrios, who took a number of steps earlier than lofting his move to a wide-open Wilson. Wilson added to the play’s lore by doing “The Griddy” within the Steelers’ finish zone. 

What’s subsequent 

The Steelers will journey to Buffalo to face the Bills. This marks the third straight 12 months the Steelers have performed in Buffalo. Pittsburgh misplaced a late-season sport in Buffalo in 2020 earlier than upsetting the favored Bills in Week 1 final season. 

New York will return dwelling to host a Dolphins group that’s coming off their first lack of the 2022 season. The group has additionally come beneath intense scrutiny for its dealing with of Tua Tagovailoa’s well being in current weeks. While Tagovailoa has not been formally dominated out, one ought to count on the Dolphins to begin veteran and former Pro Bowl quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for subsequent Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Jets.