Last Sunday, the New York Jets took on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Field (formerly known as Heinz Field). This was the first chance for Jets fans to get a look at second year quarterback Zach Wilson as this was his first game back from his knee injury that he suffered in the preseason. It was clear through the first three weeks of the season that the Jets missed their second year signal caller as he provided a 24-20 road victory over the Steelers.
In terms of the offense, they started out strong and finished up strong. It was the middle of the game where they struggled a bit. Wilson completed 18 of 36 passes for 252 yards, a passing touchdown, a rushing touchdown, but 2 interceptions. Prior to this game, Wilson had not thrown an interception since December 5, 2021 against the Eagles last season. In addition, Wilson was able to make a few off schedule plays that Flacco was unable to make the first three games of the season. The two interceptions could have been constantly for the Jets as they were trailing 20-10 early in the 4th quarter but the offense was able to make up for it.
In terms of the defense, they were able to rattle both Mitch Trubisky and the rookie Kenny Pickett. Trubisky had a very disappointing first half, which led to Steelers HC Mike Tomlin making the change to Pickett in the second half. Pickett appeared to give the Steelers a bit of momentum offensively, but he did throw 3 interceptions which can be expected with rookie quarterbacks. The second interception Pickett threw was the one that set up Zach Wilson for a game-winning drive. However, penalties continue to be a problem, particularly the personal fouls and if the Jets want to keep winning games, these need to be kept to a minimum.
This week, the Jets will head back home to take on the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. The Dolphins are still unsure who their quarterback will be next week after the traumatic injury that Tua Tagovailoa suffered last Thursday night. If Tua cannot play (Update: Will not play), it will be the former journeyman QB Teddy Bridgewater. If the Jets would like to get above .500 for the first time since Week 1, 2018, Wilson will need to be a bit smarter with the football, the defense will need to create turnovers, and penalties cannot be a major theme like they have been the past few years. The only problem is that the Jets have not won a divisional game since December 2019. Get excited Jets fans…it looks like Wilson has already made that sophomore leap…J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!!!
-Jack Henry Cicio
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