The New York Jets played the role of spoiler in Kenny Pickett’s debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 24-20.
Week 4 was quite the emotional rollercoaster for Pittsburgh Steelers fans. They watched Mitch Trubisky struggle in the first half against the New York Jets. Then, at halftime, the decision was made for Trubisky to move to the bench, and for rookie Kenny Pickett to get the start.
Even though the Steelers offense got a spark with Pickett, the Jets walked away with a last-second 24-20 victory to improve to 2-2 on the season. As for the Steelers, they fall to 1-3 on the year.
Twitter reacts to Jets pulling off last-second win over Steelers
Twitter users took the time to react to Pickett’s NFL debut get ruined by the Jets.
https://twitter.com/JMackeyPG/status/1576666212893102080?s=20&t=J20dafLn4Y8yvJxR4uutPw
The Jets were in control for the first half, as they took an early 10-0 after a 38-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein in the first quarter, and a Zach Wilson touchdown reception in the second. With the Steelers trailing 10-6, head coach Mike Tomlin put Pickett in the game, and touchdowns were scored.
Pickett’s first pass of his career was an interception caused by wide receiver Chase Claypool tipping the ball up into the air, allowing Jets safety Jordan Whitehead to catch it. Yet, in Pittsburgh’s next two offensive drives, Pickett scored two rushing touchdowns to give the Steelers a 20-10 lead.
Much like they did in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns, the Jets were all business and came to life in the fourth quarter. With over seven minutes remaining, Wilson connected with wide receiver Corey Davis on a five-yard touchdown. Then on the final drive, Wilson was a perfect 5-for-5 on pass attempts for 57 yards, setting up a two-yard touchdown run by rookie Breece Hall with 16-seconds remaining in regulation to take a late 24-20 lead.
Pickett attempted to get the win for Pittsburgh, as he connected with rookie wide receiver George Pickens for a 27-yard gain. However, his Hail Mary attempt was picked off in the end zone.
Wilson completed 18-of-36 pass attempts for 252 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Pickett threw for 120 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 10-of-13 pass attempts. Pickett ran for 15 yards and two touchdowns on six carries.
The Jets look to go above .500 for the first time this season with a win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. As for the Steelers, they have to face the tough Buffalo Bills, one that came back from a 20-3 deficit to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in Week 4.