A new face in the lineup led to a win on “Sunday Night Football.” And no, we’re not talking about Davante Adams and the New York Jets.
Playing in his Pittsburgh debut after returning from a calf injury that had sidelined him since the preseason, quarterback Russell Wilson shook off a pair of shaky drives to throw for 264 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-15 win against New York.
The Steelers are now 5-2.
Though Justin Fields had led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record in Wilson’s place, the team opted to give Wilson, the team’s starter coming out of training camp, a shot once his health improved. Wilson misfired on early throws against the Jets but soon found rhythm with deep touch passes and completed five passes to receiver George Pickens for 111 yards.
The quarterback-to-receiver connection everyone wanted to see was Adams in his reunion with former Green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers. The Jets traded with Las Vegas for Adams days earlier as part of a drama-filled week that included firing head coach Robert Saleh and demoting play caller Nathaniel Hackett. But inserting Adams, who lived with Rodgers during the week, into the starting lineup did not jump-start the offense as New York fell to 2-5.
Adams was targeted nine times but finished with three catches for 30 yards. His presence created room for teammates, but the Jets struggled to finish drives after Rodgers was intercepted twice by Beanie Bishop Jr.
Rodgers finished with 276 yards with a touchdown, as well.
The silver lining for the Jets’ weekend is that pass rusher Haason Reddick ended his contract holdout Sunday, allowing New York to insert a player with 58 career sacks into a defense that has dealt with attrition.
Steelers QB Russell Wilson talks return to action
Final: Steelers win, 37-15
Pittsburgh’s unexpectedly strong start continues to 5-2. For a team that started the season with two quarterbacks who weren’t wanted elsewhere — Justin Fields, in Chicago, and Russell Wilson, in Denver — the Steelers currently sit in first place in the AFC North, though Baltimore (4-2) can match them Monday night.
For the Jets, the issues go deeper than production at receiver. Injuries have decimated the secondary and Rodgers hasn’t been sharp.
Jets fail to convert key fourth down
Pittsburgh’s defensive line has been so adept tonight at jumping when Aaron Rodgers releases the ball and getting their arms into passing lanes. It led to another consequential stop with 7:53 to play in this fourth quarter when Steelers interior lineman Keeanu Benton swatted down a pass on 4th-and-5 and the Jets only 25 yards from the end zone. That's a call interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich will want back.
Touchdown, Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ lead grows, 30-15, after Russell Wilson finds Van Jefferson on an out-route for a four-yard touchdown catch. Wilson is now 15-for-28 passing with two touchdowns and 228 yards.
With 12:09 left in the fourth quarter, the Jets are facing a difficult comeback; little has gone right since last scoring in the second quarter.
Here are the Jets’ last four drives:
- Interception
- Punt
- Interception
- Missed field goal
Pittsburgh blocks New York’s field goal
New York’s Greg Zuerlein has his 35-yard field goal blocked to maintain Pittsburgh’s 23-15 lead. The Steelers had four players with a hand in the air right in position to block the kick in a remarkable play. Per the ‘Sunday Night Football’ broadcast, the Steelers lead the NFL since 2022 with nine blocks on punts, field goals and point-after attempts.
Aaron Rodgers playing with a bloody hand
A close-up shot showed blood covering the top of the Jets quarterback’s left hand. In many sports, the presence of blood will lead to an immediate pause in play to put a stop to bleeding, but that hasn’t happened in Pittsburgh. Rodgers throws with his right hand.
Injuries piling up for New York
Offensive lineman Xavier Newman went down awkwardly after being blocked during Pittsburgh’s interception return and players and coaches have surrounding him in a scary scene. Previously tonight, safety Tony Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) were both downgraded as doubtful to return.
Beanie Bishop Jr. nearly scores defensive TD for Pittsburgh
Bishop has now intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice tonight, and returned the latest all the way to the 1-yard line of New York. The pass appeared as though it bounced off of receiver Garrett Wilson’s chest plate before Bishop caught it.
Steelers 16, Jets 15
Chris Boswell is now 3-for-3 on field goals tonight with his latest a 21-yarder to put the Steelers ahead with 7:49 to play in the third quarter.
What a pair of catches
Pittsburgh’s George Pickens somehow was able to keep his focus and catch a juggling ball from Russell Wilson. Only seconds later, Pat Freiermuth caught a pass one-handed on yet another high-arching touch pass thrown by Wilson.
