Wilson Returns For Another Jets Comeback Win

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

 

For the second time in this young season, the New York Jets trailed entering the fourth quarter. The first time on the road against the Tennessee Titans, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco rallied the team to victory. Flacco couldn’t repeat the feat the following week when they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals. It prompted second year head coach Robert Saleh to start Zach Wilson who was hurt in his first preseason game and had to undergo right knee surgery. Wilson looked shaky at the start but with help of the defense, Gang Green mounted another comeback resulting in a 24-20 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

 

New York took a 10-6 halftime lead before the Steelers put 7 points on the board in the third quarter to take a 13-10 lead after back-up quarterback and first round draft pick Kenny Picket ran it in for 1-yard out. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season, benched starter Mitchell Trubisky to start the second half. Trubisky was 7-13, 84 yards and 1 interception.

 

Picket put the Steelers up by 10 after (20-10) scampering 2-yards with 13:36 left looking to even their record at 2-2. Wilson would get them to the end zone after finding wide receiver Corey Davis for the 5-yard touchdown pass closing the gap to 20-17. The defense stepped up as the Steelers were looking to close out the contest.

 

On the Jets 36, Pickett looks to connect on a short pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth. Jets cornerback Michael Carter steps in front for the interception. Wilson then moves the team into the end zone in 10 plays ending with running back Breece Hall running it in from 2-yards out. With only .16 seconds left, needing a miracle, Pickett gets picked off again this time by safety Lamarcus Joyner sealing the victory. The loss dropped the Steelers to 1-3. They face the Buffalo Bills this Sunday after the Bills came from behind to beat the Baltimore Ravens 23-20.

 

Wilson finished is day completing 18 passes in 36 attempts, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Said Wilson of the game winning drive, “you know from the beginning I think there was no doubt in my mind that the Jets would score.” Said Saleh on Wilson and his poise on the last drive, “he doesn’t flinch.”

 

The New York Jets will play their first division game of the year Sunday when they host the Miami Dolphins who will be without their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who suffered a concussion against the Bengals in their last game. Head coach Mike McDaniel said “there is no definite timeline” for Tagovailoa’s return. Teddy Bridgewater will be the starting quarterback for the Dolphins.