A pair of sub-.500 AFC teams take the field in search of a victory that would even their record in the Steel City. The New York Jets are on the road as they make the trip to face the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday afternoon. New York was dropped 27-12 by Cincinnati at home, failing to cover as a 6.5-point underdog last Sunday in their previous contest. Pittsburgh was beaten 29-17 on the road by Cleveland, failing to cover as a 4.5-point underdog in their previous contest last Thursday. In the all-time regular season series between the teams, the Steelers own a commanding 18-6 advantage though the Jets took the last meeting, prevailing 16-10 at home on December 22, 2019.
New York couldn’t build off their improbable last-minute win over the Browns as they were handled relatively easily by the Bengals at home last week. The Jets dropped to 1-2 on the season and hope to even their record as last season’s first-round pick, Zach Wilson, is expected to make his season debut under center as he sustained a knee injury in preseason. Against the Bengals, the Jets never led, giving up a 56-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the opening quarter to go down 14-6. They never got closer than that the rest of the way. New York was outgained only 330-328 in total offense, gave up 20 first downs while picking up 19 and were edged 32:24 to 27:36 in time of possession. Turnovers were the name of the game as the Jets coughed the ball up four times, leading to 10 Cincinnati points, while they forced only one takeaway.
On the year, the Jets are 5th in the lea gue in passing offense as they average 286 yards per game through the air. The team is 26th in the league in rushing offense as they put up an average of 84 yards per contest. New York is 20th in the league in scoring offense as they put up only 17.3 points per game. The Jets are 26th in the league in scoring defense as they allow an average of 27 points per contest. Joe Flacco has completed 91 of 155 passes for 901 yards with five touchdowns against three interceptions while getting sacked nine times. Punter Braden Mann completed his lone pass attempt for 17 yards. Michael Carter is the leader on the ground for the Jets as he has 28 carries for 122 yards this season. Breece Hall contributes 21 carries for 112 yards in his part of the timeshare. In the passing game, rookie Garrett Wilson leads the team with 18 catches for 214 yards plus two scores. Corey Davis (10 receptions, 187 yards, TD), Tyler Conklin (18 catches, 140 yards, TD), Elijah Moore (12 receptions, 139 yards) and Hall (13 grabs, 101 yards, TD) have all gone over the century mark in receiving yards. Greg Zuerlein is four of five on extra point attempts and six of seven on field goal tries with a long of 57 this season.
The Jets have a very light injury report for this game as there are only two names on it. Linebacker Quincy Williams has been ruled out with an ankle injury while cornerback Brandin Echols is questionable with a hamstring injury. Keep an eye out for an update on his status.