During last week’s NFL owners meeting, following the New York Jets’ trade for Davante Adams just a day after falling to 2-4 in the season, owner Woody Johnson declared that his team was “going to kick … you can fill the word in.”
Perhaps that turnaround begins next week.
This season, the Jets were anticipated to be contenders for the Super Bowl or, at the very least, end the longest playoff drought in American professional sports, while many predicted that the Pittsburgh Steelers would finally conclude their streak of non-losing seasons. However, there is a distinguishing factor between the Jets and the Steelers.
Despite acquiring Adams, the Jets’ situation hasn’t improved. They still appear to lack direction this season, suffering a 37-15 defeat against the Steelers, bringing their record to 2-5.
The Steelers, on the other hand, didn’t show any signs of struggle, even with a change at quarterback. They boast a record of 5-2, including a win with Russell Wilson starting as quarterback. Wilson took over for Justin Fields, and after a sluggish start, he managed to make pivotal plays, leading the Steelers to their highest point total of the season.
It was not a favorable game for the Jets. Perhaps they will consider making another trade this week.
Wilson’s first start with the Steelers did not begin on a high note. He struggled initially to find his rhythm, or perhaps he needed time to recognize how exceptional George Pickens is at contested catches. Once Pickens made a few significant plays, Wilson began to find his stride.
Initially, the Jets seized the lead. Breece Hall and Tyler Conklin each scored touchdowns, giving the Jets a 15-13 advantage at halftime. However, being the 2024 Jets, their momentum ultimately fizzled out.
Rodgers experienced unfortunate interceptions against undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. The first interception was a result of Bishop’s impressive one-handed snag. The second was a well-thrown ball by Rodgers that unfortunately bounced off the normally reliable Garrett Wilson’s chest and was intercepted by Bishop, who returned it to the 1-yard line. Wilson capitalized on that opportunity and scored on the following play with a quarterback sneak.
The second half was a strong performance by the Steelers. It would have been easy for head coach Mike Tomlin to stick with Justin Fields after a solid start, but he has consistently endorsed Wilson since acquiring him. Fields started due to Wilson’s injured calf, but Tomlin returned to Wilson when he was healthy. The outcome speaks for itself.
In contrast, the Jets are struggling to find any effective solutions this season.
Jets’ season slipping away
The Jets dismissed Robert Saleh. They faced defeat against the Buffalo Bills in their next game. They acquired Adams, only to lose to the Steelers afterwards.
They continue to deepen their struggles. New York aimed to make a significant push with Rodgers, especially after he tore his Achilles in the season opener last year, seemingly leaving them with only one last chance. The Jets have looked amiss all season. While Rodgers has shown glimpses of his past brilliance, the team has overall been too careless to secure victories. The defense, previously strong over the last two seasons, hasn’t maintained its dominance. Almost everything about the Jets feels slightly off.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are consistently winning, as expected. Wilson has been the target of numerous jokes following his struggles with the Denver Broncos and an unimpressive preseason, yet Tomlin recognized the potential in making the switch. He consistently referred to Wilson’s successful background, and on Sunday night, Wilson resembled the player who once starred with the Seattle Seahawks. While there is a chance Wilson could revert to his previous form in Denver, his initial showing with the Steelers was encouraging. He appeared to be a quarterback capable of distributing the ball effectively and enhancing the play of Pickens, the team’s premier playmaker.
Things always
Things seem to be going well for the Steelers, while the Jets are experiencing a different fate, which may not be purely coincidental.
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In another significant debut of the evening, Russell Wilson contributed 145 yards and a touchdown for Pittsburgh. Notably, in three of Justin Fields’ six starts this season, he managed to throw for 145 yards or less throughout the entire game.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 20: Davante Adams #17 of the New York Jets is tackled by Joey Porter Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
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