Russell Wilson and the Steelers’ offense stumbled out of the gate, but then they found their rhythm and rolled, scoring 31 unanswered points in a 37-15 win over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.
Wilson was 16-for-29 for 264 yards, and threw touchdown passes to George Pickens and Van Jefferson. He also pushed his way into the end zone for a touchdown on a keeper. Rookie nickel corner Beanie Bishop grabbed his first two career interceptions.
The Steelers rallied from a 15-6 deficit late in the first half to score on an 11-yard toss to Pickens with 27 seconds left in the second quarter. Then they scored all four times they had the ball in the second half, on Chris Boswell’s third field goal of the game, Wilson’s one-yard plunge, a 4-yard pass to Jefferson early in the fourth quarter, and a 10-yard run by Najee Harris to close it out with 26 second left to play. Harris topped 100 yards rushing for the second straight game, running for 102 yards. And the Steelers blocked a field goal, the third straight game where the special teams blocked a kick.
Coach Mike Tomlin says the Steelers brought their “A” game.
Tomlin says Wilson was just what the Steelers needed to jump start their offense.
The Steelers actually blocked two kicks, a 35-yard field goal attempt and an extra-point attempt that Minkah Fitzpatrick blocked but was penalized on for using “leverage”, which the Steelers argued against unsuccessfully.
Tomlin says special teams coordinator Danny Smith has developed “a block culture” for the Steelers.
The Steelers offense was booed after their first three possessions, which were three-and-outs, but Wilson says they were patient.
Pickens and the receiving corps took advantage of the Jets’ soft coverage.
75 of Harris’ 102 yards rushing were in the second half, when the Steelers wore down the Jets’ defense.
Starting cornerback Donte Jackson left the game with a shoulder injury and did not return. He was replaced by James Pierre. Backup lineman Montravious Adams was questionable to start but did play. He left the action with a knee injury.
Checking the rest of the AFC North, the Bengals and Browns played a Division game, with Cincinnati downing Cleveland, 21-14. The Browns lost quarterback Deshaun Watson with a torn Achilles tendon. The Bengals are 3-4, the Browns 1-6. The 4-2 Baltimore Ravens play at Tampa Bay tonight.
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