NFL: Kenny Pickett replaces Mitch Trubisky, but Zach Wilson makes a successful comeback
Breece Hall ran for a two-yard touchdown with 16 seconds left and Zach Wilson and the New York Jets ruined Kenny Pickett’s debut in Pittsburgh by rallying for a 24-20 win over the Steelers on Sunday.
The Jets (2-2) won in Pittsburgh for only the second time in franchise history after Wilson – making his season debut – led them into the field late following the second of three interceptions of Pickett.
Wilson orchestrated a Jets 65-yard streak in 10 plays, the last two coming as Hall blasted his way across the goal line. The play was initially ruled a fumble at the one-yard line, but the replay confirmed it was a touchdown.
« It felt like the first time that as an offense we didn’t feel stagnant, we didn’t feel timid, » Wilson said. Everyone was playing fast. Everyone was aware of the calls. It’s so much fun to play like that. »
Wilson finished his game with 18 completions on 36 attempts for 252 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in his first game since injuring his right knee in the preseason opener. He also became the first quarterback in Jets history to catch a touchdown when he completed a two-yard pass from Braxton Berrios in the second quarter of the New York version of the » Philly Special « .
« I have the best hands on the team, » Wilson said with a laugh.
The touchdown gave New York a 10-point lead. The Jets led 10-6 at the half and the Steelers made a move that became inevitable, inserting Pickett in place of struggling Mitch Trubisky.
Pickett walked onto the same field where he played collegiate at the University of Pittsburgh to a massive ovation. Pickett provided an immediate spark, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to run for a pair of touchdowns on his debut, the second a two-yard run that gave the Steelers (1-3) a lead 20-10 with 1:41 to go.
« I’m just playing with great motivation, » Pickett said. It’s something I wanted to bring to the table. I do not like losing. It’s not a good feeling. »
Wilson responded with a five-yard touchdown pass to Corey Davis that closed the Jets to 20-17 with 7:35 left.
Pickett intercepted on his debut but scored 2 rushing touchdowns
Pickett then drove the Steelers into New York territory, but his pass to Pat Freiermuth was intercepted by Michael Carter II.
Pickett went 10-for-13 for 120 yards and three interceptions, the last being a desperation pass in the end zone on the last play of the game that was caught by Lamarcus Joyner, giving the Jets the win.
Mike Tomlin declined to announce a starter for next week’s trip to Buffalo, though it’s hard to imagine him returning to Trubisky after Pickett provided a palpable jolt by completing 10 of 13 passes for 120 yards.
« I think he did some good things, » Tomlin said of Pickett. I thought there was energy in there. »
