Zach Wilson got the perfect brand of welcome back present as the Jets topped Pittsburgh
When it comes to the Zach Wilson era, the New York Jets appear to be “Hall” in.
Breece Hall‘s one-yard score with 16 seconds remaining was the victorious difference in the Jets 24-20 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Jets (2-2) enjoyed a victory in Wilson’s 2022 season debut after he was kept out of the first three games due to a preseason knee injury.
New York jumped out to a 10-0 lead, keeping the Steelers off the board with a Lamarcus Joyner interception of Mitchell Trubisky and scoring their first touchdown of the day in magic fashion: Wilson showed off an unsung part of his repertoire, catching a two-yard pass via trickery from Braxton Berrios.
Thanks to Lamarcus Joyner, the Jets have the ball
(via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/uFYkjalAnb
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 2, 2022
ITS A WILLY SPECIAL ✈️
Zach Wilson catches a touchdown pass from Braxton Berrios in his first game of the year 🙌
(🎥: @NFL) | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/OSPn35rMy2
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 2, 2022
With both teams showcasing their kickers over the rest of the first half, the Jets were able to bring a 10-6 lead into the halftime locker room. When they emerged, the Steelers opted to replace Trubisuky with first-round choice and potential franchise quarterback Kenny Pickett. New York granted him a rude welcoming him to the NFL, as his first career professional pass was intercepted by Jordan Whitehead.
Jordan Whitehead comes down with the INT on the Kenny Pickett deep ball
📺: #NYJvsPIT on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/95ssqnYCaC pic.twitter.com/vZzjnIQ6BJ— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
No one, of course, thought that the Jets’ conquest was going to be so simple: Minkah Fitzpatrick changed the momentum with an interception of Wilson and a big runback, setting up Pickett’s first touchdown in ground fashion. It didn’t take long for him to make a return trip, as he capped off a 12-play, 82-yard trek with another punch-in that created a seemingly impenetrable 20-10 lead.
Minkah Fitzpatrick with the big INT and return!
📺: #NYJvsPIT on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/95ssqnYCaC pic.twitter.com/VX7JRuPTaS— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
KENNY PICKETT TOUCHDOWN.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/DzMoXGybOF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 2, 2022
Just in case one Kenny Pickett touchdown wasn't enough, here's a second.pic.twitter.com/gEclvmUIuM
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) October 2, 2022
But deja vu all over again lingered from Cleveland, as the Jets were able to snag another improbable comeback: things started off with Wilson’s touchdown toss to Corey Davis, while Michael Carter II intercepted a tipped Pickett pass on the next possession.
Corey Davis & Zach Wilson connection was huge on this drive pic.twitter.com/m2VuLol0fl
— JMeleka (@Jmeleka) October 2, 2022
HUGE PLAY @mcarter2nd x @iamSauceGardner#NYJvsPIT on CBS pic.twitter.com/uv44syNbRb
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 2, 2022
That led to the final heroics, with Hall’s punch in capping off a 10-play, 65-yard trek. Wilson was a perfect 5-for-5 on the final journey, accounting for all but eight yards on the last tally.
Breece Hall scores with 9 seconds left! The @nyjets take the lead!
📺: #NYJvsPIT on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/95ssqnYCaC pic.twitter.com/BCyJVfuZDf— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
The Jets return home next weekend to battle the Miami Dolphins on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
