Early in the New York Jets’ Sunday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it seemed as though the momentum was shifting in favor of Gang Green.
However, things took a turn in the second half, and the Jets’ offense struggled to keep up with the Russell Wilson-led Steelers.
The Jets led 7-3 in the first quarter and extended their lead to 15-6 midway through the second.
But a few costly mistakes and a lack of defensive stops resulted in a 37-15 loss, as the Steelers scored 31 unanswered points, including 24 in the final two quarters.
One of the crucial mistakes was a drop by wide receiver Garrett Wilson that led to an interception with just over a minute left in the first half.
The Steelers capitalized with a field goal before halftime, which marked a shift in momentum. After the game, Wilson acknowledged the impact of the play.
Speaking to reporters, the third-year pro and 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year took responsibility for the team’s loss.
“I don’t take it lightly … I feel like I was the reason we lost the game. S*** can’t happen. It’s a terrible play,” Wilson said.
“It’s like a culmination of me developing bad habits and not attacking the ball in the game. I’ve just got to fix it. I’ve got good hands; I have to use them to catch the ball.”
While Wilson’s drop and subsequent interception were certainly damaging, it would be unfair to blame the entire second-half collapse on a single play.
It’s commendable to see the 24-year-old take accountability, but the issues on Sunday night went beyond that one mistake.
The Jets failed to score a single point in the second half, while the Steelers’ offense dominated in the final two quarters.
Wilson ended the game tied for the most targets among Jets players, with nine.
He also recorded the second-highest receiving yards, finishing with five catches for 61 yards.
While the recent trade for wide receiver Davante Adams may mean Wilson faces less defensive attention, he remains a top target every week.
Most importantly, if Wilson and Adams can develop the one-two punch that many expect, it could go a long way toward addressing the Jets’ current offensive struggles.
