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 victory 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 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. »