The Jets had already lost three defensive backfield starters in CB DJ Reed (groin), nickelback Michael Carter II (back) and safety Chuck Clark (IR, ankle), and lost safety Tony Adams to a hamstring injury. Gardner, who was out of the game for Pickens' TD in the second quarter, started the game with Brandin Echols at CB, Isaiah Oliver and Jalen Mills at safety. Ashtyn Davis replaced T. Adams (hamstring injury) in the second stanza but was sidelined in the second half with a head injury.

Things went poorly for the Jets in the second half. R. Wilson's 37- and 21-yard completions to Pickens and TE Pat Freiermuth set up a Boswell chip shot from 21 yards, giving the Steelers a 16-15 lead.

“We knew momentum going into this game was going to be a big part of it,” Ulbrich said. “Especially the environment we play in. And in these games you can’t miss out on the big plays because there’s just a huge change in momentum.”

Then Rodgers threw a perfect ball to Garrett Wilson, but it snuck up on the third-year wideout and bounced off his chest and into the waiting hands of Bishop. His 41-yard return to the NYJ 1-yard line set up R. Wilson's 1-yard sneak and the score was 23-15. On the ensuing drive, Rodgers took the Jets to the Steelers' 17, but points proved elusive as Greg Zeurlein's 35-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Thirteen plays later, R. Wilson hit Van Jefferson, son of Jets WR coach Shawn Jefferson, for a 4-yard TD and Pittsburgh suddenly had the Jets doubled, 30-15. Najee Harris rushed for 102 yards on 21 carries and capped the scoring with a 10-yard score with 26 seconds left.

“We just couldn’t get our layups,” Hall said. “I feel like we just made it difficult for ourselves and that was really frustrating. We were still able to move the ball up and down the field, but we just weren't able to score points. It sucks when we get to the red zone and just can't execute the way we need to. We just have to get better there.

Jetcetera
OIL Xavier Newmanwhich replaced RT Aliyah Vera Tucker (ankle), left the field on a stretcher after landing hard Patrick Queen Block up Beanie Bishopis the second INT. …Wideout Davante AdamsAcquired from the Raiders on Tuesday in exchange for a conditional 2025 third-round pick, he was on the field in the first half for 27 of the Jets' 29 games. During the game, Adams was targeted nine times and had 30 yards on three receptions. … WR George Pickens was a productive vertical threat throughout, averaging 22.2 yards for 111 yards on his 5 catches.

It wasn't just about safety Jalen Mills was left off the practice squad for the second straight year, but Mills had the starting job at safety Tony Adams. Mills was credited with 7 tackles, 1 TFL and 1 PD… Breece Hall Led the Jets with 103 yards on 6 grabs. … The Jets' 15-13 lead after two quarters was the team's third halftime advantage over the Steelers in 13 games in Pittsburgh. … Pittsburgh rushed 36 times for 149 yards (4.1 yards/att) and 2 touchdowns, while New York was limited to 54 yards on the ground on its 15 attempts (3.6 yards/att). … The Jets (2-5) will look to end their four-game losing streak next weekend when they play in New England with a division win in sight against the Patriots (1-6).