Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) greets fans as he heads...

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) greets fans as he heads to the locker room after during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Pittsburgh. Credit: AP/Gene J. Puskar

OFFENSE: B- It certainly wasn’t pretty, but the offense did just enough to get the win in Zach Wilson’s 2022 debut. Wilson wasn’t sharp. He only completed 18 of 36 passes, threw one touchdown and two interceptions. One was totally his fault, an overthrow that cost the Jets’ points since it came near the goal line. He also made some bad throws, missing his receivers. But Wilson moved well and avoided sacks all game with his mobility. He led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, including the game-winner. Wilson also scored a receiving touchdown, as the Jets showed some creativity on offense. The Jets receivers, especially Corey Davis, made some big catches. The offensive line, which never played a game snap together before Sunday and suffered another injury, held up pretty well. Wilson was pressured but sacked just once.

DEFENSE: B The Jets’ defense responded after a rough game last week. The Steelers are hardly a good offense. They ended up going from veteran QB Mitch Trubisky to rookie Kenny Pickett at halftime because they needed a spark. The defense finished the game with four takeaways and three sacks. Safety LaMarcus Joyner, who hadn’t played well, had two picks. Safety Jordan Whitehead had one and nickel cornerback Michael Carter had the one that helped set up the game-winning touchdown. The Jets made some bad and costly penalties. Carl Lawson, who had a sack, also was flagged for a roughing the passer just before the half. It gave the Steelers one more play and Chris Boswell kicked a 59-yard field goal. C.J. Mosley also had a 15-yard personal foul penalty.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B The Jets didn’t have a big day in the return game. They totaled 14 yards on a kickoff punt return by Ty Johnson. Braxton Berrios fair caught his four punts and didn’t get an opportunity to return a kick (two touchbacks, one went out of bounds). The Jets only gave up 23 total return yards. Kicker Greg Zuerlein made his only field-goal attempt (38 yards) and hit all three of his extra points.

COACHING: A- There were some good signs on Sunday. The offense was more creative. Coordinator Mike LaFleur did a good job mixing up the play-calling and freezing the Steelers’ defense on the play that ended up being a Berrios-to-Wilson touchdown. The Jets also made a switch on the offensive line, moving guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to left tackle. Wilson was only sacked once. The Jets’ clock management at the end of the game to give the Steelers the ball back with just 18 seconds left was good. The defense looked better.

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