Jets vs. Steelers Week 4 preview: Everything you need to know for gameday
Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore runs after a catch against Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie during the first half in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sept. 25. Credit: Noah K. Murray
JETS (1-2) at STEELERS (1-2) ACRISURE STADIUM, 1 p.m.
VITALS
Line: Steelers by 3; O/U 41 1/2
TV/RADIO: CBS (Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta) / ESPN-98.7-FM; SiriusXM 132 or 391 and the SXM App
NOTABLE INJURIES
Jets: OUT: LB Quincy Williams (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: CB Brandin Echols (hamstring)
Steelers: OUT: CB Akhello Whitherspoon (hamstring)
MAX PROTECTION
The Jets have to step-up their protection with Zach Wilson back from knee surgery.
The ever-changing O-Line — which will start backup tackles Max Mitchell and Conor McDermott on Sunday — has struggled in protection.
Joe Flacco was pressured 37 times (seventh-most in the NFL) in the first three games and hit 17 times (second-highest).
No one in the organization wants to see Wilson running for his life against a Steelers’ defense that is missing 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt, but still tries to get after the quarterback. Linebacker Alex Highsmith leads the league with 4.5 sacks.
“It’s going to be a challenge for the protection system to hold up,” Robert Saleh said. “They push the pocket. They’re relentless in their pursuit for the quarterback.”
MORE OF MOORE
Elijah Moore has played more offensive snaps than any Jets’ receiver or running back, yet he’s only tied for third in targets (21) and has just 12 catches for 139 yards.
Those numbers are low when you consider the Jets have attempted 156 passes. Garrett Wilson, Tyler Conklin, Breece Hall and Michael Carter all have more catches than Moore.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said with confidence multiple times that Moore’s “time will come.”
NO OFFENSE
The Jets and Steelers have each scored just five touchdowns this season. Six teams have scored at least five in a game. The Jets are also one of five teams with no rushing touchdowns.
PLAYING FROM BEHIND
The Jets have held the lead for a total of 22 seconds out of 180 minutes this season. It was during their improbable win in Cleveland when they went ahead 31-30 with 22 seconds left.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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