Steelers Let Late Lead Slip Away, Lose to Jets 24-20

PITTSBURGH — Breece Hall scored from 2-yards out on a play where he nearly fumbled and the New York Jets escaped Pittsburgh with a last-second 24-20 victory over the Steelers.

Hall was going into the end zone with just seconds left on the clock when he was hit by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. He was initially ruled to have fumbled forward into the end zone, but after video review, it was determined that he broke the plane before fumbling.

The Hall score capped an 11-play, 65-yard New York scoring drive as the Jets capitalized on the second interception by Pittsburgh rookie Kenny Pickett.

On the day, Hall was not the big problem for the Steelers defense, which largely kept him bottled up to the tune of 66 yards on 17 carries.

The big problem was the four turnovers from the Pittsburgh offense, three of which came in the run of play. The Steelers defense yielded 10 of 24 points on drives immediately after a turnover.

Pickett attempted a last-second heave after the Hall score, but his Hail Mary was intercepted. After replacing Mitch Trubisky at halftime, Pickett finished 10 of 13 for 120 yards and three interceptions. He also ran six times for 15 yards and two touchdowns. Trubisky was 7 of 13 for 84 yards and one interception before his benching.

Najee Harris had his most productive day of the season, rushing 18 times for 74 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and George Pickens came alive, catching six balls for 102 yards. 

But the negative plays sunk the Pittsburgh offense. In addition to the interceptions, the Steelers gave up three sacks and were penalized six times on offense.

The Pittsburgh defense got more pressure against young Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, but could only sack him once. He threw 36 times, completing 18 for 252 and a touchdown. The Jets also scored on a trick play, with receiver Braxton Berrios throwing to a wide-open Wilson.

The Steelers stumble leaves them heading into the meat of their schedule with a 1-3 record. They’ll visit Buffalo next week.