Jets vs. Steelers score, takeaways: Zach Wilson, New York rally late to spoil Kenny Pickett's rookie debut

PITTSBURGH -- Down 20-10, it appeared that the Jets would step aside as the Kenny Pickett era officially kicked off in Pittsburgh. Instead, the Jets rallied to pull off a dramatic 24-20 victory, their second late-game rally in three weeks. Conversely, the Steelers fell to 1-3 after falling for the third time in as many weeks. 

The comeback started when Zach Wilson -- making his season debut -- hit Corey Davis for a five-yard score with 7:41 left. Michael Carter then picked off Pickett on Pittsburgh's ensuing possession. The pick set up Breece Hall's game-winning, 1-yard score with 16 seconds left. 

New York's comeback was fueled by Wilson and a defense that came up with three picks of Pickett, who replaced Mitch Trubisky after the Steelers trailed 10-6 at halftime. Wilson threw for 252 yards while also catching his first career touchdown to give the Jets an early 10-0 lead. 

Here's a closer look at what transpired in Pittsburgh. 

Why the Jets won 

New York came up with the big plays in the game's final moments. Carter's pick came after Pickett hit George Pickens for a 26-yard gain that put the ball on the Jets' 31-yard line. New York capitalized on the pick after Wilson made several clutch throws that included an eight-yard gain to Tyler Conklin on a 3rd-and-6 play. 

Why the Steelers lost 

Turnovers plagued the Steelers, who are 1-3 for the third time in the past four seasons. Pittsburgh's two turnovers led to 10 New York points. The Steelers lost the turnover battle despite interceptions from Cam Sutton and Minkah Fitzpatrick. And while they were good for most of the game, Pittsburgh's defense gave up two late scores. They also registered just one sack on Wilson despite putting consistent pressure on the second-year quarterback. 

Turning point 

Pittsburgh had all the momentum after Pickett entered the contest. His first touchdown run -- following Fitzpatrick's interception -- gave the Steelers the lead. The lead swelled to 10 points after Pickett capped off a 12-play, 82-yard drive with his second touchdown run with 13:36 left. Carter's pick, however, flipped the game on its head while jump-starting the Jets' comeback. 

Play of the game 

Wilson's touchdown catch was the result of a perfectly-executed play, as Garrett Wilson, upon receiving the ball after going in motion, handed it back to Braxton Berrios, who took a few steps before lofting his pass to a wide-open Wilson. Wilson added to the play's lore by doing "The Griddy" in the Steelers' end zone. 

Quotable 

"Just thought we needed a spark," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of replacing Trubisky with Pickett at the start of the second half. "We didn't do much in the first half. Not enough offensively. Thought he could provide a spark for us."

What's next 

The Steelers will travel to Buffalo to face the Bills. This marks the third straight year the Steelers have played in Buffalo. Pittsburgh lost a late-season game in Buffalo in 2020 before upsetting the favored Bills in Week 1 last season. 

New York will return home to host a Dolphins team that is coming off their first loss of the 2022 season. The team has also come under intense scrutiny for its handling of Tua Tagovailoa's health in recent weeks. While Tagovailoa has not been officially ruled out, one should expect the Dolphins to start veteran and former Pro Bowl quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for next Sunday's game against the Jets.