Game balls: 7 standouts from Steelers huge win over Jets
The Pittsburgh Steelers advanced to 5-2 on the season after a 37-15 win over the New York Jets on Sunday night football. Those 37 points are the highest Pittsburgh scored in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.
After a shaky start, the Steelers were firing on all cylinders in all three phases of the game. Here are the standouts from their Week 7 performance:
1. QB Russell Wilson
The first quarter of Russell Wilson's Steelers debut was forgettable. Three consecutive three-and-out drives drew boos directed at Wilson, who misfired badly on several attempts. Wilson shook off the rust to finish with 264 yards and three touchdowns (one rushing). Though many of his throws left a lot to be desired, it was a decent first start of the season for the veteran.
2. RB Najee Harris
Najee Harris put up his second-consecutive 100+ yard performance and continues to improve after a slow start to the season.
3. WR George Pickens
In typical George Pickens fashion, the Steelers' star receiver made some acrobatic contested catches that even baffled Davante Adams. It was Pickens' second 100+ yard game of the season after logging 113 yards on seven receptions in Pittsburgh's Week 4 loss to the Colts.
4. CB Beanie Bishop
Undrafted free agent cornerback Beanie Bishop had a rough start to his rookie season but made up for it with two interceptions, resulting in touchdowns.
5. Special teams
Steelers defensive tackle Dean Lowry made a huge special teams play with a blocked field goal attempt in the third quarter. Minkah Fitzpatrick also blocked an extra point but was wrongfully flagged for leveraging. Chris Boswell made all seven place kicks and punter Corliss Waitman had another strong outing.
According to Michael Bertsch, Steelers' assistant director of communications, Pittsburgh is the first team in the league with a blocked kick (punt, field goal or extra point) in three straight games since the New England Patriots in 2017.
6. Defense
Pittsburgh's defense shut the Jets out for the last 35 minutes, and newcomer Davante Adams netted just 30 yards on three receptions (nine targets). While the Steelers sacked Aaron Rodgers only once (tackle Larry Ogunjobi), there was plenty of pressure in his face, leading to incompletions.
7. Offensive line
The game was a tale of two halves in many areas for the Steelers, but the offensive line got their act together in the second half, leading to a solid ground game and protection for Russell Wilson to hit receivers downfield. The unit has been decimated by injuries, with tackle Dan Moore Jr. as the only lineman to play in all seven games.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Game balls: 7 standouts from Steelers huge win over Jets