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Jets at Steelers: 5 things to watch for in Week 7

nick wojton
·2 min read
1
Breece Hall (20) of the New York Jets gets wrapped up by Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 2, 2022. Pittsburgh Steelers Vs New York Jets Week 4
Breece Hall (20) of the New York Jets gets wrapped up by Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 2, 2022. Pittsburgh Steelers Vs New York Jets Week 4

The New York Jets (2-4) continue their regular season journey with a matchup in at Acrisure Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2).

All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of this battle between two AFC foes. In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL.

And once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind to look out for.

With that, here are five things to watch for during the Jets' Week 7 matchup with the Steelers:

All things Davante

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 16: Davante Adams #17 of the New York Jets speaks to members of the media at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on October 16, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 16: Davante Adams #17 of the New York Jets speaks to members of the media at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on October 16, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

Easy enough to start with the most obvious. What will everyone in New York and the NFL world beyond be watching in Pittsburgh? The first time Davante Adams pulls on the green and white as it was confirmed that he will play. By extension, quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be under a similar microscope.

Sense of urgency

Oct 14, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich watches warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Oct 14, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich watches warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Head coach Jeff Ulbrich has to have his locker room ready. Dare we say, a fast start even? The Jets have to show a sense of urgency... or will all the recent changes the team made be for nothing already?

Secondary injuries

Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive Back D.J. Reed (4) complains about a foul in the 2nd Quarter against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. / Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive Back D.J. Reed (4) complains about a foul in the 2nd Quarter against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. / Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images

The injury report is always watched. In terms of the Jets, two staples of their secondary in DJ Reed (groin) and Michael Carter II (back) will be on top of the list in terms of players being looked for. Reed was hurt last week against the Bills and Carter has missed a few outings. Brandin Echols has stepped up in a positive way in the past but he has to do better than he did in Week 6.

Pressuring the QB for both

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the sideline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the sideline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson will start against the Jets. Can New York force him into mistakes? In recent years, it has not been hard for opponents to do that to Wilson.

On the flip side, all you have to say is TJ Watt. He has led the NFL in sacks multiple times. Jets offensive lineman Morgan Moses is slated to be the one lining up across from him, but he might need help keeping Rodgers on his feet.

Kicker woes?

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 14: Greg Zuerlein #9 of the New York Jets reacts after a missed field goal during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 14: Greg Zuerlein #9 of the New York Jets reacts after a missed field goal during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Greg Zuerlein has not had his best season in 2024. He missed two kicks last week in a three-point loss. The NFL is a game of margins. He could be a huge difference maker.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets at Steelers: 5 things to watch for in Week 7