JETS (1-3) VS. STEELERS (3-1)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, HEINZ FIELD, PITTSBURGH uTV: CBS, DIRECTV 708
Announcers: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn
About the Jets: QB woes continued as he threw three more interceptions in a 27-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Each pick was in the fourth quarter, when the game was up for grabs. Fitzpatrick has 10 interceptions, the fifth player in the last 10 seasons with that many picks through four games. Eight of his interceptions this season have come in the fourth quarter, and he has an NFL-high 16 final-quarter picks since the start of last season. Despite Fitzpatrick’s struggles, he has the support of coach and WR When asked about a potential change at quarterback, Marshall snapped at reporters: “I’m going down in the boat with Ryan Fitzpatrick. OK? You got it?”
About the Steelers: A week after a 31point loss, Pittsburgh responded with a 43-14 beatdown of the Kansas City Chiefs. QB
threw five touchdown passes for the fifth time in his career and finished with 300 yards, no interceptions and a perfect 158.3 passer rating. He was thrilled to have RB
back in the lineup after a threegame suspension. Bell had 144 rushing yards and 34 receiving yards. WR caught four passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Despite playing without a couple of starters in the secondary, the Steelers defense redeemed itself after giving up 34 points to the Philadelphia Eagles the week before. DE
appears recovered from his high ankle sprain. He had three of the Steelers four sacks and deflected a pass that was intercepted.
Big Ben had as many touchdown passes as incomplete passes against Kansas City and could have an even bigger day Sunday. The Jets defense backfield could be without CB who left the Seahawks game with a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter. Revis wasn’t at his usual Pro Bowl level, but he’s a solid cover corner, and his absence could make Brown an even more inviting target.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Although former starting QB doesn’t excite Jets players, fans or coaches, New York might have no choice if Fitzpatrick continues to struggle this badly. Going back to the 2015 finale, Fitzpatrick has 11 fourth-quarter interceptions in the past five games. The Steelers are expected to bring the heat the way they did in the Chiefs game.
That’s how many touchdown passes and interceptions, Fitzpatrick has thrown this season when targeting Marshall, his favorite receiver. The quarterback is 16-for-38 throwing to Marshall. Last season, Fitzpatrick completed 65% of his throws to Marshall for 14 touchdowns, while being picked off eight times.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Big bombs by Big Ben: The Steelers love throwing deep, usually with great results. Last week, Roethlisberger went 3-for-4 for 116 yards and three touchdowns on throws of more than 20 yards. The Jets secondary gave up six passes of 20 or more yards, including two plays of 40 or more yards.
RB mustered 27 yards on 14 attempts and the Jets ran for 58 yards on 20 carries. It would take some of the pressure off Fitzpatrick if the Jets could mount a running game.
3. For whom the Bell tolls: Despite missing 13 games with injuries and suspensions since the start of the 2014 season, Bell has five games with at least 175 yards from scrimmage — best in the NFL during that span.
Scott Pitoniak