New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats – The Complete Breakdown (Oct 20, 2024)
The New York Jets vs Steelers match player stats tell a story of momentum shifts and crucial turning points that decided this Week 7 NFL matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
As someone who tracks every NFL statistic obsessively, this October 20th game caught my attention because of how dramatically it flipped from a Jets advantage to a Steelers rout.
Game Overview: How The Steelers Jets Clash Unfolded
The scoreline reads 37-15 to Pittsburgh, but this game wasn’t always heading that way.
Let’s be honest.
The Jets actually built a 15-6 lead in the second quarter before everything fell apart.
What changed? Two plays changed everything:
- Beanie Bishop Jr.’s first interception just before halftime that led directly to a Steelers touchdown
- Greg Zuerlein’s blocked field goal early in the third quarter that killed Jets momentum
After these game-changing moments, the Steelers scored 31 unanswered points.
31 points without reply.
The stats show Pittsburgh simply dominated the second half, pitching a complete shutout as the Jets offense went completely cold.
Game Flow: Scoring Sequence That Tells The Story
The scoring sequence perfectly illustrates how this game transformed from a Jets advantage to a Steelers rout:
| Period | Time | Team | Play | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 10:21 | PIT | FG | 3-0 | Boswell FG 46 yards |
| Q1 | 4:17 | NYJ | TD+XP | 3-7 | Hall TD 13-yard run |
| Q2 | 12:42 | PIT | FG | 6-7 | Boswell FG 29 yards |
| Q2 | 6:38 | NYJ | TD+2PT | 6-15 | Conklin TD 1-yard reception |
| Q2 | 0:48 | PIT | TD+XP | 13-15 | Pickens TD 11-yard reception |
| Q3 | 8:19 | PIT | FG | 16-15 | Boswell FG 21 yards |
| Q3 | 2:12 | PIT | TD+XP | 23-15 | Wilson TD 1-yard QB sneak |
| Q4 | 9:33 | PIT | TD+XP | 30-15 | Jefferson TD 4-yard reception |
| Q4 | 3:26 | PIT | TD+XP | 37-15 | Harris TD 10-yard run |
This timeline reveals three critical turning points that decisively shifted momentum:
- Bishop’s first INT (Q2, ~1:30) → Led directly to the Pickens TD that cut the Jets lead to just 2 points
- Zuerlein’s blocked FG (Q3, ~10:00) → Jets missed their chance to retake the lead
- Bishop’s second INT (Q3, ~3:00) → Set up Wilson’s TD run that extended the lead
The scoring pattern shows the Steelers scored 31 consecutive points after trailing 15-6 midway through the second quarter. This remarkable turnaround speaks to Pittsburgh’s resilience and the Jets’ inability to maintain their early momentum.
The stark contrast between halves couldn’t be clearer:
- First Half: Jets 15, Steelers 13
- Second Half: Jets 0, Steelers 24
Quarterback Duel: Wilson vs Rodgers
When comparing the quarterback performances in this matchup, the numbers tell a compelling story about efficiency and decision-making:
| Quarterback Stat | Russell Wilson (PIT) | Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 16/29 (55.2%) | 24/39 (61.5%) |
| Passing Yards | 264 | 276 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 9.1 | 7.1 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 1 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 2 |
| Passer Rating | 109.0 | 70.0 |
| Sacked | 0 times | 1 time (-7 yards) |
While Rodgers actually completed a higher percentage of passes and threw for slightly more yards, Wilson was dramatically more efficient with his attempts (9.1 YPA vs 7.1) and avoided the costly mistakes that plagued the Jets quarterback.
Wilson’s 3 total touchdowns without any turnovers gave Pittsburgh exactly what they needed in his first start with the team. His ability to push the ball downfield while making smart decisions was the difference maker.
Ground Game Comparison: How The Running Backs Performed
The running back battle showcased contrasting performances that ultimately favored Pittsburgh:
| Running Back Stat | Najee Harris (PIT) | Jaylen Warren (PIT) | Breece Hall (NYJ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carries | 21 | 12 | 12 |
| Rushing Yards | 102 | 44 | 38 |
| Yards Per Carry | 4.9 | 3.7 | 3.2 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Longest Run | 34 yards | 10 yards | 13 yards |
| Receptions | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| Receiving Yards | 0 | 15 | 103 |
| Total Scrimmage Yards | 102 | 59 | 141 |
This visual breakdown shows the contrasting approaches: Pittsburgh committed to a traditional ground game with Harris as the workhorse, complemented by Warren as a change-of-pace back. The Jets relied on Hall as both a runner and their primary receiving weapon.
While Hall produced the most total yards among all backs, the Steelers’ consistent commitment to the run (33 total carries vs Jets’ 15) allowed them to control the game’s tempo and wear down the Jets defense in the second half.
Offensive Weapons: Who Made The Big Plays
The difference in receiving production and big-play ability was evident in this Week 7 matchup:
| Receiver | Team | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Avg Per Catch | TDs | Longest Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Pickens | PIT | 9 | 5 | 111 | 22.2 | 1 | 44 yards |
| Breece Hall | NYJ | 9 | 6 | 103 | 17.2 | 0 | 57 yards |
| Garrett Wilson | NYJ | 9 | 5 | 61 | 12.2 | 0 | 27 yards |
| Pat Freiermuth | PIT | 3 | 2 | 51 | 25.5 | 0 | 30 yards |
| Allen Lazard | NYJ | 4 | 4 | 58 | 14.5 | 0 | 23 yards |
| Darnell Washington | PIT | 4 | 4 | 36 | 9.0 | 0 | 18 yards |
| Calvin Austin III | PIT | 4 | 1 | 36 | 36.0 | 0 | 36 yards |
| Davante Adams | NYJ | 9 | 3 | 30 | 10.0 | 0 | 11 yards |
The Steelers generated more explosive plays in the passing game, with Pickens averaging an impressive 22.2 yards per reception. His big-play ability was complemented by tight end Pat Freiermuth’s efficient 25.5 yards per catch.
The most glaring disappointment was Davante Adams, who managed just 3 catches for 30 yards despite 9 targets from his former Green Bay teammate Aaron Rodgers. This inefficient connection (33% completion rate) stifled the Jets’ offensive potential.
While both teams had similar pass distribution (7 receivers for Pittsburgh, 6 for New York), the Steelers generated significantly more yards per completion and consistently created bigger plays downfield.
Top Defensive Performances That Changed The Game
The defensive battle featured standout individual performances that ultimately swung the momentum toward Pittsburgh:
| Defensive Player | Team | Tackles (Total/Solo) | INTs | Passes Defensed | TFLs | Other Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beanie Bishop Jr. | PIT | 5/1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 41 INT return yards |
| Payton Wilson | PIT | 10/4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Rookie linebacker |
| DeShon Elliott | PIT | 6/6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100% solo tackles |
| Larry Ogunjobi | PIT | 2/- | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 sack |
| Jamien Sherwood | NYJ | 9/2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Team-high tackles |
| Jalen Mills | NYJ | 8/5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Active in coverage |
| Will McDonald IV | NYJ | 3/- | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 sack |
The rookie Bishop made the game-changing plays, but Pittsburgh also got solid contributions across their defense. Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson led all players with 10 total tackles, while DeShon Elliott was perfect with 6 solo tackles.
For the Jets, Jamien Sherwood and Jalen Mills put up respectable numbers, but the defense’s inability to generate turnovers or consistent pressure on Wilson proved costly. The Jets managed just 1 sack and 0 takeaways, which simply wasn’t enough to disrupt the Steelers’ offensive rhythm.
Most telling: The Steelers defense pitched a complete shutout in the second half, while the Jets allowed 24 points after halftime.
Special Teams Impact: The Hidden Game Changer
Special teams play often gets overlooked, but it proved crucial in this Steelers Jets showdown:
| Special Teams Stat | Chris Boswell (PIT) | Greg Zuerlein (NYJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | 3/3 | 0/1 (blocked) |
| Field Goal Distances | 46, 29, 21 yards | 35 yards (blocked) |
| Extra Points | 4/4 | 1/1 |
| Total Points | 13 | 1 |
| Punting Stats | Corliss Waitman (PIT) | Thomas Morstead (NYJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Punts | 4 | 4 |
| Average | 46.0 yards | 44.3 yards |
| Inside 20 | 3 | 0 |
| Long | 55 yards | 47 yards |
While the blocked field goal attempt by Zuerlein early in the third quarter stands out as a critical moment, the overall special teams performance favored Pittsburgh throughout the game.
Chris Boswell was perfect on all kicks, contributing 13 total points (3 field goals, 4 extra points). His reliability ensured the Steelers capitalized on every scoring opportunity.
The punting battle also tilted toward Pittsburgh, with Corliss Waitman pinning the Jets inside their own 20-yard line three times, creating consistently difficult field position. By contrast, Thomas Morstead didn’t place any punts inside the 20, allowing the Steelers better starting field position on average.
These hidden yards and points from special teams play compounded the Jets’ struggles and further enhanced Pittsburgh’s advantages throughout the game.
Second Half Dominance: Tale of Two Different Halves
The stark contrast between the first and second halves tells the true story of this Steelers Jets clash:
| Team Performance | First Half | Second Half | Full Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jets Points | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| Steelers Points | 13 | 24 | 37 |
| Jets Total Yards | 198 | 125 | 323 |
| Steelers Total Yards | 178 | 231 | 409 |
| Jets 3rd Down Conv. | 2/5 (40%) | 1/5 (20%) | 3/10 (30%) |
| Steelers 3rd Down Conv. | 2/7 (28.6%) | 3/7 (42.9%) | 5/14 (35.7%) |
The second-half shutout was the defining feature of this game. Pittsburgh’s defense completely locked down after halftime adjustments, turning what had been a productive Jets offense into an ineffective unit that couldn’t sustain drives.
Meanwhile, the Steelers offense found its rhythm after halftime, generating more yards, better third-down efficiency, and 24 unanswered points.
The complete reversal speaks volumes about Pittsburgh’s halftime adjustments and the Jets’ inability to respond when challenged. While New York controlled the first 25 minutes of the game, Pittsburgh dominated the final 35 minutes so thoroughly that the final score doesn’t reflect how competitive the game was early on.
Critical Stats That Decided The Steelers Jets Outcome
Beyond the flashy plays and individual performances, certain statistical categories consistently predict the winner. Here’s where Pittsburgh dominated:
| Key Performance Indicator | Pittsburgh Steelers | New York Jets | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 409 | 323 | Steelers +86 |
| Rushing Yards | 149 | 54 | Steelers +95 |
| Passing Yards | 260 | 269 | Jets +9 |
| Yards Per Play | 6.2 | 5.9 | Steelers +0.3 |
| Time of Possession | 32:09 | 27:51 | Steelers +4:18 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 | Steelers +2 |
| 3rd Down Conversion % | 35.7% (5/14) | 30.0% (3/10) | Steelers +5.7% |
| 4th Down Conversion % | 100% (2/2) | 50% (1/2) | Steelers +50% |
| Red Zone Trips | 6 | 3 | Steelers +3 |
| Red Zone TD % | 66.7% (4/6) | 66.7% (2/3) | Even |
| Points Off Turnovers | 14 | 0 | Steelers +14 |
This comprehensive statistical comparison shows Pittsburgh’s dominance in nearly every meaningful category. The most significant advantages came in rushing yards, turnover margin, and points off turnovers.
While both teams converted the same percentage of red zone trips into touchdowns, the Steelers generated twice as many scoring opportunities inside the 20-yard line.
NFL analytics experts consistently point to turnover differential and rushing dominance as the two most reliable predictors of victory, and Pittsburgh won both categories convincingly.
FAQs About The New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats
Who scored the touchdowns in the Jets vs Steelers game?
For the Jets, Breece Hall (13-yard run) and Tyler Conklin (1-yard reception) scored touchdowns. For the Steelers, George Pickens (11-yard reception), Russell Wilson (1-yard QB sneak), Van Jefferson (4-yard reception), and Najee Harris (10-yard run) all found the end zone.
What was the halftime score of the Jets vs Steelers game?
The halftime score was 15-13 to the New York Jets. The Steelers then outscored the Jets 24-0 in the second half to win 37-15.
How many interceptions did Aaron Rodgers throw against the Steelers?
Aaron Rodgers threw two interceptions, both to Steelers rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. These turnovers directly led to 14 Steelers points.
Did Davante Adams play well in his reunion with Aaron Rodgers?
No, Davante Adams caught just 3 passes for 30 yards on 9 targets (33% completion rate), showing limited chemistry with Rodgers in this game. This was far below their historical connection in Green Bay where they typically connected at over 70%.
Who was the leading rusher in the Jets vs Steelers game?
Najee Harris led all rushers with 102 yards on 21 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. His longest run was 34 yards in the fourth quarter.
How many field goals did Chris Boswell make for the Steelers?
Chris Boswell was perfect on the day, making all three field goal attempts from 46, 29, and 21 yards, plus all four extra points for a total of 13 points.
Final Analysis: What The Steelers Jets Matchup Tells Us
Looking at the complete New York Jets vs Steelers match player stats, the numbers reveal a game that turned on specific critical moments rather than overall statistical dominance.
But raw stats never tell the complete football story.
The timing of Bishop’s two interceptions completely altered the trajectory of this AFC battle.
Momentum in the NFL is real and powerful.
The Jets built a 15-6 lead and seemed in control before Bishop’s first interception just before halftime.
From that point forward, Pittsburgh outscored New York 31-0.
This game also tells us something about both teams going forward. The Steelers showed resilience and the ability to make critical halftime adjustments, while the Jets demonstrated concerning vulnerability when faced with adversity.
For Pittsburgh fans, Wilson’s efficient performance suggests Coach Tomlin made the right quarterback decision. For Jets supporters, the disconnect between Rodgers and Adams raises questions about their offense’s ceiling.
These New York Jets vs Steelers match player stats ultimately remind us that football games often come down to a handful of pivotal plays that completely transform the outcome, regardless of what the overall statistical picture might suggest.
