The New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats game on October 20, 2024, was a thrilling NFL Week 7 matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. The final score of 37-15 in favor of the Steelers showcased a game of momentum swings, standout performances, and critical plays that shaped the outcome. Whether you’re a die-hard Jets fan, a Steelers supporter, or just love digging into NFL stats, this article dives deep into the player performances that defined this game. We’ll break down the key stats, highlight top performers, and explain what these numbers mean for both teams moving forward—all in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of any age.
Game Overview: A Tale of Two Halves
The game, played at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, started with the Jets looking strong, building a 15-6 lead by halftime. However, the Steelers dominated the second half, scoring 31 unanswered points to secure a convincing victory. This matchup was notable for several reasons: it marked Russell Wilson’s debut as the Steelers’ starting quarterback and Davante Adams’ first game with the Jets after his trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. The stats tell a story of missed opportunities for New York and a resilient Pittsburgh squad that capitalized on critical moments.
Let’s dive into the player stats to see who shone, who struggled, and how the numbers shaped this exciting game.
Quarterback Performances: Wilson vs Rodgers
Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Russell Wilson, stepping in as the Steelers’ starting quarterback after Justin Fields led the team to a 4-2 record, had a lot to prove. Despite a shaky start—completing just 2 of his first 8 passes—Wilson found his rhythm and delivered an impressive performance. Here are his key stats:
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Completions/Attempts: 16/29 (55.2% completion rate)
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Passing Yards: 264
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Touchdowns: 2 (an 11-yard pass to George Pickens and a 4-yard pass to Van Jefferson)
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Rushing: 3 carries for 3 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown sneak
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Turnovers: 0
Wilson’s 264 passing yards set a franchise record for the most passing yards by a Steelers quarterback in their debut. His ability to spread the ball to six different receivers, including a season-best performance from George Pickens, showed why head coach Mike Tomlin trusted him to start. Wilson’s composure under pressure and his trademark deep ball were pivotal in turning the game around, especially in the second half.
Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
Aaron Rodgers, reunited with his former Green Bay teammate Davante Adams, had a solid but flawed performance. The Jets’ offense showed flashes of potential, but two costly interceptions derailed their momentum. Here’s how Rodgers stacked up:
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Completions/Attempts: 24/39 (61.5% completion rate)
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Passing Yards: 276
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Touchdowns: 1 (a 1-yard pass to Tyler Conklin)
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Interceptions: 2 (both to Steelers rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.)
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Sacks: 1 (by Will McDonald IV)
Rodgers spread the ball to six different receivers in the first half alone, completing all six passes on the Jets’ first touchdown drive. However, his two interceptions—both to Beanie Bishop Jr.—directly led to 14 Steelers points, flipping the game’s momentum. Despite the loss, Rodgers’ 276 passing yards showed he can still move the ball, but the turnovers highlighted areas where the Jets’ offense needs to tighten up.
Running Back Breakdown: Power and Speed
Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Najee Harris was a workhorse for the Steelers, leading all rushers in the game. His physical running style helped Pittsburgh control the clock and wear down the Jets’ defense. Here are his stats:
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Carries: 21
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Rushing Yards: 102
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Yards per Carry: 4.9
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Touchdowns: 1 (a 10-yard run in the fourth quarter)
Harris’ 102 yards marked his first 100-yard game of the season, and his 10-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter put the exclamation point on Pittsburgh’s dominant second half. His ability to gain tough yards after contact (Pittsburgh averaged 2.64 yards after first contact, fifth-best in the NFL) was crucial in maintaining offensive balance.
Breece Hall (New York Jets)
Breece Hall was a bright spot for the Jets, contributing both as a rusher and a receiver. His versatility kept the Jets’ offense moving early in the game. Here’s how he performed:
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Carries: 12
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Rushing Yards: 38
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Yards per Carry: 3.2
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Touchdowns: 1 (a 13-yard run)
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Receiving: 6 receptions for 103 yards
Hall’s 13-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave the Jets an early 7-3 lead, and his 103 receiving yards led the team. However, the Jets’ run game struggled overall, managing just 54 yards on 15 attempts (3.6 yards per carry). Hall’s limited carries in the second half reflected the Jets’ shift to a pass-heavy approach as they tried to catch up.
Braelon Allen (New York Jets)
Rookie running back Braelon Allen, the youngest player in the NFL, provided a spark as the Jets’ second-leading rusher:
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Carries: 3
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Rushing Yards: 16
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Yards per Carry: 5.3
While Allen’s touches were limited, his 5.3 yards per carry showed his potential as a complementary back to Hall. The Jets’ inability to establish the run consistently, however, limited his impact.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Who Made the Big Plays?
George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers)
George Pickens was Wilson’s go-to target, benefiting from the quarterback’s deep-ball accuracy. His stats were:
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Receptions: 5
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Yards: 111
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Touchdowns: 1 (an 11-yard catch)
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Targets: 8
Pickens’ 111 receiving yards were a season high, and his 11-yard touchdown catch late in the first half gave the Steelers momentum going into halftime. His ability to win contested catches made him a perfect match for Wilson’s playstyle, and their chemistry suggests a promising connection for the rest of the season.
Van Jefferson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Van Jefferson also made an impact, scoring his first touchdown as a Steeler:
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Receptions: 2
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Yards: 29
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Touchdowns: 1 (a 4-yard catch)
Jefferson’s touchdown early in the fourth quarter helped extend Pittsburgh’s lead, showcasing Wilson’s ability to involve multiple receivers.
Davante Adams (New York Jets)
Davante Adams’ much-anticipated Jets debut didn’t live up to the hype, largely due to the Steelers’ defensive pressure. His stats were:
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Receptions: 3
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Yards: 30
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Targets: 9
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Completion Rate: 33%
Adams, who had a 70%+ catch rate with Rodgers in Green Bay, struggled to find chemistry in this game. The Steelers’ defense, particularly Beanie Bishop Jr., limited his impact, but his presence still forced Pittsburgh to adjust their coverage.
Tyler Conklin (New York Jets)
Tight end Tyler Conklin scored the Jets’ second touchdown:
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Receptions: 4
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Yards: 31
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Touchdowns: 1 (a 1-yard catch)
Conklin’s red-zone touchdown in the second quarter helped the Jets build their early lead, but like Adams, he was quiet in the second half as the Steelers’ defense tightened.
Pat Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth contributed to the passing game:
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Receptions: 2
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Yards: 29
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Targets: 3
Freiermuth’s 21-yard catch in the third quarter set up a key field goal, showing his value as a reliable target in the middle of the field.
Defensive Standouts: New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats Game-Changing Plays
Beanie Bishop Jr. (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. was the game’s biggest difference-maker on defense. His stats were:
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Interceptions: 2 (both off Aaron Rodgers)
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Tackles: 5
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Pass Deflections: 1
Bishop’s first interception just before halftime led to a Steelers touchdown, shifting momentum. His second pick, a 41-yard return to the Jets’ 1-yard line, set up Wilson’s rushing touchdown. Bishop became only the fifth player to intercept Rodgers twice in a single game, earning him a place in the history books.
Will McDonald IV (New York Jets)
Defensive end Will McDonald IV led the Jets’ pass rush:
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Sacks: 1 (on Russell Wilson)
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Tackles: 3
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Tackles for Loss: 1
McDonald’s sack in the second quarter briefly disrupted Pittsburgh’s offense, but the Jets’ defense couldn’t sustain the pressure. McDonald’s seven sacks on the season rank second in the NFL, highlighting his growing impact.
Jalen Mills (New York Jets)
Safety Jalen Mills, elevated from the practice squad, started alongside Tony Adams:
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Tackles: 7
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Tackles for Loss: 1
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Pass Deflections: 1
Mills’ seven tackles tied for the team lead, but the Jets’ defense struggled to stop Pittsburgh’s second-half surge, allowing 149 rushing yards and 409 total yards.
T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Linebacker T.J. Watt, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, didn’t record a sack but made his presence felt:
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Tackles: 4
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Forced Fumbles: 0
Watt’s pressure contributed to the Jets’ low 3.9 yards per rush attempt, and Pittsburgh’s defense as a whole held New York to just 54 rushing yards.
Special Teams: A Mixed Bag
Chris Boswell (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Kicker Chris Boswell was perfect, as usual:
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Field Goals: 3/3 (including a 46-yarder and a 21-yarder)
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Extra Points: 4/4
Boswell’s reliability helped the Steelers stay in the game early and extend their lead in the third quarter.
Greg Zuerlein (New York Jets)
Kicker Greg Zuerlein had a tough night:
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Field Goals: 0/1 (a 35-yard attempt was blocked)
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Extra Points: 1/2
The blocked field goal in the third quarter was a turning point, as it killed a Jets drive and allowed Pittsburgh to take the lead for good.
Team New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats: A Closer Look
Here’s how the teams compared overall:
|
Stat |
New York Jets |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
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Total Yards |
323 | 409 |
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Passing Yards |
269 | 260 |
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Rushing Yards |
54 | 149 |
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First Downs |
17 | 21 |
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Turnovers |
2 | 0 |
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Possession Time |
27:51 | 32:09 |
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Sacks |
1 | 2 |
The Steelers’ 409 total yards and 149 rushing yards reflect their balanced attack, while the Jets’ two turnovers and inability to sustain drives in the second half doomed their chances. Pittsburgh’s 32:09 possession time also shows how they controlled the game’s pace.
Key Takeaways: What the New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats Tell Us
Pittsburgh Steelers
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Wilson’s Debut: Russell Wilson’s efficient performance (264 yards, 3 total TDs, no turnovers) proved he can still be a difference-maker. His connection with George Pickens is a promising sign for Pittsburgh’s offense.
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Defensive Dominance: Beanie Bishop Jr.’s two interceptions and the team’s ability to shut out the Jets in the second half (24-0) highlight a defense that thrives on big plays.
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Balanced Attack: With 149 rushing yards and 260 passing yards, the Steelers showed they can attack in multiple ways, making them a tough matchup.
New York Jets
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Offensive Struggles: Despite Rodgers’ 276 passing yards and Hall’s 103 receiving yards, the Jets’ offense stalled in the second half, scoring zero points after halftime.
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Turnovers Hurt: Rodgers’ two interceptions were game-changers, directly leading to 14 Steelers points. The Jets need to protect the ball to compete.
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Run Game Woes: With just 54 rushing yards and a 3.6 yards-per-carry average, the Jets struggled to establish the run, putting too much pressure on Rodgers.
What’s Next for New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats Both Teams?
The Steelers (5-2) moved into first place in the AFC North, a half-game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens. Their next game against the New York Giants on October 28, 2024, will test whether Wilson can maintain this level of play. The Jets (2-5), now three games behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East, face a critical matchup against the New England Patriots on October 27, 2024. They’ll need to clean up their turnovers and get Adams more involved to snap their four-game losing streak.
Why These New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats Matter for Fans
For fans, these stats aren’t just numbers—they tell the story of a game where momentum, execution, and a few key plays made all the difference. The Steelers’ ability to capitalize on Jets’ mistakes (like Bishop’s interceptions and the blocked field goal) shows why they’re a playoff contender. Meanwhile, the Jets’ early promise faded due to second-half miscues, a reminder of the challenges they face in a tough division.
Whether you’re cheering for Pittsburgh’s gritty defense or hoping the Jets can turn things around with Rodgers and Adams, these player stats give you a clear picture of what went right, what went wrong, and what to watch for next. Keep an eye on Wilson’s growing chemistry with Pickens and Rodgers’ efforts to integrate Adams as both teams push toward the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
The New York Jets vs Steelers Match Player Stats game on October 20, 2024, was a masterclass in how quickly an NFL game can turn. Russell Wilson’s 264 yards and three touchdowns, paired with Beanie Bishop Jr.’s game-changing interceptions, powered the Steelers to a 37-15 rout. For the Jets, Aaron Rodgers and Breece Hall showed flashes of brilliance, but turnovers and a stagnant second half proved costly. These player stats highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, offering fans plenty to talk about as the season continues.