The Pittsburgh Steelers come into Week 4 in must-win mode after beginning the season 1-2. The team is coming off two consecutive losses and with a difficult schedule coming up, beating the New York Jets feels like a must if they want any chance of making a run at the playoffs. The Jets have officially announced Zach Wilson as their starter for Sunday against the Steelers.
Steelers are set to face New York Jets QB Zach Wilson in Week 4 of the 2022 regular season. Credit: Bill Kostroun/AP
It will be the first start of the season for the sophomore, as he suffered a knee injury in the preseason. Wilson and the Jets are quite fortunate, as many initially feared the worst after his injury in the preseason. Veteran Joe Flacco started the first three games for the Jets and did better than expected. Despite the 1-2 start, Flacco himself threw for 901 yards and five touchdowns, turning back the clock to his days with the Baltimore Ravens.
In his weekly press conference on Tuesday via the team's YouTube page, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talked about the upcoming opponent as he always does. It was yet to be announced whether Flacco or Wilson would start this Sunday, but he was complimentary of both Jets quarterbacks. Tomlin said this about Wilson:
"We haven't been in the stadium with him, so there are some unknowns," Tomlin said about Wilson. "His mobility is dramatically different than Joe's and presents some different challenges from that perspective. There will be a get-to-know, but obviously, mobility and some other things as it pertains to him is a mystery for them as well because he hasn't played."
Steelers defense historically tend to struggle with mobile quarterbacks, although they tend to do quite well with Lamar Jackson twice a year. Wilson ran for just 185 yards in 13 games last season, but his ability to evade pass rushers should be put on notice. Additionally, his feet are a threat in the redzone, as he had four rushing touchdowns in 2021.
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is sacked by Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field on October 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
After the Jets selected Wilson second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, it was an up-and-down rookie season for the Brigham Young University product. The Jets went 3-10 in his 13 starts, as he threw for just nine touchdowns on a 55.6% completion rate. Wilson threw for just 180 yards per game and finished 2021 with 11 interceptions. Suffice to say, it was a difficult opening season for him.
In the off-season, the Jets did plenty to upgrade the offense around him. The offensive line was improved, and the team made some upgrades at the skill positions. Running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson were selected in the first two rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Now in Year 2, the quarterback is expected to show growth and why he's the future of the team. Wilson's mobility will be a huge determining factor in Week 4 against the Steelers, as the defense looks to get back on track at Acrisure Stadium.
What do the Steelers need to do on Sunday to slow down Wilson? Would you have rather faced Flacco or Wilson? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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