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Steelers turn to Pickett, lose to the Jets, 24-20

Steelers turn to Pickett, lose to the Jets, 24-20


Pickett did do that, as the Steelers scored 14 second-half points. But it still wasn’t enough for the Steelers to escape with a victory, as they turned the ball over four times and lost their third consecutive game.

“We just didn’t make the plays that needed to be made,” said linebacker Alex Highsmith, who had the Steelers’ only sack in the game, giving him 5.5 for the season.

Pickett’s first career pass was intercepted by former Pitt teammate and current Jets safety Jordan Whitehead on a deep pass intended for Chase Claypool. Claypool and a defender leaped for the pass at the New York 10, but it tipped off their hands and into those of Whitehead.

But Minkah Fitzpatrick returned the favor, intercepting Zach Wilson off a pass that tipped off the hands of tight end Tyler Conklin, returning it 34 yards to the New York 4.

Pickett scored from inside the 1 on third down on a QB sneak to give the Steelers their first lead, 13-10, with 7:18 remaining in the third quarter.

“Kenny gave us a spark,” said Claypool. “You could feel the energy in the stadium when he was in there.”

The defense again held up, forcing the Jets (2-2) to punt and Pickett directed an 82-yard touchdown drive, finishing it off himself again with his second touchdown run, this one from 2 yards out to give the Steelers a 20-10 lead with 13:36 remaining in the game.

Pickett converted three third downs on the drive, once on a scramble, with the second two coming on passes to fellow rookie George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth.

The Jets answered that with a touchdown of their own, converting three third-downs on an 81-yard drive, scoring on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to wide receiver Corey Davis with 7:31 remaining in the fourth quarter to make it 20-17.

Pickett was then intercepted on the Steelers’ next possession with the team driving to put the game away. Pickett’s second-down pass from the New York 36 was high to Freiermuth and tipped off his hands and into the waiting arms of safety Michael…

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