Jets @ Steelers
Final Score: Steelers 37, Jets 15
Writer: Darian Hudock (@DarianQB_List)
What a tale of two halves. In the first half, new addition Davante Adams and his old friend Aaron Rodgers looked like they picked up where they left off years ago, and Russell Wilson looked inaccurate and outmatched. The Jets quickly built a 15-6 lead and were in the process of attempting to add to that lead before the half when an ill-timed (depending on perspective) interception with 1:15 remaining allowed the Steelers to score in 54 seconds making the halftime score a much more manageable 15-13. The Steelers never looked back from that point, shutting the Jets out 24-0 in the second half. Rodgers threw another interception, the Steelers’ special teams blocked a field goal, and the Russ to Pickens connection proved too much for Sauce Gardner to handle alone. The Steelers dominated the entire second half, but both teams gave us a glimpse of future success if they can build upon what they did well in this game.
Three Up
- Russell Wilson – After a shaky start, he threw the ball well, especially on deep throws
- George Pickens – Provided Russ with a terrific target, consistently beating Sauce Gardner in coverage
- Breece Hall – Looked explosive and strong and received a true bell-cow workload
Two Down
- Braelon Allen – Relegated to a clear handcuff, was not used in the offense
- Mike Williams – Moved to 4th in the receiver depth chart, not many routes run or opportunities earned
New York Jets
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers: 24/39, 276 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Sunday night will be a game Rodgers will want to forget and move forward quickly. Despite only being sacked once, Rodgers was under constant pressure from the Steelers’ outstanding defensive line led by former DPOY TJ Watt. Most, if not all, of the big plays in the passing game were due to his teammates’ terrific YAC efforts, and Rodgers’ depleted mobility was even more obvious against a great pass rush. One of the interceptions wasn’t his fault, with WR Garrett Wilson seeing the ball go off his chest into the defenders’ hands, but there were not many positives to talk about. Early in the game, it appeared his connection was still strong, with newly acquired WR Davante Adams hitting him in stride on multiple quick routes around the line. Look for the Jets to try and build off the first-half performance moving forward while attempting to forget the second half.
Running Back
Breece Hall: 12 Rushes, 38 Yards, 1 TD, 9 Targets, 6 Receptions, 104 Yards
Anyone worried the new coaching regime in New York would increase/maintain the backfield split the way previous OC Nathaniel Hackett was is no longer worried after Sunday night. For the second week since the change, Breece dominated the touches out of the backfield with an 18-3 split over his backup. He also managed 9 targets on 39 Aaron Rodgers pass attempts for a 23% target share, frequently being targeted both in designed schemes and as a safety net. In a dramatic feat of athleticism, Breece took a 5-yard dump-off pass from Rodgers 56 yards, forcing three missed tackles along the way. Throughout the night, Breece consistently made tacklers miss, whether through power, patience, or shifty feet. Capping his whole night off with a 13-yard rushing touchdown will have fantasy managers feeling great about Breece moving forward.
Braelon Allen: 2 Rushes, 4 Yards, 1 Reception, 1 Reception, 2 Yards
Not much to say here. Allen didn’t see the field much, even as the game looked out of reach late. It appears clear the new coaching staff want Breece Hall to carry the bulk of the workload.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Garrett Wilson: 9 Targets, 5 Receptions, 61 Yards
Sunday night was a roller coaster of emotions for Wilson. To begin the game, he struggled against Pittsburgh’s Joey Porter Jr. and saw his new teammate do a lot of the work as the team built an early 15-6 lead. Then, he had an interception bounce off his chest and be returned to the one-yard line. Late in the game, however, Wilson was able to put it together. He displayed shifty footwork and elite RAC ability, not allowing the nearest defender to bring him down. Doing what he did late for an entire game is what fantasy managers were hoping for when drafting Wilson at the 1/2 turn.
Davante Adams: 9 Targets, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards
In the first half of the game, Adams looked as though he had walked onto the team and instantly became the team’s #1 receiving option. He earned 6 targets and caught all three of his passes of the night, frequently winning and creating space in the short areas of the field. However, in the second half, the offense changed. Adams failed to haul in any of his remaining targets and wasn’t targeted in the same manner as in the first half of the game. Injuries along the offensive line made standing in the pocket difficult for the QB, forcing many check-down throws. If Adams can build off the first half against less stingy defenses, we will see a useful fantasy option moving forward.
Allen Lazard: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 58 Yards
When in a bind, Allen Lazard is Aaron Rodgers’ guy. After moving down a spot in the depth chart, Lazard didn’t see the target volume he’d been seeing over the previous weeks. More importantly, he didn’t see it in the red zone. However, on multiple instances throughout the game, he displayed the trust and rapport he has with his QB, helping move the ball in crucial situations. As long as Rodgers is the one slinging the ball, Lazard will have a place on fantasy rosters.
Mike Williams: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 15 Yards
With the recent acquisition of WR Davante Adams, it was assumed that Williams would fall to 4th on the depth chart. On Sunday night, that is exactly what we saw, with Williams running limited routes and failing to earn a target until late in the game. His one catch was a big one, at least at the time, converting on 4th down while it was a one-score game.
Tyler Conklin: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 7 Yards, 1 TD
Four receptions for seven yards… Conklin caught a few check-downs in the fourth and the touchdown from the one-inch mark. There’s not much else to it, with so many other options in this offense, Conklin will likely only be a safety net option moving forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Russell Wilson: 16/29, 269 Yards, 2 TD, 3 Rushes, 3 Yards, 1 TD
Watching this game from the start, it appeared Russ was cooked. Completely cooked, like Deshaun Watson level of cooked. He was missing receivers by miles, often bouncing the passes yards in front of his intended target. Regardless of his early struggles, once he settled in and hit George Pickens for a 44-yard strike early in the second quarter, he was ready to go. From that point, Russ was much more accurate and composed. He led the team on multiple scoring drives and frequently took advantage of single coverage to give his receivers the ability to make a play on the ball. With this performance coming against a very depleted Jets secondary, I would like to see more before offering final judgment, but this was a promising debut for Wilson.
Running Back
Najee Harris: 21 Rsuhes, 102 Yards, 1 TD, 1 Target, 0 Receptions
Another week, another 100-yard rushing performance from Najee. Where did they come from? Who knows, but it’s a pleasure to watch. Najee’s tough running style showed why it’s effective on Sunday night. Throughout the night, Najee wore the defense down and slowly broke bigger and bigger runs. His powerful legs and surprisingly fast feet were enough to blaze through the Jets’ weak run defense. If he can keep this up, fantasy managers could be looking at a league winner.
Jaylen Warren: 12 Rushes, 44 Yards, 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards
The second half of Pittsburgh’s two-headed ground attack finally looked fully healthy Sunday night after returning weeks ago from injury. Warren provided the offense with a different style of running than teammate Najee Harris, using more finesse and patience before using his speed to explode forward. It was also to see Warren receive three targets from new QB Russell Wilson, as we know Warren can be dangerous with the ball in his hands in space. Apart from his contingent injury upside, Warren provides a stable workload at the RB position moving forward.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
George Pickens: 9 Targets, 5 Receptions, 111 yards, 1 TD
The person feeling happiest about the change to QB Russell Wilson for the Steelers should be Geroge Pickens. Throughout the night, the two connected on numerous down-the-field shots, with Pickens frequently in single coverage against 2-time all-pro Sauce Gardner. Pickens was aggressive in attacking the ball in the air, and once it was in his hands, he was relentless in his pursuit of the score. Pickens also appeared to have the trust of his quarterback when it came to the red zone, with Russ throwing him the ball multiple times in that area. This new passing attack from Pittsburgh could be awesome for Pickens in fantasy.
Pat Friermuth: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 51 Yards
Muuuuuuttthhhhh had a relatively quiet game on Sunday but has a highlight reel catch to go with it. With the way the Pittsburgh running attack was controlling the game and Geroge Pickens was winning down the field, there wasn’t much need for Muth in the passing game. He did, however, make a sweet one-handed catch deep down the hashmark, showing his ability as a pass catcher, something we will look for in future matchups.
Darnell Washington: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 36 Yards
One of the more interesting things to see in Sunday night’s game was the scripted play for Darnell Washington. If I’m not mistaken, all four of Washington’s targets came on a designed route, seeing him block before leaking out behind the defense. This play worked to great effect the first three times, with Washington converting multiple first downs for the Steelers. Known primarily as a blocking TE, the 6’7″, 265-lb Washington showed an ability to catch the ball Sunday night.
Calvin Austin III: 4 Targets, 1 Reception, 36 Yards
The second-year speedster couldn’t do much against the Jets on Sunday night. His lone reception came on a brilliant pick play that saw him without a defender within 5 yards at the time of the catch. It is encouraging to see Austin III’s route participation, but fantasy managers would like to see him earn more targets before considering him for their lineups.
Van Jefferson: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards, 1 TD
Due to the high amount of two TE sets deployed by the Steelers, it is no surprise the 3rd WR on the depth chart had an unproductive game. Jefferson does not see the field enough to command a useful target share needed for fantasy football. While he was schemed open for the touchdown, it is unsustainable at this point to expect that moving forward.