Steelers Scouting Report: What to Expect From the New York Jets
After a disappointing loss this past Sunday night to the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers must now move on and focus on the final two weeks of the regular season. They still currently hold the sixth seed in the playoff picture and control their own destiny. The Steelers have a huge opportunity to bounce back this weekend with a matchup on the road against a struggling 5-9 Jets team. However, while their record may not show it, the Jets still have some talent on their roster and have nothing to lose, which could make them very dangerous. With all of this in mind, let’s take a deeper look at this week’s opponent, the New York Jets.
Jets Injury Report
The Jets are a team that, unfortunately, has quite a few injuries to keep an eye on heading into this weekend. On offense, offensive tackle Chuma Edoga (MCL) and wide receiver Jeff Smith (Ankle) were placed on the Injured Reserve. Running back Bilal Powell (Ankle) and receivers Demaryius Thomas (Hamstring) and Robby Anderson (Illness) are listed as questionable. Anderson and Thomas did not practice on Thursday while Powell had limited participation. Offensive guard Tom Compton (Calf) and offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (Ankle) are also listed as questionable. Compton did not practice Thursday and Beachum was able to have limited participation.
On defense, defensive end John Franklin-Myers was placed on the Injured Reserve with an undisclosed injury. Defensive linemen Quinnen Williams (Neck), Henry Anderson (Shoulder), and Steve McLendon (Knee) are all listed as questionable and were able to have limited participation in Thursday’s practice. Cornerbacks Brian Poole (Concussion) and Arthur Maulet (Calf), and strong safety Jamal Adams (Ankle) are all listed as questionable as well and had limited participation in practice on Thursday.
Can Bell Get Going Against His Former Team?
This New York Jets offense will feature a very familiar face for Steelers fans this Sunday. After holding out all last season in Pittsburgh, running back Le’Veon Bell signed with the Jets this past offseason. Unfortunately, for Bell, he has struggled so far this season behind a terrible offensive line. The former All-Pro running back is 24th in the league in rushing with 676 yards and three touchdowns on 204 carries this season.
While Bell hasn’t been able to get much going on the ground, their passing game hasn’t been much better. Second-year quarterback Sam Darnold has struggled for the most part this season. He currently ranks 25th in the league in passing with 2,642 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions so far. His go-to targets this season have been wide receivers, Jamison Crowder and Robby Anderson. Crowder leads the team in receptions with 66, along with 707 yards and five touchdowns. Anderson has 47 receptions for a team-leading 729 yards, along with four touchdowns. They are joined in the receiving core by Demaryius Thomas and Braxton Berrios, along with tight ends Daniel Brown and Trevon Wesco. They will be facing a talented Steelers secondary that ranks fifth in the league, allowing 204.1 passing yards per game and 22 passing touchdowns while coming away with 19 interceptions so far.
Jets Defense Looks to Carry the Load
Although their record might not necessarily show it, the Jets have actually been pretty good on defense this season from a numbers standpoint. They are currently tenth in the league in total defense allowing 328.6 yards per game and 24.5 points per game. Their strong point this season has been against the run, where they rank second in the league. The Jets have allowed 88.8 yards per game and 12 total rushing touchdowns so far this season. Their front seven is lead by a solid defensive line with former Steeler Steve McLendon along with Henry Anderson and Quinnen Williams. Behind them, Neville Hewitt and James Burgess will start at the inside linebackers with Brandon Copeland and Jordan Jenkins starting on the outside. Paul Worrilow will also see some time in the inside linebacker rotation.
While they have been solid against the run, their defense is among the bottom half of the league when defending the pass. They rank 19th in the league in passing defense, allowing 239.9 passing yards per game and 24 passing touchdowns while coming away with eight interceptions. Their secondary is led by strong safety Jamal Adams who is joined by Marcus Maye at free safety. Nate Hairston and Darryl Roberts are listed as the starting corners. Arthur Maulet and Brian Poole will also see time in the corner rotation if healthy.
Final Thoughts
This game could serve as a “trap game” for the Steelers as the Jets have just enough talent to make something happen. However, I don’t see them falling into this trap. The Jets simply don’t have the offensive line or quarterback to get things done against this Steelers defense. T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree should have a huge game getting to Darnold, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joe Haden, and this Pittsburgh secondary will do the rest. I also don’t see Bell being able to get much going on the ground.
On offense, the Steelers will hopefully go back to establishing the run now that James Conner has shown that he is ready, which would help take some pressure off Devlin Hodges. I have the Steelers pulling away with this one in a 27-10 victory to stay in the playoff picture.
