QB Zach Wilson 'doesn't flinch,' rallies New York Jets to victory in season debut

PITTSBURGH — Quarterback Zach Wilson's season debut included a historic touchdown catch, a two-quarter slump that nearly doomed the New York Jets and the biggest fourth-quarter comeback of his young career.

«That was an ugly win, but that was some of the most fun I've had playing football,» Wilson said Sunday after a 24-20 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

It was a wild game.

The Jets led by 10 points in the first quarter and trailed by 10 in the fourth quarter, but Wilson rallied them with 81- and 65-yard touchdown drives on their final two possessions to pull out their second come-from-behind win on the road. Wilson returned to the huddle after a preseason knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 16. With only three days of full practice, he was predictably rusty (18-for-36, 252 yards, two interceptions), but he made several clutch throws in the fourth quarter. Sunday's game was the first time since 1988 that the Jets led by 10 points, trailed by 10 and won the game, according to Elias Sports Bureau research.

Wilson was nearly flawless in the fourth, completing 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown — a 5-yard slant to wide receiver Corey Davis with 7:31 remaining.

«The young man doesn't flinch,» coach Robert Saleh said.

Wilson, drafted second overall in 2021, demonstrated toughness and resilience in the final minutes. He completed his last seven passes, including 5-for-5 for 57 yards on the final drive. The Jets took over on Michael Carter II's interception with 3:34 to play and marched to Breece Hall's 2-yard touchdown run with 16 seconds left.

Wilson said he didn't think about his surgically repaired knee during the game. He was under heavy duress by a makeshift line. He