EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. —The Pittsburgh Steelers escaped the Meadowlands with a 34-32 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, but the defense left a lot to be desired. Giving up 32 points to Justin Fields and the Jets is not an encouraging sign for a defense that has expectations of being historic.
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen did not hold back after the game. He was not happy with what the defense displayed.
"We (the defense) played like shit. I am not going to sugarcoat it, we played like shit and if we keep playing like that, we are going to get our face mashed in," Queen said. "It's that simple. I call it like it is, and we played like absolute trash."
Queen said it was minor details that derailed the defensive unit on Sunday.
"It was small things. Just staying in gaps, being physical and not getting off blocks," he explained. "Every now and then, someone's got to make a play. Sometimes we chase plays."
The defense stopped the Jets on their final two drives, so the unit at least finished the game strong. Queen is happy to fix the mistakes off a win.
"Yeah definitely. I'll take a win all day," he said.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen during a game against the New York Jets on Oct. 21, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Jets did not punt in the first half against the Steelers — the first time that's happened in a game since at least 1991 , according to the Jets public relations department.
The Jets scored via a field goal, touchdown, touchdown and field goal on four of their five possessions in the first half. The last possession was just three plays to end the half.
The Jets had their way on the ground, rushing for 106 yards on 21 carries (5.0 average) and one touchdown in the first half.
Justin Fields scored on a 2-yard quarterback sneak to enhance the Jets' lead to 26-17 with 3:46 remaining in the third quarter. It was an eight-play, 68-yard touchdown drive led by Fields. A 17-yard run by running back Breece Hall and a 21-yard completion from Fields to Garrett Wilson were the big plays on the drive.
At the end of the third quarter, the Steelers defense allowed 320 yards of offense, with 147 of those yards coming in the run game.
The Jets finished with 394 yards of offense, 182 in the run game. Fields completed 16 of 22 passes (72.7%) for 218 yards with one touchdown, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 119.1. Fields also rushed for 48 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns.
Alan Saunders and Brenden Howe provided reporting for East Rutherford N.J.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers LB Patrick Queen Rips Defensive Performance vs. Jets: 'We Played Like Absolute Trash'
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