Steelers hoping Jets QB still throwing picks
Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick leads the NFL with 10 interceptions, including nine in the last two games. In four career games against Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick has five touchdown passes against three interceptions.
The Steelers used running backs DeAngelo Willams, left, and Le’Veon Bell on the field at the same time in last week’s victory against Kansas City.
PITTSBURGH – Going into the final weekend of last year’s regular season, the Steelers needed to beat the Cleveland Browns and hope the New York Jets lost to the Buffalo Bills to get into the playoffs.
Enter Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets quarterback who keeps on giving.
Fitzpatrick threw three fourth-quarter interceptions as the Bills won that game, and the Steelers beat the Browns to get into the postseason.
Fitzpatrick, who threw 15 interceptions last season to go along with a career-high 31 touchdown passes, has carried his giving mood into this season.
The veteran quarterback leads the NFL with 10 interceptions, including nine in his last two games, giving him 13 in his past five going back to last season.
The Steelers (3-1) hope to add to that total when they host the Jets (1-3) today at Heinz Field. Kickoff is 1 p.m.
The Steelers faced Fitzpatrick, a classic journeyman, four times in his career, twice with Cincinnati and once each with Buffalo and Houston. He has yet to win, though he has thrown five touchdown passes against three interceptions.
The Steelers know Fitzpatrick will throw the ball up for grabs, particularly to 6-4, 230-pound wide receiver Brandon Marshall, and trust his teammates will make the catch. When it works, it’s great for the offense. When it doesn’t, interceptions occur.
“You have to be on your Ps and Qs because he’ll throw the ball into coverage,” said Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell. “He’s got the receivers to be able to do that. It’s gone the other way the past two weeks. He’s not afraid to test you, even if you are in position.”
Marshall and Fitzpatrick have had some issues connecting this season. Fitzpatrick is just 16 of 39 when targeting his big receiver. Part of the reason is Eric Decker, who typically starts opposite Marshall, was injured two weeks ago, allowing opponents key on Marshall. Decker won’t play again today.
“There are one or two guys who are as physical as (Marshall) but he’s definitely up there at the top,” said Cockrell.
The Steelers don’t have a receiver as big as Marshall, but they will throw a variety of smaller ones at the Jets.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed passes to nine different receivers in a 43-14 win over Kansas City last week, with five touchdown passes going to four different receivers.
“They are a dynamic team,” said New York defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers. “What they did in that game, from the wideouts, to getting (Le’Veon) Bell back, having Bell and (DeAngelo Williams) in the game at the same time, they create a lot of problems for a defense.”
It all starts with Roethlisberger, who is 19-1 in home games in October.
Protecting Roethlisberger could be a problem. New York’s defensive line is its strength and includes three former first-round draft picks, Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams. The Jets also signed defensive tackle Steve McLendon away from the Steelers in the offseason.
The Steelers will get left guard Ramon Foster back after he sat out last week with a chest injury, but they will be using third-stringer Chris Hubbard at right tackle with Marcus Gilbert and backup Ryan Harris out with injuries.
“We’ll have faith and trust in whoever needs to be out there,” Roethlisberger said. “With that being said, we’re not going to be ridiculous. If there are times when we have to help someone’s way, we’ll do it.”
Bell rushed for 144 yards on 18 carries last week in his return from a three-game suspension to open the season. But he and Williams could have issues moving the ball against the Jets, who allow only 3.1 yards per carry and 70 yards rushing per game, both second-best in the NFL.
The Steelers also have been tough to run on, allowing 78 yards rushing per game.
That could put a lot of pressure on the quarterbacks.
Fitzpatrick got a vote of confidence from head coach Todd Bowles earlier this week but knows he can’t continue to turn the ball over.
“With the amount of turnovers that I’ve had, you’re not going to win football games that way,” Fitzpatrick said. “And I know that more than anybody.”
The Steelers will wear 1934 throwback uniforms for the final time today. Pittsburgh is 3-2 in their bumble bee throwbacks. … Former Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis (hamstring) and starting guard Brian Winters (concussion) are out for the Jets. … In addition to Gilbert and Harris, linebacker Ryan Shazier and safety Robert Golden are among those who won’t play for the Steelers. Pittsburgh placed Harris and cornerback Senquez Golson on the Reserve/Injured List Saturday and promoted offensive lineman Matt Feiler and cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz to the active roster. … The Steelers lead the series 17-5, including 7-1 at home. … Bell’s average of 120.7 yards from scrimmage per game since the start of the 2013 season leads the NFL.