Jets Had Clear Preference For Steelers QB Battle In Week 7: Report

The 2-4 New York Jets have made two desperate moves in recent weeks. Now, the Jets reportedly think a choice Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made could get them back on track in Week 7.

The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 6 in London. Owner Woody Johnson hoped the firing would produce a spark. Instead, the Jets' loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night prompted New York to trade for Davante Adams on Tuesday.

Sunday night's matchup against the 4-2 Steelers is critical for the Jets, as they want to avoid losing four straight games and falling to 2-5 in a competitive AFC wild-card race.

The Steelers could inadvertently be throwing the Jets a bone in Week 7. Head coach Mike Tomlin has been mum on declaring who would be the starting quarterback Sunday night, but wide receiver George Pickens let slip that Pittsburgh plans to go with Russell Wilson for the first time this season.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Jets are rejoicing at Tomlin's possible decision.

"The Jets are happy about the news," Russini wrote. "They know Wilson will be knocking off rust and may even be dealing with some nerves. He’s getting his first start as a Steeler in prime time, at home, with former President Trump in attendance. It’s a gamble. Wilson, a former Super Bowl winner and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a different player since being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos in 2022. His swag is at an all-time low."

Justin Fields has led the Steelers to a tie for first in the AFC North. However, Fields has been pedestrian as a thrower, going 106-of-160 passing for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. The former Chicago Bears starting quarterback is ranked 23rd in passing this season.

Related: NFL Fans Erupt After George Pickens Accidentally Names Steelers' Starting QB