Watch: Minkah Fitzpatrick’s interception sets up Pickett’s first TD
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There was a hush over Acrisure Stadium during halftime of the Steelers Week 4 matchup with the New York Jets.
The Pittsburgh faithful were stunned with what they had witnessed: and it wasn’t for a good reason. The team entered the half trailing the Jets 10-6, and it didn’t appear that Mitchell Trubisky was going to be able to muster them to a victory.
Then, the building started to get electric. Fans noticed rookie QB Kenny Pickett was warming up on the sideline – and the unthinkable had happened: Mike Tomlin benched Trubisky for Pickett. Apparently offensive coordinator Matt Canada had enough and was lobbying for the switch too.
Pickett, who played for the University of Pittsburgh, is an overwhelming fan favorite already. Fans were chanting his name, and the “spark” he started to provide was deafening. Unfortunately, his first-ever NFL pass landed into the hands of the opponent, an interception.
However, Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick had his teammate’s back only four plays later, as he would return the favor to the Jets by picking off an errant Zach Wilson throw, and nearly taking it to the house.
Fitzpatrick’s return was ruled out-of-bounds at the Jets four-yard line, which would lead to Pickett’s second offensive series in the game – and first career NFL touchdown.
Sadly, the Steelers would struggle defensively to close out this game as they fell to a 1-3 record with a final score of 24-20, in favor of the Jets.