The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken sole possession of first place in the AFC North – for now – after their best offensive game of the season.

Pittsburgh took down the New York Jets with a 37-15 victory on "Sunday Night Football" to move to 5-2 on the season. Their 37 points and 409 total yards of offense were both season highs.

The win puts them just ahead of the Baltimore Ravens (4-2), who will have a chance to tie for the division lead again when they play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a “Monday Night Football” clash.

Quarterback Russell Wilson made his first start for the Steelers after dealing with a calf injury for the first six weeks of the season. Justin Fields had started every game for Pittsburgh before Sunday night.

Wilson was 16-of-29 on pass attempts for 264 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also scored a rushing touchdown on a QB sneak. Running back Najee Harris had 102 yards and a game-sealing touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and wide receiver George Pickens had 111 yards and a touchdown on five catches.

The Steelers’ win spoiled the Jets debut for star wide receiver Davante Adams, who finished the game with three catches on nine targets for 30 yards. New York quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 24-of-39 for 276 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss.

First Half Breakdown

The Jets got off to a hot start, with running back Breece Hall finding the endzone on a 13-yard run early in the first quarter. However, the Steelers quickly answered with a 46-yard field goal from Chris Boswell to cut the lead to 7-3. The Jets extended their lead to 15-6 after Hall’s second touchdown of the game, this time on a 3-yard run just before halftime.

The Jets’ momentum stalled in the second quarter, and the Steelers capitalized on a crucial interception by rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. With the interception setting them up at the Jets’ 1-yard line, the Steelers scored on a Russell Wilson rushing touchdown to narrow the deficit to 15-13. It was Wilson’s first touchdown of the game.

The Steelers’ defense came up big at the end of the half. Sauce Gardner, who had been hobbled after suffering an ankle injury, was flagged for pass interference, giving the Steelers a golden opportunity. Two plays later, Wilson connected with George Pickens for a 21-yard touchdown, putting the Steelers in front 15-13 with just 30 seconds left in the half.

Second Half Domination

The Steelers continued their momentum in the second half. The Jets’ offense seemed to have a hard time finding its footing. The Steelers’ defense suffocated the Jets, and Wilson’s efficient play kept the offense moving. Bishop Jr. intercepted Rodgers for a second time in the game, returning it to the 1-yard line. The Steelers extended their lead to 22-15 with Wilson’s second touchdown pass of the game, this time to Van Jefferson.

The Jets’ hopes of getting back into the game were quickly dashed after a blocked field goal by Dean Lowry. Later in the fourth quarter, the Jets’ offense was once again unable to capitalize on a late drive. The Jets turned the ball over on downs after failing to convert a fourth-and-five from the Steelers’ 19-yard line.

The Steelers salted the game away with a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Najee Harris, giving Pittsburgh a 37-15 victory.

A Night to Remember for Wilson

Wilson's performance in his Steelers debut was one for the ages. He was able to spread the ball around efficiently, with five different receivers totaling more than 25 yards. He showed flashes of his old self, making accurate throws downfield and showcasing his escapability in the pocket. His performance was a stark contrast to his struggles in Denver, where his time as the Broncos' quarterback was overshadowed by a series of disappointing performances.

Wilson's resurgence in Pittsburgh comes at a pivotal moment in the team's season. The Steelers have established themselves as a force in the AFC North, but their success will hinge on Wilson's ability to maintain his level of play and lead the offense. With the win over the Jets, Wilson sent a clear message to the rest of the league: he is back, and he is ready to lead the Steelers to greatness.

What’s Next for the Jets

The Jets' loss to the Steelers was a major setback. They were hoping to make a statement in Davante Adams’ debut, but they failed to do so. The Jets’ offense looked disjointed, and their defense struggled to stop the Steelers. It was a game that exposed the Jets’ weaknesses and raised questions about their ability to compete in a tough AFC East division.

The Jets' next game is against the New England Patriots next Sunday, a game that will be crucial to their playoff aspirations. The Patriots have been a consistent threat in the division for years. They have a solid defense and an offense that can be dangerous when they are firing on all cylinders.

If the Jets want to make the playoffs, they need to turn things around quickly. They need to improve their offensive execution, find a way to generate a consistent pass rush, and avoid costly turnovers. The Jets have a lot of work to do, and time is not on their side.

The Future is Now

The Jets need to find a way to right the ship if they want to make a push for the playoffs. Their next game against the Patriots will be a tough test. The Jets need to make some adjustments and learn from the mistakes they made in the loss to the Steelers. Only time will tell if the Jets can turn things around and make a run for a playoff spot.