It wasn’t pretty, but the Jets got the job done against the Steelers in Week 16.
New York’s rookie class played a relatively substantial role in the win over Pittsburgh. Some of Gang Green’s rookies struggled, while others turned in performances that helped the Jets pick up their sixth win of the season.
Where do New York’s neophytes stand with only one week left to play in 2019? Let’s take a look in the latest edition of Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings series.
No. 5: OT Chuma Edoga
Last Week: No. 5
Edoga was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a knee injury. He’ll hold down the No. 5 spot in the rankings for the remainder of the regular season as a result.
No. 4: CB Bless Austin
Last Week: No. 1
Austin takes a three-spot tumble in the rankings thanks to the worst performance of his brief NFL career against the Steelers.
Diontae Johnson torched Austin for eight catches, 81 yards and a touchdown despite Pittsburgh’s revolving door at quarterback. It didn’t matter who the Steelers had under center, Johnson was open on almost every play. All they had to do was hit him in the chest for an easy completion.
Week 16 should serve as a learning experience for Austin. He has a lot of football left ahead of him. He can use his poor play against Pittsburgh as a springboard to adjust, fine-tune his game and move forward.
No. 3: TE Trevon Wesco
Last Week: No. 3
Remember how we had some fun with Wesco for recording a tackle to facilitate his move up in the rankings? Well, in Week 16, he locked down the No. 3 spot thanks to a big play at his natural position.
Sam Darnold targeted Wesco once in Week 16 and the West Virginia product made the most of it, ripping off a 32-yard reception. It was an encouraging step for Wesco, who now has two catches for 47 yards on the season.
Wesco also recorded a tackle against the Steelers. He deserves a lot of credit for sticking to the status quo in that aspect of the game.
No. 2: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 4
Williams returned to the field against the Steelers and turned in arguably the best performance of his young career, recording four tackles, one tackle for a loss and one quarterback hit.
Four tackles might not seem like a lot, but the Alabama product lived in Pittsburgh’s backfield throughout the afternoon. No Steelers running back recorded more than 32 yards and Williams’ dominant place in the trenches is a big reason why.
No. 1: DE Kyle Phillips
Last Week: No. 2
It’s been a while since Kyle Phillips has gotten a real chance to showcase his game.
Granted extended run against Pittsburgh, the undrafted free agent registered three tackles, two of which came for a loss, and a sack. Like his rookie counterpart Quinnen Williams, Phillips was a constant presence in the Steelers’ backfield all afternoon.
It’s been said time and time again — give Phillips playing time and he’s going to make an impact. Week 16 was the latest example of that.
