Jets 16, Steelers 10: Breaking Down The Devastating Defeat

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Steelers' stumble in New York Sunday against the underdog New York Jets could well be remembered as the game in which their playoff hopes went up in flames. Though technically still alive for the second AFC wild card slot, the Steelers will have to beat the Baltimore Ravens on the road Sunday while the Tennessee Titans lose to the Houston Texans to clinch that elusive spot.

Here's what football writers across the country are saying about the 16-10 defeat:

Brian Costello, New York Post: "The Jets sent the MetLife Stadium fans home unhappy … and that was a good thing for once. In front of a crowd filled with Steelers fans, the Jets upset Pittsburgh 16-10 and left the fans crying into their Terrible Towels. It was not pretty, but 6-9 Jets will take it."

Grant Gordon, NFL.com: " As it has all season, the Pittsburgh defense gave the Steelersa chance. Sitting at 8-7, the Steelers still have a chance to get into the playoffs with a game left against the mighty Ravens, who have already locked up the top seed and might well have little incentive."

John Breech, CBS Sports: "The Steelers have a Super Bowl worthy defense this year, but it's starting to look like their quarterback situation is going to cost them a shot at finding out just
how good the defense can be. Although the Steelers haven't been eliminated from the playoff race, they no longer control their own fate."

Lorenzo Reyes, USA Today: "Steelers coach Mike Tomlin deserves credit for getting this injury-riddled team to eight wins. But with the 13-2 Ravens coming up in the finale, this loss against the Jets could be the one that keeps them out of the tournament."

Brooke Pryor, ESPN: "The Steelers now enter Week 17 with a core part of their offense up in
the air. The quarterback job will be dictated largely by Mason Rudolph's health, and injuries to James Conner and Maurkice Pouncey will also determine their availability."