Jets Self-Destruct Again, Lose Fourth Straight, 45-24

The Pittsburgh Steelers were playing for pride. The New York Jets were playing for their playoff lives. Pride won.

The Steelers got three touchdowns from running back Walter Abercrombie and forced four turnovers by Jet quarterback Ken O’Brien for a 45-24 victory Saturday that seriously damaged New York’s postseason hopes.

After a 10-1 start, the Jets fell to 10-5 with their fourth consecutive loss and fourth poor offensive showing.

The Jets still can clinch a playoff berth today if the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Raiders or next week by defeating the Bengals at Cincinnati. The Jets trail the New England Patriots (10-4) by a half-game in the AFC East.

The Steelers (6-9), out of playoff contention, have won five of their last eight games, with two of the losses to division leaders Cleveland and Chicago coming in overtime.

“We’ve been saying the last few weeks that we are better than our record,” said quarterback Mark Malone, who passed for two touchdowns and ran for another as Pittsburgh beat the Jets for the ninth time in nine meetings. “The only way we will gain recognition and respect is to win these games.”

As it has in the past four weeks, the Jets’ offense self-destructed. One of O’Brien’s three interceptions--he also fumbled once--was returned 67 yards for a touchdown by Lupe Sanchez, who had another interception late in the third quarter.

After Sanchez’s first interception, the Steelers drove 58 yards in 10 plays. Malone sneaked one yard, breaking a 17-17 tie, and then hit John Stallworth on a 40-yard touchdown play as the Steelers broke loose for 28 points in the final quarter.

After Abercrombie’s one-yard run gave the Steelers a 7-0 lead in the second quarter, the Jets tied it when Jojo Townsell ran back the ensuing kickoff 93 yards. It was Townsell’s first NFL score.

Abercrombie put Pittsburgh ahead, 17-10, when he caught a seven-yard pass from Malone. Later, Abercrombie scored on a one-yard run.

O’Brien completed 20 of 30 for 197 yards. He was sacked 5 times. Malone completed 16 of 27 for 189 yards.

Freeman McNeil rushed for 137 yards in 23 carries for the Jets, while Earnest Jackson led Pittsburgh with 101 yards in 23 carries.

Jet nose tackle Joe Klecko and tackle Reggie McElroy, both of whom returned to the lineup after knee injuries, reinjured their knees and may need major reconstructive surgery.

Klecko is definitely out for next Sunday’s game against Cincinnati. McElroy’s status is uncertain.