Steelers 34 - Jets 32

The Steelers opened their 2025 season yesterday with a 34-32 win over the New York Jets.  It was exciting and action packed, but it sure wasn't easy.

What I liked about the game....

• Aaron Rodgers.  In his first game as a Steeler, the future Hall of Famer went 22 for 30 for 244 yards, 4 TD's, and 0 interceptions.  HIs four TD passes went to four different receivers.  

Ben Skowronek scores first TD of the season for the Steelers.

• Receptions by DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin, and Ben Skowronek all had significant Yards After Catch numbers, something we haven't seen a lot of in recent years.
• Something else we haven't seen a lot of but saw yesterday were passes downfield and over the middle.
• That hit Jalen Ramsey put on Jets WR Garrett Willson that ended the Jets last possession and sealed the deal for the Steelers.
• And, of course, Chris Boswell drilling a 60 yard game winning FG (a Steelers record) with 1:05 remaining.  This on top of a 56 yarder in the first half.

What I didn't like about the game....

• The Steelers defense being shredded by the Jets for 394 net yards and 32 points.
• The Jets ran the ball 39 times for 182 yards.  
• Justin Fields went 16 for 22 for 244 yards, 3 TD's and 0 interceptions. 
• The Steelers inability to run the ball: 20 attempts for only 53 yards.
• Rodgers getting sacked three times.  Third year man Broderick Jones at LT is starting to look like a first round bust.

And let's face it, the Jets aren't a very good team.  That Steelers defense, the highest paid defense in the NFL, has to improve of the team is going to go anywhere this season.  Let us hope that rookie Derrick Harmon recovers from his injury and makes a difference on the defensive line.

Still a win to start the season is great.  Now bring on the Seahawks for the Home Opener next week.

Oh, and did any of you out there have Ben Skowronek if the "Who Will Score the First Steelers Touchdown of the Season Pool?"  

Didn't think so.