It wasn’t the master blueprint the Steelers drew up, but they scraped, clawed, and ultimately did enough to pull out a hard-fought, thrilling 34-32 victory over the New York Jets. Chris Boswell was the hero, drilling the 60-yard winner after an earlier 56-yarder.
At times, this game looked frighteningly familiar— to the horrendous end of last season, capped off with the penultimate massacre in Baltimore that ended the once promising campaign. Even without their top offensive lineman, the Jets absolutely bullied the Steelers’ rebuilt front seven, churning out 182 yards on 39 carries. When the Jets threw, there was little to no pass rush and they ran up a big number on offense, 394 total yard.
The absence of first-round rookie Derrick Harmon hurt, but the veteran defensive front seven did little to slow Breece Hall, who consistently broke into the second level for long gains. Patrick Queen tied Alex Highsmith for the tackle lead, but he and Payton Wilson have to get more physical stopping the run.
Alex Highsmith was the lone standout, logging the team’s only sack, two more hurries, and eight tackles. T.J. Watt didn’t record a sack for the fifth straight game (dating back to last season), though he did manage two tackles for loss, including one where he absolutely buried Justin Fields.
Jalen Ramsey saved the day late, with his pass breakup on fourth down snuffing out the final Jets comeback attempt. But far too many big plays landed on the corners. Darius Slay Jr. allowed a 33-yard touchdown to Garrett Wilson. Six different Jets caught passes from Justin Fields, all for at least 12 yards. The Steelers poured serious cash and traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to build an “improved“ defensive backfield this offseason, yet they made Fields look like an elite passer.
If the defense was a disappointment the offense was an absolute surprise. It was “turn back the clock” day in Jersey. Aaron Rodgers was nearly flawless in his return, including a clutch, game-winning field goal drive where he went 4-for-5. He finished 22-of-30 for 244 yards, four touchdowns, and zero picks (a 136.7 QB rating). It makes you very optimistic about what he could do with actual pass protection or a running game. Not to mention a flagrant PI missed call on Calvin Austin that would have set the Steelers up.
The Steelers didn’t even try to establish the run, and the backs never found a flow. In his first start, Jaylen Warren had just 37 yards on 11 carries (plus a 5-yard TD catch). Getting only 59 yards from scrimmage from your starting back is not ideal and not the way the Steelers planned on drawing it up. Kenneth Gainwell was even less effective, with 19 yards on seven runs. Rookie Kaleb Johnson lost 2 yards on his only carry but drew a costly personal foul—which, frustratingly, was the longest gain of the day on a called running play. Warren earned his touchdown, but this entire group needs much better production.
For all the offseason complaints about the receiving corps’ quality and depth, it was encouraging to see DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, and Ben Skowronek all contribute with big plays. Skowronek, the Pittsburgh folk hero, had a 22-yard TD catch, Austin an 18-yard TD, and Metcalf delivered big plays all game. He is an absolute hoss out there. Jonnu Smith chipped in a short TD, too. Explosive plays from the receivers and tight ends fueled the comeback and kept the Steelers alive when they trailed by nine points, two times in the game.
Broderick Jones who the fan base has been clamoring for, struggled all game, unable to block Jets edge rusher Will McDonald. He allowed two sacks and gave up far too many pressures. It’ll be interesting to see how long the coaches give Jones to fix this before turning to a backup for more consistent blind-side protection. The line didn’t get a push in the run game, either. This unit has the most upside on the team but need to turn that into some sort of production.
Chris Boswell had the two big kicks, but the biggest special teams play was the turnover early in the fourth quarter. Gainwell stripped Jets returner Xavier Gipson, and Skowronek recovered the fumble. Two plays later, Austin’s touchdown gave the Steelers their first lead of the second half. That turnover led to a crucial 14-point swing in a 50-second span that turned the tide of the entire game.
Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith proved his earlier quote true: they didn’t bring Rodgers in to run the wishbone. Smith dialed up explosive plays in the passing game. Three of Rodgers’ four touchdowns were to wide-open receivers, a testament to good play-action calls and solid scheming. Smith still needs to figure out the running game and the line’s issues, but he was a key reason the Steelers won.
As for the defense? Mike Tomlin predicted his unit could do “historic” things. It is too early to give up on that idea, but they have got to show much more than they did against a limited Jets team. Tomlin has supreme confidence in his defense, but they need to start playing significantly better.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Chris Boswell, yesterday’s game summed it up perfectly, who would you rather have had, Bos of Nick Folk who looks like my Grandfather and I am over 50. Bos absolutely banged that 60-yarder and he could have hit a 70-yarder, it had that much distance. Also Considered: Aaron Rodgers absolutely lit the scoreboard up. The Steelers moved the ball efficiently, Alex Highsmith established lay and order.
Beer of the Game: Westhampton Beach Pumpkin Ale, trying to be original this season. It might have been early for pumpkin beer, but it did the job.
“Steel the Snacks”: Being native NY, pizza was a thought but we eat that at least once or twice a week. So we went with Sabrett Hot Dogs and Knishes with hot mustard. Not our most glamorous snack but it did the trick.
My stat of the week: 60-Yard Field Goal. It is impressive enough to hit a 60 yard field goal, it is more impressive when it is to take the league in a hostile environment on a rainy day, It was also Bos’s personal best and he absolutely clobbered the kick.
My thoughts on next week: This will be the home opener against a rebuilding Seattle team. The biggest question is what the defense will do against a more traditional pocket passer. The defense needs a statement game.
Jersey of the Week: T.J. Watt #90 Home Black, wanted to switch it up this year, historically I go with a retired legend. Need a fresh look this season.
