The NFL knew exactly what it was doing with the opening week Steelers-Jets matchup.
The Pittsburgh Steelers head to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon. Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers will face their former teams, setting up a game that promises to be full of excitement.
According to ESPN, the Steelers are 2.5-point favorites, signaling that fans and experts should expect a close game.
Steelers Offense vs. Jets Defense
After an offseason full of roster changes, the Steelers have plenty of questions to answer heading into Week 1. They added several new faces, including DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill and Rodgers.
Rodgers enters this game against his former team looking to prove they made a mistake by letting him go.
Surrounding the 41-year-old quarterback are a host of offensive weapons. Along with Metcalf, the receiver room features Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson. At tight end, the trio of Pat Freiermuth, Smith and Darnell Washington should create mismatches against opposing defenses.
Despite the array of receiving options, Rodgers will face a well-rounded secondary led by Sauce Gardner, Brandon Stephens, Andre Cisco, Tony Adams and Michael Carter. This group can match up well against the Steelers and also create turnovers.
After signing a four-year $120 million extension this offseason, Gardner will be under pressure to perform up to standards.
The key question for the offense is how the line performs against this Jets defense. Veteran guard Isaac Seumalo anchors the unit which features several young players, including Broderick Jones, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier.
That group will have to hold off disruptive players such as Will McDonald, Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson and Leonard Taylor. Giving Rodgers time in the pocket will be crucial for offensive success.
Stopping the Run
At running back, Jaylen Warren will shoulder the load as the lead back. Following his recent three-year extension, Warren will be motivated to show why he earned the deal. Behind him, rookie Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell are expected to provide quality backup snaps.
https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1962557712341913600
The Jets’ defense isn’t just strong up front and in the secondary — their linebackers also play a key role. Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood will be tasked with keeping everyone lined up and stopping the Steelers’ rushing attack. With C.J. Mosley retiring earlier this offseason, much of the responsibility now falls on Williams and Sherwood to step up.
Jets Offense vs. Steelers Defense
On the other side of this matchup, Fields faces his own challenges. He went 4-2 as a starter last season, but was ultimately benched for Russell Wilson. Now, after departing from Pittsburgh, he’ll make his case for why he should have been re-signed.
His dual-threat ability presents problems for the Steelers’ defense. Head coach Mike Tomlin has not disclosed the Steelers’ strategy for keeping Fields in the pocket, but it will be a key factor in manufacturing a win.
The Jets have no shortage of offensive weapons. At running back, the combination of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen creates a matchup nightmare. Hall not only runs well between the tackles but can also slip out of the backfield to make plays in the passing game. Complementing him is Allen’s downhill, physical style. Together, they’ll test the Steelers’ front seven.
To combat Hall and Allen, the Steelers will lean on their deep linebacker room. Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison all will be responsible for filling gaps and preventing chunk plays.
Strong safety DeShon Elliott is another defender who could play a big role in slowing the Jets’ ground game. His ability to tackle and make plays near the line of scrimmage makes him a valuable asset.
Fields the Passer?
In the passing game, Fields will rely heavily on former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson. Wilson’s primary matchup will be against Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Though Ramsey is a daunting opponent, Wilson is no stranger to going up against top-tier corners.
Supporting him at receiver are Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard, two veterans who complement Wilson well. While Wilson draws Ramsey, Lazard and Reynolds will have to work against Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. to create space. Along with the receivers, using rookie tight end Mason Taylor give Fields a security blanket.
The Jets’ offensive line also faces plenty of challenges. For starters, slowing down the edge-rushing duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith is no easy task. This season, the Steelers plan to move Watt and Highsmith around at times, which creates even more problems. Recently, T.J. Watt was ranked No. 11 on the NFL Top 100, showcasing just how good he is.
Complicating matters further, tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a torn triceps and will miss the season. His absence thins the Jets’ depth up front and could force Fields to scramble more if the pocket collapses.
Along with Watt and Highsmith, the Steelers’ defensive front features Cam Heyward, Benton and Yahya Black. Black flashed potential in the preseason and gives the defense an encouraging young presence. Even with Hayward’s contract situation in the air, Tomlin expressed confidence that he would be playing.
With 2025 first-round pick Derrick Harmon sidelined, the Steelers will need contributions from Black, Logan Lee, Daniel Ekuale and others to hold the line.
Three Keys to the Game
Steelers:
- Contain Justin Fields
- Offensive Line Must Protect Rodgers
- Don’t Let Hall and Allen Get Going
Jets
- Protect Justin Field
- Create Pressure
- Don’t Let the TE’s Kill You
Leave a comment