Week One Recap: Rodgers’ Steelers, Steal a Close One from the New Look Jets

Welcome to a new season of Jets football here at the JOSE Channel. After a brief hiatus, we are back to reporting on our beloved Jets. After a Week One contest filled with many ups but ultimately a disappointing down, the season looks to be a hopeful one for the New York Jets.

To set the stage, the NFL pinned a Week One matchup between the Jets and Steelers after a heavy-hitting offseason for both teams. Former Jets QB Aaron Rodgers joined the Steelers after spending the last two seasons with the Jets. The tenure resulted in a season-ending Achilles tear in 2023 and a disappointing 5-12 record in 2024, which led to the firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. After the Jets established their new regime, led by head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, the big question surrounding Aaron Rodgers' future with the franchise arose. The new regime would schedule a meeting with Rodgers, which led to his departure from the team, ultimately resulting in his signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With no solution at quarterback, the Jets pivoted to free agency. There lay a young 26-year-old quarterback who showed much promise throughout his career but had not yet clicked with a franchise that was committed to developing him to the best of his abilities. His name was Justin Fields. After spending his first three seasons with the Chicago Bears, it was evident that the two sides weren't a good fit for each other. Although Fields showed moments of potential stardom, he struggled mightily under the Bears' offense, specifically under their offensive line, which led to nagging injuries that caused him to miss some time, and a lack of quality weapons. This led the Bears to decide to move on from Fields and trade up to draft USC QB Caleb Williams. The Steelers would trade for Fields and allow him to compete with Russell Wilson for the starting job. He was granted the starting job after Wilson suffered an injury. However, Fields would be benched for Wilson when returning from injury. The Steelers went 4-2 under Fields, and he threw for 1,106 passing yards, five passing touchdowns, one interception, with 289 rushing yards for five rushing touchdowns. The promise was there, and the Jets decided to award him with a two-year, $40M prove-it deal, reuniting him with his college WR, Garrett Wilson.

Now, after much hype, the two faced off this weekend, and MetLife Stadium was thunderous. The Terrible Towels traveled, and Steeler fans made themselves noticeable. The Jets began the scoring with four straight scoring drives in the first half, and the revival of RB Breece Hall broke through with big gains. The first touchdown was a stunning throw from Fields to Wilson in the corner of the end zone. The Jets decided to go for a two-point conversion after a penalty was called on Pittsburgh, which they would fail to execute, a decision that would come to haunt them later. However, the Steelers did not back down. Although the Jets' defense sacked Rodgers on the first play, which erupted the crowd, he still led them to three scoring drives in the first half. It was 19-17 Jets going into halftime, and this game would go back and forth. After a disappointing defensive first half, the Jets forced two punts to start the second half. The Jets offense would capitalize with a touchdown, 26-17 Jets. However, the Jets' luck would seemingly diminish as the Steelers put together a touchdown-scoring drive, then forced a fumble against Jets kick returner Xavier Gipson on the ensuing kick return. And the Steelers would capitalize with another touchdown, making the score 31-26 Steelers. The big lead immediately vanished, and it was now a new game. It was time to see how prominent this Jets offense was. And Justin Fields led the boys downfield and ran in a cakewalk touchdown at the goal line, 32-31 Jets. They attempted another two-point conversion and failed again, leaving two points on the board. The Jets would force a third and out, but then give it right back after going three and out. With only two minutes left, the Steelers would be down by 3 points. The Jets had numerous opportunities to ice the game. Instead, they allowed the Steelers to march downfield and set up a game-winning 60-yard field goal. And Steelers kicker, Chris Boswell, would win it for the Steelers. The Jets had one more possession but failed to muster up any success after Jalen Ramsey knocked the ball out of Garrett Wilson's hands on 4th and 3.

Such a great game was lost to such unfortunate turnovers. Head Coach Aaron Glenn said, "We cannot have turnovers… You will not be on the field if you cause us to lose games." He honored that statement by releasing Jets kick returner Xavier Gipson on Wednesday after his game-losing fumble. An excellent indicator for a coach who claims to be big on accountability, showing his authority and determination to build the best winner for the Jets. However, his coaching debut did come with some struggles, as he left two points on the board with two failed 2-point conversions, which could've tied the game. As well as his aggressive blitz ambition, leaving targets open for Aaron Rodgers to hit across the field for big yards after catching the ball. The offense played nearly a perfect game, and the new play-calling offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, had quite the debut. As long as the Jets can get their defense looking like past years and receive somewhat better officiating, this will be an exciting and promising season for the New York Jets.