Get a glimpse of the Jets-Steelers game this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Marquee Match Up
Jets QB Justin Fields vs. Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers
While they don’t go head-to-head in the traditional sense, this game will be a significant test of the Jets’ offseason choice at quarterback.
The Jets opted to draft Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, and took their chances with Fields, who inked a two-year, $40 million contract after transitioning from Pittsburgh a year later.
Both quarterbacks seemed to downplay their departures from their former teams this week.
Rodgers expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m excited for the first week.”
Fields added, “I’m just cool, calm, and collected. It’s another game, to be honest with you.”
Interestingly, this matchup marks the first time a quarterback starting in Week 1 goes against a team that opened the season the previous year.
If Fields secures a victory, he would also set a record as the first quarterback to win the season opener against the same team two years in a row.
Though Glenn may have moved on from Rodgers, he acknowledges the 41-year-old is still very much a threat.
“He’s adept at reading defenses, getting the guys in the right positions,” Glenn commented. “We all know he’s a future Hall of Famer, so he’ll be a challenge regardless.”
Four Downs
Running
The Jets struggled with one of the least effective rushing offenses in the league last season.
They ranked last in rushing attempts, and somehow managed to finish at the bottom for rushing yards as well, scoring just eight rushing touchdowns.
This year, they plan to change those statistics.
With Fields, Breece Hall, and Blairon Allen in the lineup, they’re embracing a run-heavy strategy and committing to becoming a more aggressive rushing team.
“We want to attack quickly, physically, and violently,” said offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.
However, the offensive line took a hit this week with right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker sidelined due to a torn triceps.
Now, Joe Tippmann will move to center, with Josh Myers stepping in to start.
Jermaine Johnson
The Jets have welcomed back key defensive player Jermaine Johnson, who is returning to action after missing nearly all of last season.
Johnson suffered an Achilles injury during Week 2 last year and is now eager to make an impact.
“When Aaron arrived, I was excited. It’ll be nice to finally take him down,” Johnson joked.
For Openers
The Jets have had a rough track record in season openers recently.
Out of the last nine years, they’ve only won twice. One of those was in 2021 when they edged out the Bills in overtime, although that win was overshadowed by Rodgers’ Achilles injury.
The other win came in 2018, when Sam Darnold made a splash in his first game, leading the Jets to a 48-17 victory over the Lions.
No Jets coach has made their debut since Todd Bowles in 2015.
With Fields as their seventh starting quarterback in the opening game over the past decade, he’s now joining a long line that includes Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Zach Wilson, Darnold, Josh McCown, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Mason Taylor
While much focus is on who will be the Jets’ second-wide receiver, the production from their tight ends is equally crucial.
Rookie Mason Taylor is expected to make his debut and is anticipated to play a significant role in the offense.
Even though Taylor missed some training camp due to a high ankle sprain, the coach feels confident in his abilities.
“I think Mason’s in a great spot,” Engstrand said. “He’s a smart, instinctive player. Missing some time is tough, but he’s adapted well.”
Costello’s Thoughts
This game could turn into quite a battle.
Though the spotlight is on Rodgers and Fields, the outcome may hinge on who controls the line of scrimmage.
I think this matchup is tighter than many anticipate. Fields could potentially lead the Jets to a win, throwing a game-winning pass to Allen Lazard, against his former teammate, Rodgers.
Jets 21, Steelers 17
