Football is back. The New York Jets play their first game of the season this Sunday, hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers for a Week 1 matchup.

It’s been a long wait after a brutal 2024 season, but Jets fans hold some optimism heading into 2025. After all, this game kicks off a fresh era led by a new general manager, head coach, quarterback, and much more.

We will finally see what Aaron Glenn’s Jets look like this Sunday.

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Who are the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Head coach Mike Tomlin leads the Pittsburgh Steelers. Heading into his 19th season, he will attempt to remain the only head coach in NFL history to never have a losing record in a single season—a task that has become more and more difficult over the last few seasons.

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin back Tomlin.

Some may recognize Arthur Smith, as he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and mentioned as a potential Jets target over the years. Meanwhile, Austin had short runs as the defensive coordinator for Detroit (2014-2017) and Cincinnati (2018) before working his way back up to the position in Pittsburgh in 2022.

2024 Game Statistics:

  • 10-7 Record
  • Field Goal Percentage: 93.18% (2nd)
  • Penalties Per Game: 6.1 (11th)

Now that we know the coaches, let’s move to the players:

Steelers Offense

Offensive Players

  • Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph
  • Running backs: Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson (R), Kenneth Gainwell (KR)
  • Wide Receiver: DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III (PR), Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller
  • Tight End: Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith
  • Offensive Line: LT: Broderick Jones, LG: Isaac Seumalo, C: Zach Frazier, RG: Mason McCormick, RT: Troy Fautanu

The Steelers’ offense underwent some significant changes this offseason.

They made a splash in free agency, signing former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers produced well in 2024, ranking seventh in passing touchdowns (28th) and eighth in passing yards (3897). However, his efficiency and performance in big moments contributed to the team’s struggles.

Head coach Aaron Glenn has also had success against Rodgers in the past, which gives the Jets a boost.

There were bigger changes than just quarterback. The most significant changes to the offense came via trade.

This past offseason, the Steelers traded for wide receiver DK Metcalf and traded away George Pickens. Beyond Metcalf, the Steelers are betting Austin can take another step after eclipsing 500 yards in his second season. Meanwhile, they’re still waiting to see what Wilson brings to the table after missing 2024 with ankle and hamstring injuries.

They also traded Minkah Fitzpatrick and some picks in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.

Smith joins fifth-year pro Pat Freiermuth to give them a strong 1-2 punch. Neither is a dominant player, but both are above-average tight ends who can contribute in both phases of the game. Freiermuth has the edge as a blocker, whereas Smith has the edge as a receiver.

Along the offensive line, a youth movement gives the Steelers a group that makes the Jets’ young unit seem well seasoned. Only left guard Isaac Seumalo has more than three seasons of experience. Despite their lack of experience, the Steelers’ interior trio was among the best in the NFL. However, their tackle situation presents an opportunity for the Jets.

Left tackle Broderick Jones has struggled on the field and will face off against Will McDonald, the player selected immediately after him. This matchup will go a long way toward deciding this contest.

Meanwhile, Troy Fautanu has simply struggled to stay on the field, playing in only one game. Despite the struggles, the Steelers believe their first-round picks in 2023 and 2024, respectively, can get back on track.

Like the Jets, the Steelers have high expectations for their rebuilt unit.

2024 Offensive Statistics:

  • Total Yards Per Game: 319.4 (23rd)
  • Yards Per Play: 5.0 (25th)
  • Points Per Game: 22.4 (16th)
  • Rushing Yards Per Carry: 4.1 (24th)
  • Rushing Touchdowns Per Game: 0.82 (19th)
  • Net Passing Yards Per Attempt: 6.0 (18th)
  • Passing Touchdowns Per Game: 1.24 (23rd)
  • Passer Rating Allowed: 94.8 (11th)
  • Turnovers Per Game: 1.0 (10th)
  • Sacks Allowed: 8.9% (27th)
  • Redzone Scoring: 48.2% (29th)
  • 3rd Down Conversion Rate: 39.5% (14th)
  • 4th Down Conversion Rate: 38.9% (31st)
  • Most Used Personnel: 11 Personnel, 53.2% (3 WR, 1 RB, 1 TE)

Steelers Defense

Defensive Players

  • Defensive Tackle: Cameron Heyward, Keanu Benton, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk
  • Edge Rushers: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig
  • Linebacker: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson
  • Cornerback: Darius Slay, Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey (NB), Brandin Echols
  • Safety: DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill

In 2024, the Steelers had one of the best defenses in the NFL, and their defensive line was the reason why.

You could make an argument that T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are the best players at their respective positions. Meanwhile, most of the NFL would love to have Highsmith and Benton as starters on their teams.

Twenty-twenty-five first-round pick Derrick Harmon will miss the game with a knee injury suffered in the first preseason game.

SEE ALSO: The Jets' prized rookie will be immediately tested in Week 1

Behind them are two linebackers who play fast. Queen (4.5s 40-yard dash) and Wilson (4.43s 40) fly sideline to sideline to make plays.

Wilson, the 99th pick in the 2024 draft, excelled as a rookie, especially in coverage. Among 70 qualified linebackers with 450 snaps, he had the third-lowest passer rating allowed (80.8), and the fourth-lowest yards allowed per reception (7.0) and target (5.8) while also getting defensive stops at the fourth-highest rate (24 on 493 snaps, 4.9%).

The Steelers’ cornerback room underwent significant changes this past offseason. They added Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey to go with third-year pro Joey Porter Jr.. Despite turning 34 this year, Slay still played well and allowed the third-lowest completion rate in the NFL (70.8%).

Ramsey, while talented, presents an exciting matchup with Garrett Wilson that the Jets must capitalize on. Meanwhile, we’ll see if Porter Jr. benefits from an improved supporting cast.

At safety, they have productive veterans in DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill. Elliott is 10th in both tackles (83) and defensive stops (31) while also having the lowest missed tackle rate among safeties (1.8%).

Conversely, Thornhill misses tackles at the highest rate (22.6%) and ranks near the bottom in yards per target (10.3) and passer rating allowed (137.2).

2024 Defensive Statistics:

  • Total Yards Per Game: 326.7 (12th)
  • Yard Per Play: 5.4 (17th)
  • Points Per Game: 20.4 (8th)
  • Rushing Yards Per Carry: 4.1 (5th)
  • Rushing Touchdowns Per Game: 0.82 (16th)
  • Net Passing Yards Per Attempt: 6.2 (18th)
  • Passing Touchdowns Per Game: 1.35 (10th)
  • Passer Rating Allowed: 87.5 (6th)
  • Turnovers Per Game: 1.94 (1st)
  • Sacks Per Game: 2.35 (16th)
  • Redzone Scoring: 54.1% (13th)
  • 3rd Down Conversion Rate: 35.3% (2nd)
  • 4th Down Conversion Rate: 68.2% (29th)
  • Most Used Personnel: Nickel, 58.2% (3 CB, 2 S)

Battles and Players to Watch

In this section, I’ll highlight matchups that can define the game and discuss some statistical studs who many fans may not recognize. Let’s dive in.

Jets Interior Defensive Line vs Steelers Offensive Line

One of the biggest concerns among Jets fans was the team’s defensive tackle plan. Although they have star Quinnen Williams, the team lacked a reliable option behind him. After some trades last week, the outlook for the group is much more encouraging.

However, the Steelers’ interior will test them early.

The Steelers drafted center Zach Frazier in the second round and Mason McCormick in the fourth. While Fautanu couldn’t stay healthy as a rookie, the Steelers still got great returns on their investment in 2024.

Frazier was the team’s starting center and had a dominant rookie season outside of a few missed games. He ranked 5th in pressure rate allowed (2.33%), PFF overall grade (76.8), and PFF run block grade (79.7). McCormick took a bit longer to see the field, and while not as spectacular as Frazier, he was average by most metrics, which is impressive as a fourth-round rookie.

For the Jets’ revamped unit, their performance could be the difference between the defense regaining its elite form or continuing to struggle to establish itself.

Jets Offensive Tackles vs Steelers Edge Rushers

This matchup may dictate the game for New York. The Jets invested heavily in their offensive tackles, taking Olu Fashanu 11th in 2024 and Armand Membou seventh in 2025.

Olu played at a respectable level in 2024, and Membou has flashed in the preseason. But the Steelers’ edge rushers would push the best offensive lineman to their limits.

The Steelers possess one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Their elite outside linebackers room drives this production.

Twenty-twenty-one Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt is still one of the best defensive players in the NFL. He’s long been known for his pass rushing, but he is equally dominant against the run, leading the NFL in run defense grade (91.4) among edge players.

Opposite of him is the underrated Alex Highsmith, a 2020 fourth-round pick. Smith has at least seven sacks in each of the last four seasons and ranks sixth or higher among edge rushers in pressure rate (16.11%, 6th), PFF overall grade (89.5, 6th), pass rush grade (89.7, 5th), and run defense grade (79.7, 6th).

The depth is talented as well. Nick Herbig got consistent pressure and finished the season with 7 sacks and 4 fumbles in only 219 snaps.

The Jets will look to Fashanu and Membou to lock down both tackle spots in the next decade. Offensive tackle is one of the most valued positions in the sport for matchups like this.

D.K. Metcalf vs Sauce Gardner

Any matchup between two of the best in the NFL is fun. Metcalf was traded to the Steelers this offseason and inked a massive 4-year $132 million contract. Since being drafted in 2019, Metcalf has quickly established himself as one of the most physical wide receivers in the NFL.

Using his rare size (6-foot-4, 229 lbs) and speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash), he has imposed his will on smaller cornerbacks. However, Sauce is no undersized cornerback.

Sauce inked a record-breaking four-year, $120.4 million contract despite a “down year” in 2024. He will look to bounce back against a familiar opponent.

The Jets and the Seahawks have played each other in Week 18 of the 2022 season and Week 14 of the 2024 season. In the end, Sauce comfortably won both matchups. Here are the final numbers:

  • 8 Targets
  • 2 Receptions
  • 31 Yards
  • 1 1st Down
  • 3 Pass Breakups

Only two catches across two games is an impressive feat against someone who averages over 4.5 a game in the last three years. The Jets will look for a similar showing from the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback.

The Jets re-shuffled interior offensive line vs the Steelers’ defensive tackles

Injuries suck. And Alijah Vera-Tucker has had far more than his fair share, unfortunately. As a result, the Jets are expected to move Joe Tippmann to right guard and play backup Josh Myers at center. They’ll have a good test against the Steelers.

Tippmann gets the benefit of avoiding Harmon and seeing the Steelers’ fourth defensive tackle, Logan Hall. Despite being their fourth option, Hall isn’t a bad player, and so Tippmann still needs to bring it.

Meanwhile, Myers will be pushed by Benton, the Steelers’ primary nose tackle. He’s ranked in the top 10 in PFF overall grade in 2023 and 2024 among defensive tackles with at least 100 snaps in the A gap.

The Jets catch a break with Heyward playing almost exclusively on the right side. He will match up with Simpson in his natural spot as he looks to earn an extension. Still, this will be a good test for the Jets’ new offensive line for the season.

Final Takeaways

We will finally see what Aaron Glenn’s Jets look like this Sunday. The Pittsburgh team is led by one of the best head coaches in the NFL, Mike Tomlin. In recent years, they may have struggled with inconsistency on offense.

However, they’re well coached, can run the ball, and possess a stifling defense—the same style that Aaron Glenn hopes to establish in New York.

They will have to beat one of the best at their own game to win the first game of the new era. However, they have the tools to do so.

Wilson and Sauce have consistently won their matchups against Ramsey and Metcalf in the past, which shouldn’t change despite the new jersey. The battles in the trenches are a toss-up, but both defensive lines will likely have the edge.

Despite Alijah Vera-Tucker’s injury, the Jets’ offensive line may not be in disarray. The Jets inserted a veteran, Josh Myers, who has 56 starts in the last four years, and Tippmann has excelled at guard.

This will also mark the first time two quarterbacks face off against their former teams. Despite the storyline, Rodgers and Fields are avoiding the drama.

The only thing remaining is to wait for 1:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday.