Steelers Outlast Jets 34–24 in Season Opener

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The Pittsburgh Steelers opened Season 33 with a statement on the road, outlasting the New York Jets 34-24 behind a vintage night from Aaron Rodgers and a power finish from Jaylen Warren. Rodgers hit Pat Freiermuth for a 73-yard lightning bolt in the first quarter and never turned the ball over, while Warren delivered two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns to keep a surging Jets offense at bay.

Game Recap

The Jets struck first on a 34-yard field goal from Nick Folk. Two minutes later, Rodgers answered with the deep strike to Freiermuth for 7-3. In the second quarter, Rodgers orchestrated another touchdown-Warren's 7-yard catch-and Chris Boswell drilled field goals from 54 and 38 yards around a determined goal-line finish from Breece Hall (5-yard TD), sending Pittsburgh to halftime up 20-10.

After the break, Hall electrified MetLife with a 60-yard touchdown burst to pull the Jets within three. But the fourth belonged to Warren, who powered in from four and three yards to restore control. New York's final push came when Jeremy Ruckert snared a 1-yard score from Justin Fields, but Boswell's perfect night (4/4 PAT, 2/2 FG) and a clean Steelers two-minute drill closed it out.

Jets' big-play offense meets Steelers' situational mastery

New York outgained Pittsburgh 652-537 and moved the chains 26 times behind Fields (17/25, 276 yards, TD; 141 rushing yards on 15 carries) and Hall (11 carries, 117 yards, 2 TD). Josh Reynolds was Fields' top target (6 for 131), with contributions from Garrett Wilson (45 yards) and Ruckert (TD). But two Fields interceptions and a 2-for-6 red-zone touchdown rate undercut the production.

Pittsburgh won the margins. Rodgers was ruthlessly efficient (18/28, 267 yards, 2 TD, 119.1 rating; plus 18 rush yards), Freiermuth was a matchup nightmare (7 for 166 and a TD), and Warren piled up 139 rushing yards with three total touchdowns (two rush, one receiving). Defensively, the Steelers produced timely splash plays-sacks from T.J. Watt, Cole Holcomb and Duron Harmon and takeaways led by Patrick Queen's interception/FF/FR sequence-to flip possessions and field position.

Key Box Score Highlights

For the Steelers, Aaron Rodgers delivered a strong debut, completing 18 of 28 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding turnovers. His favorite target was Pat Freiermuth, who tore through the Jets secondary with seven catches for 166 yards, including the game's opening touchdown strike from 73 yards out. Jaylen Warren provided balance on the ground, carrying 25 times for 139 yards and two rushing touchdowns while also adding three receptions for 44 yards and a third score. Kicker Chris Boswell was perfect, hitting both of his field goal attempts, including a 54-yarder, and converting all four extra points.

On the Jets' side, Justin Fields put together a dynamic performance despite the loss, completing 17 of 25 passes for 276 yards and a touchdown, though he also threw two costly interceptions. He was just as dangerous on the ground, rushing for 141 yards on 15 carries, including a 29-yard burst that highlighted his dual-threat ability. Breece Hall carried the ball 11 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard breakaway run that brought the Jets back into the game. In the passing game, Josh Reynolds led all Jets receivers with six catches for 131 yards, while Jeremy Ruckert added a short touchdown grab. Kicker Nick Folk was reliable, converting his lone field goal attempt from 34 yards and hitting all three extra points.

Turning Points

• Freiermuth's 73-yard TD: flipped early momentum after the Jets' opening kick.
• Fourth-down perfection: Pittsburgh went 3-for-3 on fourth down, extending drives that became points.
• Warren's closing punches: two fourth-quarter TD runs blunted the Jets' rally after Hall's 60-yard strike.

What's Next

The Steelers (1-0) return to Acrisure Stadium to host the Seattle Seahawks. The Jets (0-1) stay home for a divisional test against the visiting Buffalo Bills.