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DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Rodgers Impresses in Debut, Jones’ Struggles Continue
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- DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Rodgers Impresses in Debut, Jones’ Struggles Continue
In recent seasons, we've become accustomed to Week 1 slugfests, but the Pittsburgh Steelers' 34-32 win over the New York Jets on Sunday provided a plethora of fireworks for four quarters. In the end, Mike Tomlin's squad came through late, getting a timely turnover on special teams before the defense finally found their footing in the fourth quarter.
With so many personnel changes taking place offensively, they deserve kudos for keeping the team in this one. As always, let's talk through some winners and losers from today's contest.
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Dude: QB Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 7, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Both quarterbacks in this one played with a chip on their shoulder and put on quite a show, lighting up the scoreboard to the surprise of pretty much everyone. Rodgers was super efficient in the quick game, getting the ball out at a hyperspeed pace of 2.29 seconds and allowing his playmakers to make things happen in space. Even though they weren't able to push the ball down the field in this one, he avoided making a costly mistake in his return to MetLife. Most importantly, he helped them convert three times in the red zone. It was a good start for the wily vet.
Dud: OT Broderick Jones
Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets on Sept. 7, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Jets edge rusher Will McDonald IV gave Broderick Jones fits in their bout last season, and it was more of the same today. On first viewing, the left tackle was tagged for three sacks on the afternoon and was beaten cleanly on a handful of reps in true passing situations. He was a frequent flyer on this list in 2024, and you're still seeing familiar reasons for his struggles: allowing guys to access his frame at will and struggling to move his feet to avoid getting overextended. With Rodgers lacking the ability to navigate the pocket the way that he used to, Jones must improve quickly to keep the 41-year-old in the lineup all season long.
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Dudes: EDGE T.J. Watt & Alex Highsmith
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 7, 2025.. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
There weren't very many bright spots on the Steelers defense today after surrendering 32 points, but both of the edge rushers showed up and did their part. T.J. Watt was an absolute menace versus the run in this one with a team-high three stops, frequently running plays down from behind. Alex Highsmith was the squad's most effective pass rusher on the afternoon, registering eight pressures and one sack. With Nick Herbig on the shelf due to a soft tissue injury, that added even more pressure on the starters from a snap count perspective. It wasn't always pretty, but they battled, and that's why they're well compensated.
Dud: The Trenches
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward during a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 7, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Pittsburgh was pretty fortunate to win this one with the way that they were manhandled up front for 60 minutes. New York ran amok from the opening drive to the tune of 182 rushing yards and a whopping 47% success rate on the ground. The struggles against zone read concepts that plagued them last season reared their ugly head once again today. On the flip side, Arthur Smith's group couldn't generate any movement up front, with the backs frequently getting hit near the line of scrimmage. It probably would have been beneficial for them to get Jaylen Warren a couple more touches early in the game. The organization spent all offseason talking about getting more physical along the line of scrimmage, but it's to be determined whether they did enough to avoid a similar end-of-season fate.
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Dude: Calvin Austin III
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III during a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 7, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
With the fourth-year pro missing time this summer after a quiet start to training camp, it was unclear just how much chemistry he would have with Rodgers early in the season. The Memphis product didn't miss a beat today, hauling in four catches for 70 yards and a score. His most impressive play was an impressive back-shoulder snag on a wheel route, showing off his ability to make a contested catch despite being undersized. Even though it doesn't show up in the box score, the pass interference penalty that he drew on their go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter was a massive play in determining the final score. One week won't quell all the WR2 concerns, but Austin has definitely developed into a solid contributor.
Dude: K Chris Boswell
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell runs out of the tunnel for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 15, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The two-time Pro Bowler nailed a 56-yard field goal in the second quarter and then proceeded to one-up himself by booming a career-best 60-yard kick through the upright to put the Steelers back in the lead with less than two minutes to go in the game. He's certainly no stranger to making clutch kicks when the team needs him to, but his leg seems to be getting stronger with age somehow, while not sacrificing a lick of accuracy. While teams like the Cleveland Browns blew their chance today due to missed attempts, Steelers fans should feel lucky to have #9 in black and gold. Do not take this guy for granted.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : DB's Steelers Dudes & Duds: Rodgers Impresses in Debut, Jones' Struggles Continue
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