Jets Country

Three Things We Learned From Jets' Crushing Week 1 Loss To Steelers

The Jets revealed a lot in their Week 1 game against the Steelers...
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks for an open teammate, Sunday, September 7, 2025, in East Rutherford.
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks for an open teammate, Sunday, September 7, 2025, in East Rutherford. | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The New York Jets lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a 60-yard game-winning field goal from Chris Boswell. The Steelers won the game 34-32.

But there were a lot of bright spots for the Jets. New York and first year quarterback Justin Fields showed a lot of promise in the game. While some will be disappointed in the loss, there's a lot to be happy with.

What are some things to take away from the Jets' Week 1 game?

3. The run game is thriving with a 3-back system

There were a lot of questions surrounding the Jets this year, but it was quite obvious they would lean on the run game quite heavily. In Week 1, they did just that.

New York used a three-running back system, led by Breece Hall, to dominate the Steelers on the ground. Hall looked incredible, showing great burst and speed as he led the Jets in rushing attempts and yards by quite a large margin.

Braelon Allen was the typical short-yardage back, and he had a few tough runs in that role. His role will likely be expanded down the line.

Either way, the Jets' running game was very impressive against a very good defense in Week 1.

2. Quinnen Williams is as dominant as ever

New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen William
Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is sacked by New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Jets knew that if they could get pressure on Rodgers, they would have a chance to beat the Steelers, and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was responsible for a lot of the pressure that the Jets had on Rodgers.

While this pressure didn't seem to stump Rodgers and the Steelers, it's still a good sign for New York. Williams could be a very impactful pass rusher up the middle for New York this season, especially if he can live in the backfield as often as he did on Sunday.

Williams finished the game with two tackles for loss and a sack, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.

1. The Justin Fields to Garrett Wilson connection is alive and well

It was clear coming into the season that Fields would turn to his former college teammate, Garrett Wilson, as his top pass-catching option. Wilson is the clear best wide receiver on the team, but the connection between the two Ohio State products was on full display this weekend.

Wilson led the Jets in catches, yards, targets and brought in the only touchdown catch. Wilson finished the game with seven catches on nine targets for 95 yards and a score.

The connection between Fields and Wilson doesn't seem to have missed a beat from their days at Ohio State. Jets fans should be really happy with what they saw from this duo.

More NFL: Jets Insider Provides Expected RB Plan For Breece Hall, Braelon Allen


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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "New York Jets On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org