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Pittsburgh, P.A. — The Steelers open their home slate this season against the visiting Seattle Seahawks this weekend after Aaron Rodgers had a vintage performance against the Jets in New Jersey.
A-Rod Tosses Vintage Performance in Sunday’s Win
Rodgers, who previously played for the Jets, threw for 244 yards on 22-of-30 attempts and four passing touchdowns, clearly showing why the Steelers took a chance while others doubted him.
“There were probably people in the organization that didn’t think I could play anymore,” Rodgers, 41, said after the game. “So, it was nice to remind those people that I still can.”
This year’s season opener for the Steelers proved to be a bounce back opportunity for Rodgers as he hit four different receivers with a touchdown including a 22-yard dime to Ben Skowronek, a 3-yard pass to Jonnu Smith, a dot to Jaylen Warren for 5 yards, and the seemingly nail-in-the-coffin pass to Calvin Austin III for 18 yards.
Shootout in East Rutherford
The first half of the game against the Jets seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game. Nick Folk opened the scoring for both teams with a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Steelers responded with Skowronek’s touchdown catch with 3:38 left in the quarter. Justin Fields matched Aaron Rodgers with a touchdown pass of his own to Garrett Wilson for 33 yards.
A total of 20 points were scored in the second quarter alone, as both teams kicked 50+ yard field goals and garnered a touchdown. The Jets headed into halftime with a 19-17 advantage over the Black and Gold.
Only one touchdown was scored in the third quarter which put the Jets up two possessions, with a 26-17 lead.
The fourth quarter became a high-noon duel of sorts as the Steelers took shot after shot at the Jets to take a 31-26 lead with 14:07 left in the game. The Jets responded with a shot of their own to take a 1-point lead. Chris Boswell, now dubbed as the “Steeler’s Serial Killer” by Mike Tomlin, took another victim with him as he drilled a 60-yard go-ahead field goal to take the lead for good.
TFLs in the 201
Five Steelers recorded a tackle for loss, with T.J. Watt leading the way with two. Cam Heyward, Payton Wilson, Alex Highsmith and Chuck Clark all joined Watt with one. Highsmith led the Steelers defense with the lone sack and added three QB hits. Jalen Ramsey proved to be the deciding factor on the defensive effort with the game-winning pass deflection on fourth down.
Sunday Preview
The Steelers open the homestand of the season with a visit from the Seattle Seahawks, the former suitor of wide receiver DK Metcalf.
The Steelers are three-point favorites and are looking forward to squaring off against Nick Bosa and Co. in the heart of the Steel City on Sunday.
Aaron Rodgers looked dominant against the Jets and looks to continue his reign of terror against a struggling Seattle defense, who couldn’t stop the 49ers from winning in the season opener.
I stated last week that it is hard to bet against Mike Tomlin and for that reason, I like the Serial Killer Steelers taking down the ruined Legion of Boom in Pittsburgh on Sunday. The defense will be looking to improve after a slower performance last week and will likely cause much more chaos this time around. Because of last week’s showing by the Steelers, I like them winning 26-21.
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