Unexpected Shootout: Steelers vs. Jets
September 8, 2025
With the news of stream east being down, I already knew my options were going to be limited. Yes, I wrote up a preview of this game earlier in the week because it did have some interesting components to it, but surely there were better games I planned on watching. Not so fast! This was the ONLY option in the Michigan market and, man, am I glad I was forced to watch it.
Here I was, expecting lame Breece Hall runs, Fields and Rodgers ducks, and a final score of 9-6. What I saw was a Jet defense playing lights out against their former QB, Justin Fields maneuvering the pocket and keeping his eyes down field while making accurate throws?! I couldn’t believe my eyes. A 33 yard bomb to Garrett Wilson completed a touchdown drive and then it was Aaron Rodgers turn. He and DK Metcalf, though only connecting for 4 receptions, looked like they’ve built up some decent chemistry. DK looks as athletic as ever. Rodgers also managed to do something else I didn’t see coming. He made Calvin Austin III look like a phenom. While only bringing in 4 grabs of his own with a touchdown, every time he touched the ball was pure electricity. It’ll be real fun to see how the relationship develops over the course of the next few weeks.
From a Jets (Fantasy) fan perspective, it was so nice to see Breece break 100 yards on the ground after everyone has predicted he’d be traded away or outright lose his position. It was refreshing to see Garrett Wilson receive targets he could work with. Justin Fields, if you’re here, you already know that there aren’t many believers left out there. He looked like a different passer displaying more patience and less panic. If you’re watching from the Steelers side, the Rodgers fit with your team is undeniable. He looks so much closer to who he is and not what he showed the last year in New York.
There was so much emotion. Jalen Ramsey and Garrett Wilson getting into it. Every sack of one of the quarterbacks made their respective team erupt in celebration. For a game between two teams where you’d think you weren’t expecting much, they sure weren’t playing like it. There were so many good stories to watch, and it ended on the final drive with the Steelers closing things out on defense and sealing a 34-32 victory.
I certainly will not be underestimating these two teams again. At least until they give me another reason to.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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