To say yesterday’s 34-32 triumph over the New York Jets by the Steelers was unexpected in its nature would be an understatement. If you had told me that the two offenses would combine for 66 points, especially after their dismal displays last year, I would have simply asked if you were high. 

One would have expected more of a defensive slug fest. Ya know, considering the Steelers employ the league’s most-expensive defense and everything. And, yet, the “vaunted” defense got absolutely gashed by the Jets, allowing 32 points on 394 total yards, 182 of which came on the ground. It was a despicable display from a unit that features T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey, Cameron Heyward, and other big names. 

Not only was the Jets’ run game good, former Steeler Justin Fields played a great game in his debut as Gang Green’s QB1. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson, while rushing 12 times for 48 yards and two additional scores. His passer rating of 119.1 was very impressive as he continuously danced out of pressure to turn losses into positive yardage. 

Whether it was worse, just as bad, or slightly better than the defense, you can decide for yourself, but the Steelers’ offensive line was absolutely awful in its own right. They allowed Aaron Rodgers to be sacked four times, and the run game only amassed 53 yards on 20 carries. The entire operation was a trainwreck, but left tackle Broderick Jones was the worst of the bunch, being charged with three sacks allowed and four pressures by Pro Football Focus. 

Somehow, though, Rodgers played an incredible game. He led the black and gold to their first opening-drive touchdown in over a year, hooking up with Ben Skowronek for a 22-yard score late in the first quarter. That would be the first of four—yes, four—touchdown passes that Rodgers would throw. All told, ARod completed 22 of 30 attempts for 244 yards and 4 TDs, achieving a passer rating of 136.7. 

Chris Boswell did Chris Boswell things, nailing two long field goals, one from 56 yards and the eventual game winner from 60 (!!!). While the special teams unit gave up some long returns, they did force the only turnover of the game, as Xavier Gipson fumbled the kickoff return after the Steelers made it just a two-point deficit and would take the lead shortly thereafter. 

There are plenty of things for this team to work on before they face Seattle in the home opener on the 14th. The Seahawks are coming off a week 1 loss against the 49ers where they only scored 13, but they also only allowed 17. Scoring 34 is likely not in the cards again. The defense will need to shape up. The offensive line will need to do a better job of both pass protection and run blocking. And, everyone will just have to play a bit better than they did yesterday. 

It is much more fun to make adjustments after a victory, though. Starting off a season 1-0 is never a bad thing.