The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2025 Preseason campaign with a 31-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers got solid performances from both Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson at quarterback. The thing that jumped out at me was the way the team competed. There really seemed to be a sense of urgency to these guys tonight and it was great to see. OK, on with my quick-hitting observations as the game unfolded.
Offense
-I really like the pace of the offense on that initial drive. Some hurry up mixed with some deliberate play. Keeps defenses off balance. They continued to vary things up into the second half as well.
-I honestly see no reason not to throw that type of pass to Dwayne Washington at least once a game. Down the middle and high. If there’s a deep safety then don’t throw it. But D-Wash should be getting those opportunities every week.
-Mason Rudolph (9/10 84 yards TD) has put in some serious time on his foot and hand work. His play-action skill is significantly improved. I can’t say for certain this is due to the impact of Aaron Rodgers but the similarities were hard to miss.
-Thought the O-Line would get more time together tonight. Three series by my count. I’m not a betting man but I would wager that Mike Tomlin will be emphasizing the running game more than usual this week.
-Max Hurleman isn’t making the roster barring a lot of injuries but I think he definitely clinched a spot on the Practice Squad. He displayed the ability to play running back or wide receiver and looked solid at the latter.
-Skylar Thompson acquitted himself well tonight. Yes, there were some rough moments but his mobility is exactly what you need in a third-string QB. He also hit some nice throws over the middle.
-Kaleb Johnson didn’t have great numbers (8 carries for 20 yards) but there were some glimpses of his quick feet and ability to plant and get up field.
-I was really impressed with the effort of the wide receivers tonight. Roc Taylor made some plays as did Lance McCutcheon and Ke’Shawn Williams.
Defense
-Despite giving up a long drive and a field goal on the opening series, the defense played well. Keep in mind most of the starters were not in uniform.
-Juan Thornhill made a beautiful, crushing hit. Textbook form and was exactly what the NFL wants to see.
-No question that the Steelers have put heavy emphasis on tackling. Very consistent so far tonight.
-Payton Wilson looked solid. His added weight and strength was noticeable against the run.
-Great to see Cole Holcomb on the field. I don’t believe he’s “all the way” back speed-wise but he looked good and played hard.
-Beanie Bishop got a lot of snaps tonight and he needed them. There’s a lot of guys suddenly ahead of him. He made some solid plays this evening.
-Jack Sawyer looked as I expected. He’s very good against the run and hustles his ass off every play. But his pass rush is so-so and his play recognition is still a work in progress.
Special Teams
-Both Cam Johnston and Corliss Waitman each had one punt tonight. Waitman’s was a boomer but this battle is still ongoing despite me thinking Johnston is the guy.
-We saw a 70-yard field goal tonight. We talked about this exact thing on the podcast this week. Kickers are getting too damn good.
Miscellaneous
-The new “virtual measurement” needs to hurry its ass up. No reason it should take longer than three old guys smoking heaters dragging chains out.
-Preseason TV guys are typically pretty average but the crew on Jacksonville was brutal. It wasn’t even that they were screwing up Steelers’ info. They were messing up their own!
Feature Image courtesy post-gazette.com
