The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season nearly got off to a massively disappointing start, barely squeaking out a victory against the New York Jets and their former starting quarterback, Justin Fields. It wasn't all bad, as Aaron Rodgers played very well despite being under siege for much of the game. Still, almost losing to a team that, by all accounts, is in rebuilding mode, is a tough pill to swallow.
There is plenty of blame to go around for the defensive struggles, but none is more concerning than how easily the Steelers' defensive front was bodied in the running game. The Jets rushed for 182 yards and had multiple explosive runs due to poor block shedding and getting pushed around by the Jets' young offensive line.
Even with Cam Heyward back, thanks to his new contract incentives, it was clear from the first defensive snap that the run defense was going to be an issue. Now, fans have to be wondering if it was an anomaly or a sign of what is to come.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line was a huge dud in Week 1 loss to Jets
It's not a good look for the Steelers' defense that the Jets were able to dominate them up front. Even factoring in the impact of having Fields as a running threat, this offensive line was inexperienced and down their best player in Alijah Vera-Tucker.
The Steelers were without first-round pick Derrick Harmon, but that doesn't excuse a performance like this when the rest of the front is healthy. The Linebackers and secondary weren't helping with poor tackling and occasional bad angles, but run defense starts with the big guys up front.
I don't want to discount the idea that the Jets are suddenly a great rushing offense, but it feels like a stretch after how poorly they ran the ball a year ago. The duo of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen is certainly talented, and Fields changes the numbers in the run game with his legs, but I wouldn't be shocked if this is the most yards they run for all year.
That happening to a run defense that was a big part of the Steelers' collapse last season is hard to dismiss, even if it is Week 1. With any luck, however, this will be just a blip that is forgotten by mid-season.