A new season for the Pittsburgh Steelers is about to begin, as they face former starting quarterback Justin Fields and the New York Jets. The Jets are looking to bounce back from a rough season in 2024, and the Steelers are hoping Aaron Rodgers can bring them more success than he did for New York a year ago.
New York is in the process of rebuilding after the Rodgers experiment didn't work out, and it's left them with a few key weaknesses on both offense and defense.
If Pittsburgh wants to walk out of MetLife Stadium with a win, they will need to take advantage of a few players who look like liabilities as the season begins. Luckily, they have the talent at the right spots to give the Jets plenty of problems this Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers must expose these Jets players to leave with a Week 1 win
Josh Myers, C
The Jets' offensive line is a young and talented unit, with first-round picks at both tackle spots (Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou) and a promising young center in Joe Tippmann. Unfortunately, starting guard Alijah Vera-Tucker was recently lost for the season due to a triceps injury, forcing Tippmann to replace him at guard with Josh Myers coming in at center.
Myers has plenty of starting experience from his first four seasons with the Packers, but there is a reason he only cost $3 million this offseason. He was a replacement-level center at best for Green Bay, and Pittsburgh should be trying to get him in one-on-one situations as often as possible, especially if Cam Heyward decides to suit up.
Andre Cisco, S
The Jets lost multiple safeties in free agency that played significant snaps for them in 2024, and their answer to replace those snaps seems to be former Jaguars starter Andre Cisco. Cisco showed plenty of high-end flashes as a ball hawk while in Jacksonville, but he was inconsistent at best.
He gave us too many big plays through the air due to his over-aggressive play style, and the Steelers should try and take advantage of that with double moves and play action. If they can get him to bite hard on a fake, it could leave the Jets defense vulnerable to a deep shot.
Brandon Stephens, CB
The Jets lost cornerback D.J. Reed this offseason after three excellent seasons in New York, leaving a huge void opposite Sauce Gardner. New General Manager Darren Mougey's answer was to sign former Ravens corner Brandon Stephens.
Stephens was a solid starter for Baltimore in his first three seasons from 2021-23, but 2024 was a disaster for him. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed 17 receptions on 20 targets for 190 yards and a touchdown just against the Steelers last season. If Pittsburgh can pick on him in a similar way in this game, they can avoid throwing Gardner's way as much as possible.