Aaron Rodgers throws four touchdowns in Steelers debut, beats former team 34-32 at MetLife
Rodgers completed 22 of 30 passes in a statement opening for Pittsburgh; Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson fuel a late Jets bid that was stopped on the game’s final play
Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in his Pittsburgh debut Sunday, leading the Steelers to a 34-32 win over his former team, the New York Jets, at MetLife Stadium.
Rodgers was 22-of-30 for 244 yards and accounted for all four Pittsburgh passing scores, including a late drive that set up a 60-yard field goal by Chris Boswell. The victory came on New York’s final possession when a pass from Jets quarterback Justin Fields to Garrett Wilson was jarred loose on contact, preserving the two-point margin for the visitors.
The back-and-forth contest featured two quarterbacks who had clear connections to the opposing organizations. Fields, who started for the Jets after being acquired from Pittsburgh in the offseason, completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown and also scored twice on the ground. Wilson finished with seven receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown; he and Fields were teammates at Ohio State.
Rodgers opened the game with a signature drive, finding Ben Skowronek on a 22-yard score to put Pittsburgh ahead 7-3. He spread the ball to several targets, with D.K. Metcalf — acquired from Seattle in the offseason — leading the team with 83 yards on four catches, including a 31-yard catch-and-run. Rodgers’ touchdown passes also found Calvin Austin III, rookie running back Jaylen Warren and new tight end Jonnu Smith.
Fields and Wilson answered repeatedly. Wilson’s early 33-yard touchdown tied the game for New York and showcased the rapport Jets fans hope will grow between the two former Buckeyes. Breece Hall ran for 107 yards on 19 carries and added two receptions for 38 yards, giving the Jets a consistent ground presence throughout the day.
The finish came with 25 seconds remaining and New York facing fourth-and-short. Fields appeared to find running room but instead lofted a pass to an open Garrett Wilson that would have converted. A collision on the catch by defensive back Jalen Ramsey popped the ball loose, and the turnover sealed the win for Pittsburgh.
Rodgers downplayed the pregame buildup about returning to MetLife, but his actions after the final whistle drew attention. As he walked toward the tunnel, Rodgers cupped his right ear to the crowd amid a mixed chorus of boos and Steelers cheers. He then pumped his fist alongside teammate Cam Heyward and coach Mike Tomlin.
"There were probably people in the organization that didn’t think I could play anymore, so it was nice to remind those people that I still can," Rodgers said after the game. He acknowledged the emotion surrounding the matchup, calling it a chance to prove he remains an effective quarterback at 41.
Rodgers’ tenure in New York was marred by injury and uneven play. His first season with the Jets ended on the opening drive when he suffered a torn Achilles, and his second season featured multiple struggles. As a Jet, he threw four touchdown passes in a game only once — in a season finale against Miami — a mark he matched in his first start for Pittsburgh.
Tomlin praised Rodgers’ leadership and the offense’s ability to execute in critical moments. Pittsburgh’s special teams also played a role: Boswell’s 60-yard field goal gave the visitors the go-ahead points late in the fourth quarter after a six-play, 39-yard drive orchestrated by Rodgers.
The Jets entered the season with expectations that Fields’ mobility and his connection with Wilson would lift the offense. Fields showed those traits Sunday, but New York was undone by the turnover on its final play and missed opportunities when driving in the second half. The loss leaves questions about play-calling and late-game execution that coach Aaron Glenn and his staff will have to address.
Pittsburgh will look to build on the opening-week statement as it begins a season that could be Rodgers’ final campaign. New York heads home with a narrow defeat but with running back Breece Hall’s performance as a positive to build around.
Both teams will return to action next week as they settle into their respective schedules, with attention already turning to how each offense adjusts following a dramatic season opener.