Jets' Aaron Glenn debut marred by late miscues in 34-32 loss to Steelers
New coach's first game featured strong rushing attack but costly turnover and penalty allowed Chris Boswell's 60-yard field goal to decide opener
The New York Jets opened the season Sunday with a 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and what had been a promising debut for new coach Aaron Glenn was undercut by late-game miscues that handed the opponent the win.
The Jets held a 26-24 lead before a Xavier Gipson fumble set up a go-ahead touchdown for Pittsburgh. New York answered with a touchdown to move ahead 32-31, but a pass-interference penalty on Brandon Stephens helped the Steelers reach field-goal range and veteran kicker Chris Boswell converted a 60-yard attempt as time expired.
Despite the late collapse, the Jets executed the ground game they emphasized throughout the offseason. New York finished with 182 rushing yards, an average of 4.7 yards per carry. Running back Breece Hall carried 19 times for 107 yards, while quarterback Justin Fields added 48 yards on 12 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns.
The loss revived a persistent issue for the franchise: late-game finishes. Last season the Jets lost six times after holding a fourth-quarter lead, and Sunday's result highlighted the team's continued vulnerability in closing out tight contests. Turnovers and penalties at critical moments proved decisive in a game that otherwise offered evidence the offense could run effectively against a physical opponent.
Special teams played a pivotal role in the outcome. Boswell's 60-yard field goal was one of the longest in recent NFL openers and capped Pittsburgh's comeback. The play followed the pass-interference penalty that moved the Steelers into range, a sequence that shifted momentum back to the visitors after New York had retaken the lead.
Coaching and roster changes during the offseason generated optimism entering Glenn's first regular-season game, and the Jets showed some of the traits his staff has emphasized, notably a commitment to the run and improved offensive balance. Still, the final sequence of plays and the turnover left the team and its fans with questions about whether the changes will translate into wins in one-score games.
The Jets will aim to build on the positive aspects of the performance while addressing the turnovers and situational penalties that decided the opener. The result leaves New York searching for consistent late-game execution as the regular season continues.