Xavier Gipson Fumble Hands Steelers 34-32 Win Over Jets; Aaron Rodgers Throws Four TDs
Gipson's fourth-quarter kickoff turnover gives Pittsburgh short field; Chris Boswell boots a 60-yarder with 1:03 remaining.
The Pittsburgh Steelers capitalized on a costly New York Jets special-teams turnover and a clutch 60-yard field goal to escape MetLife Stadium with a 34-32 victory Sunday.
Jets returner Xavier Gipson fumbled a kickoff at the start of the fourth quarter, and Pittsburgh recovered with a short field that led to a touchdown, swinging momentum and ultimately the lead in a one-possession game. The Steelers' veteran kicker Chris Boswell drilled a 60-yard field goal with 1:03 remaining to put Pittsburgh ahead, after earlier converting a 56-yarder in the second quarter.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing against his former team for the first time since joining Pittsburgh, completed 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. Rodgers’ performance included the scoring drives that took advantage of the short field after the Jets' turnover and kept Pittsburgh in front in a back-and-forth affair.
Gipson’s fumble came as the Jets prepared to answer after a tight third quarter. Ben Skowronek recovered the ball for Pittsburgh, and the Steelers converted the turnover into a touchdown that gave them a 31-26 edge. The Jets were unable to regain control despite late drives that forced Boswell into the long, game-deciding attempt.
Jets head coach and team officials noted during training camp that Gipson’s roster spot had been uncertain, a factor that added scrutiny to the error. The turnover underscored ongoing concerns about New York’s depth at wide receiver; outside of Pro Bowl-caliber Garrett Wilson, Jets receivers combined for just four receptions, a statistic that highlighted the unit’s limited production and overall depth issues.
The game featured several momentum swings. Boswell’s 56-yard field goal in the second quarter gave the Steelers an athletic boost and set up a tight second half. Pittsburgh’s special teams and Rodgers’ timely throws contrasted with New York’s missed opportunities and the late special-teams miscue.
The Jets rallied at points through the game but failed to convert critical possessions into touchdowns. New York’s offense showed flashes around Wilson, but the lack of secondary receiving production and the turnover proved decisive.
Pittsburgh improved its standing with the victory, while the Jets must address the turnover-prone moments and thin receiving corps as they move forward in the season. The result marked a notable night for Rodgers, who delivered a high-performance outing against his former franchise, and for Boswell, whose long-range accuracy proved the difference in the closing minute.
Statistically, Rodgers’ four touchdown passes were the game’s standout passing performance, while the Jets’ limited receiving support outside of Garrett Wilson emerged as a clear weakness. Special teams — specifically Gipson’s fumble and Boswell’s long field goals — ultimately decided the contest, leaving New York to regroup and Pittsburgh to celebrate a narrow road victory.