Steelers Now
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin gave a shoutout to the new Steelers after Sunday’s 34-32 win over the New York Jets. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, running back Kenneth Gainwell, tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey all had key plays in their Steelers debuts.
“I’m excited about the new Steelers, whether they’re new to the league or new to us. Man, we got a lot of plays from a lot of new Steelers today,” Tomlin said. “And they’re earning their place in Steelers lore with their efforts. And we talked about a little bit about that last night. I don’t care about what means you get here, man. You play one play for this organization, you’re a Steeler. And so a lot of guys etched their names into that legacy with their efforts in play today.”
Rodgers had an eye-opening Steelers debut with four touchdown passes in Sunday’s 34-32 win over the New York Jets. Rodgers, who has struggled in Week 1 games in recent years, showcased that the old gunslinger still has plenty of juice left.
To say the least, it was the best performance by a Steelers quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired followed the 2021 season. Overall, Rodgers completed 22 of 30 passes (73.3%) for 244 yards with four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 136.7.
The last time the Steelers had a QB throw for four TDs in a regular-season game was Roethlisberger on Nov. 15, 2020 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rodgers’ 136.7 passer rating against the Jets was the highest passer rating by a Steelers’ QB since Roethlisberger in Week 10 of 2018, nearly seven full years ago.
Rodgers is the first Steelers quarterback in franchise history to throw four touchdown passes in Week 1. He’s also the first QB in franchise history to throw four touchdowns in a debut.
He was also the first quarterback with 240 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and 0 interceptions in their team debut over the last 60 NFL seasons.
“I just thought he was game all day,” head coach Mike Tomlin said about Rodgers’ performance. “But you guys asked me all week why I was confident. That’s why I was confident. That’s what I’ve been looking at in preparation. I’m appreciative of it, not only his efforts, but the efforts of the collective.”
With 25 seconds remaining in Sunday’s matchup with the Jets and his defense clinging to a 2-point advantage, Ramsey added another clip to his highlights, making sure Garrett Wilson didn’t squeeze Justin Fields’ do-or-die pass to secure a 34-32 road win.
“That’s expected from him, that’s what he do,” said tight end Jonnu Smith, who arrived in Pittsburgh with Ramsey, by way of the trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami. “That’s his résumé. It speaks for itself. We needed that. We needed that.”s.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t unfamiliar with Ramsey’s game. He was thrilled that the defensive back’s ability benefited his side....
