JACKSONVILLE, FL – In the Steelers preseason opener, the Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on Saturday. In a game that offered glimpses of both teams’ potential, the Steelers managed to hold off a late Jaguars surge to secure the win, providing valuable insights for coaches and fans alike as the regular season looms.
While preseason results should always be taken with a grain of salt, this matchup provided an early opportunity to evaluate key players and emerging talents. The Jaguars opted to give their starting quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, a series in the first quarter. Lawrence looked sharp, completing several efficient passes and demonstrating the poise that has made him a cornerstone of the Jacksonville offense. However, the Steelers’ defense, even in its early preseason form, managed to apply pressure and limit any significant scoring drives during his time on the field.
On the Steelers’ side, quarterback Kenny Pickett also saw action early. Pickett showcased improved decision-making and a confident command of the offense. He connected on several key throws, including a well-placed pass for a first-down conversion in a crucial moment. The Steelers’ offensive coordinator appeared to be experimenting with different personnel groupings and play calls, offering a glimpse into the potential versatility of their attack.
Beyond the starting quarterbacks, the game served as a crucial proving ground for players further down the depth chart. Several young Steelers and Jaguars seized the opportunity to make a positive impression. Steelers rookie running back, Darius Hayward, displayed impressive burst and agility, finding the endzone for an early touchdown and injecting energy into the Pittsburgh offense. Similarly, a number of Jaguars’ reserve wide receivers made contested catches, highlighting the depth and competition within their receiving corps.
The second half of the game saw both teams delve deeper into their rosters, providing extended playing time for developmental players and those vying for roster spots. This portion of the contest featured a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns and field goals. The Jaguars mounted a late comeback attempt, scoring a touchdown in the final minutes, but the Steelers’ defense held firm, preventing the game-tying two-point conversion and ultimately securing the victory.
Special teams also played a significant role in the outcome. The Steelers’ punter consistently pinned the Jaguars deep in their own territory, while both teams showcased reliable placekicking. However, there were also a few penalties on special teams that coaches will undoubtedly be looking to address in the coming weeks.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this preseason opener provided a positive start and valuable film to evaluate. The performance of the starting offense showed promise, and several young players made a strong case for increased roles. Areas for improvement will undoubtedly be identified, particularly in maintaining consistency on both sides of the ball throughout the entire game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, while falling short in the final score, gained valuable insights into their team’s strengths and weaknesses. The performance of their starting offense was encouraging, and the resilience shown by their reserve players in the second half is a positive sign for their depth.
Both the Steelers and the Jaguars will now turn their attention to their remaining preseason matchups, where they will continue to evaluate their rosters, refine their schemes, and build towards the highly anticipated start of the regular NFL season. For fans in Rangpur, Bangladesh, and across the globe, this preseason clash offered an exciting preview of the football action to come.
