EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (93.7 The Fan) – It was a half of firsts, but the one thing we didn’t see in the Steelers first half of the season was a defensive stop. The Jets scored on each of its four drives-two touchdowns and two field goals.
The last time the Steelers defense was on the field it was getting run over by Baltimore and that continued in New Jersey over the first 30 minutes. The Jets had 240 yards, 106 of those yards rushing, 156 of those yards by last year’s Steelers opening day starting quarterback Justin Fields (9-11 passing for 134 yards) including a touchdown pass of 33 yards to Garrett Wilson.
1st TD
Betting favorite for the first touchdown reception was DK Metcalf and you could go down the list, and down the list, continue down the list and find Ben Skowronek for a 22-yard TD. It was a crossing route that he runs into the end zone from left to right. Most assumed on 2nd and 7 that would be a run with Skowronek being known for his blocking. It was his first touchdown as a Steeler and second in his five-year NFL career. Skowronek’s family is from Connellsville. It was also Aaron Rodgers first touchdown pass with the Steelers.
2nd TD
It looked like a run, but a shovel pass from Rodgers to tight end Jonnu Smith as he caught it in the backfield and sprinted to the right pylon, just extending the ball before he went out of bounds. The Steelers scored on all but one possession in the first half. Booed as he came out for the first play, Rodgers was 11-14, 159 yards, 2 touchdowns in his return to New York and accounted for most of the offense as the Steelers rushed for just 22 yards on 10 carries.
Other season firsts
· First play-Rodgers sacked
· First run-Kenneth Gainwell 4 yards
· First completion/1st down-Rodgers to Pat Freiermuth for 11 yards
· First defensive play-Breece Hall ran for 18 yards
· First tackle for loss-TJ Watt against Braelon Allen