Aaron Rodgers Returns to New York, Lifts Steelers Over Jets in Thriller

The Pittsburgh Steelers left East Rutherford with a 34 to 32 win over the New York Jets, powered by Aaron Rodgers’ four touchdown passes in his return against his former team. Justin Fields and the Jets offense put on a show, but the Steelers’ veterans came through when it mattered most.

Rodgers Proves He Still Has It

At 41 years old, Rodgers looked like the savvy veteran who can still take over a game. He spread the ball to seven different targets, completing 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. Rodgers wasn’t flawless. He took four sacks, showed limited mobility, and Pittsburgh’s run game offered little help. But when the Steelers needed him, Rodgers delivered.

He dropped in five completions of 20 or more yards and consistently found his receivers in rhythm, giving them chances to rack up yards after the catch. The questions about how much Rodgers had left in the tank were answered for at least one week. With protection and rhythm, he can still sling it.

Fields Flashes Star Potential in Jets Debut

Jets fans got a glimpse of the upside they hoped for when the team traded for Justin Fields. He was accurate, poised, and dynamic on the ground, finishing 16 of 22 for 218 yards and a touchdown through the air while adding 48 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.

His 33 yard touchdown to Garrett Wilson was perfectly placed, showing touch and confidence. With Breece Hall rushing for 107 yards on 19 carries and an offensive line that held up despite injuries, the Jets offense looked balanced and explosive. First-time offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand dialed up a strong debut, and Fields executed.

The problem for New York was not offense. It was the defense that failed to get a stop late against Rodgers.

Jalen Ramsey Seals the Game

The Steelers defense struggled most of the afternoon, giving up 394 total yards, 6.4 yards per play, and allowing the Jets to convert 7 of 14 third downs. Garrett Wilson repeatedly found space, and the Jets’ ground game gashed Pittsburgh up the middle.

But in the biggest moment, the Steelers defense stepped up. On fourth-and-3 in the final minutes, Jalen Ramsey delivered a crushing hit on Wilson to jar the ball loose and end New York’s final drive. It was exactly the kind of veteran play Pittsburgh brought him in to make. Ramsey allowed just one catch for six yards on three targets, including that game-sealing breakup.

By the Numbers

• Rodgers tied Tom Brady for the most career games with four or more passing touchdowns and no interceptions (28).

• Sauce Gardner shadowed DK Metcalf on 90 percent of his routes, allowing just one catch for 11 yards.

• Breece Hall averaged 5.6 yards per carry, his best outing since returning from injury.

The Bottom Line

Aaron Rodgers showed that even at 41, he can still win games with precision passing and veteran savvy. The Steelers offense may have lacked balance, but Rodgers and his playmakers made enough happen.

For the Jets, Justin Fields looked like the future at quarterback, delivering with both his arm and legs. But until New York’s defense figures out how to close games against elite quarterbacks, they will continue to fall just short.