The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season continues to get closer and closer. The Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets away from the Steel City is set to be must-watch football. It’s of course featuring the Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers storyline, which adds to the intrigue.
New York Jets
Justin Fields after signing a new contract with the New York Jets in 2025.
However, former Steelers safety now turned NFL analyst Ryan Clark was speaking to Dave Dameshek when he revealed the powerful silver lining of if the Steelers do drop Week 1 to the Jets. While that would be awful and no Steelers fan even wants to think about that, Clark believes it could be very telling for the fan base to really get a sense of the team’s direction. If it does happen, at the very least, Clark believes there’s something to gain.
Clark explained that a Week 1 loss could expose the Steelers’ weaknesses right away, forcing the team to address problems early rather than letting them linger throughout the season. With a challenging 2025 schedule ahead, there will be little room for wasted opportunities or delayed adjustments.
"It's never good to lose a game, but that will show them exactly what Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin leadership looks like," Clark said Friday on Dave Damshek's Football America! podcast. "What Aaron Rodgers shows up to the postgame press conference? How does he protect his teammates? How does he protect Arthur Smith? How does he show from a leadership standpoint the sort of ownership that says, 'Hey, guys, this one is on me. I have to be better.'"
The Steelers’ defense is expected to be elite in the 2025 season. They’ve reshaped at critical spots, added youth to the defensive line, brought experience into the secondary, and still boast one of the top pass rushes in football, along with elite talent at both inside and outside linebacker.
Doug Pensinger / Getty Images
Steelers' Ryan Clark gets coached up by Head Coach Mike Tomlin during the Super Bowl.
The Steelers’ defense should be able to swarm Fields and make his first home game as a Jet a very difficult one. However, if the Steelers do drop the opener, few in Pittsburgh will be interested in finding the silver lining the way Ryan Clark suggests.
"If you lose that game, at least Pittsburgh-centric, the sky will be falling," Clark said.
A stumble against Fields and the Jets, in Clark’s view, would not spell disaster but instead provide Pittsburgh with a clearer picture of where they truly stand.
It could reveal whether Rodgers is prepared to rise to the challenge, whether Arthur Smith’s offense can withstand the pressure, and if the Steelers’ defense is ready to remain one of the NFL’s elite units. If this defense doesn't get after Fields, force him to throw some interceptions, and make life hard on him. It could be a serious reality check for this expensive unit.
Steelers' Ryan Clark Not Advocating For A Week 1 Loss
In essence, Clark is challenging the fan base to see beyond the immediate sting of a potential loss. The former safety understands how passionate Steeler Nation is, but he also sees the value in a reality check that could ultimately set the tone for the rest of the season. A setback in Week 1 could serve as motivation, highlight areas that demand urgency, and give the Steelers a chance to regroup before the season intensifies.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) and wide receiver DK Metcalf (left) smile as they talk during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
While no one in Pittsburgh wants to start 0-1, Clark makes it clear that even in defeat, the team could find an edge that shapes the entire 2025 campaign. Of course, Clark is not advocating for a Week 1 loss. It would be horrible, but at the very least, it might force the Steelers to make necessary changes instead of believing something is working until it completely breaks later in the season.
What do you make of this take from Ryan Clark? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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