The Pittsburgh Steelers are eager to kick off their 2025 NFL season on the road. They'll be heading to MetLife Stadium to face off against the Justin Fields–led New York Jets. Of course, Aaron Rodgers is now with the Steelers, which adds plenty of intriguing and drama-filled storylines to this matchup. Pittsburgh enters the year with massive expectations, and Rodgers’ debut in black and gold will be one of the most watched moments of the NFL’s opening weekend.
New York Jets / Youtube Channel
Ex-Steelers QB Justin Fields throwing a pass during training camp with the New York Jets.
Another headline entering the game is the record-breaking contract extension for Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt. The perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate is now making $41 million per season, a price tag that comes with sky-high expectations from both fans and the franchise. Watt has built a reputation as one of the most disruptive defenders in football, and Steelers fans are counting on him to set the tone by wreaking havoc on Fields all Sunday long. With the Jets’ offensive line facing questions, the pressure is squarely on them to keep Watt out of the backfield.
Jets Offensive Coordinator Tanner Engstrand acknowledged this challenge when speaking about Watt ahead of the matchup via a video from the Jets' official team website. He admitted it is going to be difficult to slow down the relentless pass rusher but expressed confidence in the game plan the Jets have built.
"We brought Armand [Membou] in here for a reason, and he's up to the challenge," Engstrand told the New York media on Thursday. "Not to say it's not going to be challenging, but we feel great about it. We feel great about where he's at and where our plan is."
Engstrand believes that if they execute properly, they can limit Watt’s impact and give Fields the time he needs to get comfortable in the pocket. While that sounds good on paper, the reality is that very few teams have successfully neutralized Watt, making his duel with New York’s offense one of the most compelling storylines in Week 1.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers star edge rusher TJ Watt sacks Titans QB Will Levis during a primetime game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Armand Membou is the right tackle who will likely be tasked with stopping Watt for most of the game. After the 2024 season, Watt and the Steelers hinted at trying some new wrinkles in the pass rush, such as flipping Watt to different sides and giving offensive lines different looks to create more surprises. Watt seemed open to the idea, and the Steelers could roll out those adjustments in the 2025 season.
The Jets feel confident in their plan to slow down Watt, but confidence alone won’t be enough to neutralize one of the greatest defensive players to ever step on the field. Following his massive payday in the 2025 offseason, expectations only grew higher for Watt to prove he’s worth every penny of his $41 million per year contract. He’s eager to take the field and help swing momentum back in Pittsburgh’s favor as the Steelers aim to establish themselves as legitimate contenders.
Steelers' TJ Watt Starving For Playoff Success In 2025 Season
Watt is also well aware of his lack of postseason success. He has yet to experience a single playoff victory in his Steelers career, though that’s hardly his fault. In reality, Watt is the main reason the team has remained competitive during years without stability at quarterback.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt talks with longtime defensive leader Cam Heyward during training camp.
Now with Rodgers in town, Watt and the defense finally feel they have the complete team needed to make a serious run. The hunger for postseason glory has never been greater, and Watt is determined to lead the charge.
What are your expectations for this Steelers' defense in Week 1 against the Jets? 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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