Darius Slay Reveals Steelers’ Greatest Defensive Challenge In Week 1 Against Jets

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a date set with plenty of interesting storylines in Week 1 as they travel to MetLife Stadium to face off against the New York Jets. The Jets acquired Justin Fields as their quarterback during the 2025 offseason, while the Steelers added the Jets’ former signal-caller, Aaron Rodgers. Both quarterbacks were essentially told by their former organizations that they were no longer part of their respective futures, and now each has an opportunity to make a statement in their first game against their old team.

The Steelers’ secondary is expected to be one of the league’s strongest units this season, featuring Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, and Joey Porter Jr. With a talented group of defensive backs, the Steelers hope to limit big plays and contain Fields’ dual-threat ability. The unit’s experience and skill will be a key factor in how the Steelers perform against one of the NFL’s most dynamic young quarterbacks.

All eyes will also be on the matchup between Rodgers and his former team. The combination of Rodgers’ experience and the Steelers’ strengthened offense could make for an intriguing contrast against the Jets’ new-look squad. Week 1 is shaping up to be a pivotal and highly anticipated game, with both teams looking to make early statements and set the tone for the season. Slay spoke to the media via the Steelers' official team website about the greatest challenge of trying to slow down Fields.

"The biggest challenge right now is just basically trying to understand them," Slay told the Steelers reporters on Thursday. "New staff, new everything. We are seeing how they attack us. Of course, we have ideas about what they are capable of doing, but of course, you are going in there a little bit blinded."

The Steelers are very familiar with Fields, as he started the first six games of the 2024 season, leading the team to a 4-2 record. Now Fields looks to make the Jets’ investment in him look wise with his new contract. 

The Steelers’ secondary should be dominant, and the issues that led the team not to pay him are likely to surface. However, Slay knows not to take Fields’ talent for granted. He respects Fields’ mobility and understands that the defense will face a challenging day trying to slow him down on the ground.

"We know Justin and what he is capable of doing," Slay said. "I played against him while he was in Chicago as a young kid. He is a great talent, a tremendous talent. He does a great job with his legs. I know for a fact we gotta contain him. It doesn’t matter."

Slay mentioned he's played against Fields back when he was the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, giving him and the Steelers valuable familiarity. This defense is highly compensated and eager to erase the memory of how the 2024 season ended. 

Steelers' Defense Should Give Justin Fields A Brutal Jets Debut

With TJ Watt commanding a $41 million-per-year contract, the defense should be able to apply relentless pressure and disrupt Fields in the pocket on Sunday. If they don’t, it could cause concern among the fan base, but it’s important to remember that it’s just Week 1.

All eyes will be on the Steelers’ secondary, as many fans actually wanted the team to keep Fields. At least a portion of the fan base felt it was a mistake to let him walk. The Jets offered Fields a deal he couldn’t refuse, and he left. Now, Steelers fans and Jets fans alike will get a chance to see who appears to have made the right move so far.

Do you have confidence the Steelers' secondary will cause trouble for Justin Fields on Sunday? Why or why not? 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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