The Pittsburgh Steelers came away with a Week 1 win over the New York Jets to begin the 2025 season after the offense was able to put up 34 points. The defense struggled in the performance, but the unit played well when it mattered late in the contest as the group shut down New York's offense on a potential game-winning drive. One of the top performers on the defense for Pittsburgh was new addition Jalen Ramsey, as he was lockdown in coverage, had a crucial pass breakup, and made the game-winning hit to jar the ball loose from Garrett Wilson.
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Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey looks on as the team gets some work in during a 2025 training camp practice that was held at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Ramsey had three total tackles, a quarterback hit, and two pass breakups during his debut with the Steelers. However, he did play a part in one of the more questionable calls from the officiating crew during the game. Pittsburgh was winning the game 31-26, and the Jets were driving at the start of the fourth quarter. Justin Fields was running the ball, and Ramsey took out a would-be blocker in an attempt to tackle the quarterback. He was called for an illegal low block, which granted the Jets five yards and a first down. Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the call during his press conference on Tuesday.
"If we're talking about the rule, the rule is obviously that he can't cut in open grass," Tomlin explained. "In regards specifically to the play, I've had zero communication with the NFL office in terms of their interpretation of the rule. I understand the rule, I just simply didn't think it applied to him in that circumstance. I thought he stepped around it, that would-be blocker, 'skinnied' himself and went in for a low tackle. So, that's why I disagree with the call. But I've had zero conversations with the league office regarding their interpretations of the play."
Tomlin clearly did not like the call, and that was clear during the game on Sunday as it was adamant when talking to the officials after the play. He further solidified his point while speaking with the media, and it will be interesting to see if a similar situation comes up in the future during a game. The call was questionable, and Ramsey certainly seemed to go around the blocker rather than through the blocker.
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Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey (5) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Jets wound up scoring a touchdown on the drive to take the lead in the fourth quarter. Thankfully the Steelers were able to regain the lead on a long field goal from Chris Boswell, but the wrong call could have seriously ruined Pittsburgh's chances of winning the game.
No way is this a “low block” penalty on Jalen Ramsey. Steelers getting SCREWED. pic.twitter.com/jNDOtPPPmX
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) September 7, 2025
The call was clearly wrong after the fact, but officiating crews make mistakes like this all the time as it is difficult to get everything right in the heat of a game. This was just one instance of Pittsburgh being wronged by the officials, as it happened later in the game as well.
Steelers Got Hosed By Late-Game No Call
On what would wind up being Pittsburgh's game-winning drive, quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked for Calvin Austin III down the left side of the field on a critical third down. Austin was clearly interfered with by the defender, but no flag was thrown. This forced Boswell to attempt a 60-yard field goal, which he thankfully made.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Had the penalty been called, the Steelers would have had a much easier field goal and the offense would have been able to bleed the clock some more. None of it wound up mattering, but Rodgers still made sure to call out the officials after the game.
What did you think about the two questionable calls? Let us know in the comments below!
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