Thrilling Showdown: Steelers Triumph Over Jaguars 31-25 in Nail-Biting Finish!

The Steelers kicked off the game on defense against the Jaguars and their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. It seemed like they would stop the Jaguars early when Beanie Bishop tackled Travis Hunter just short of the first down. However, the Jaguars went for it on fourth down. Dyami Brown ran around the left end for a seven-yard gain, keeping their drive alive.

They kept moving the ball, with Lawrence connecting to Travis Etienne for a 10-yard gain, pushing them closer to the Steelers’ 27-yard line. But penalties hit the Jaguars hard: an illegal block pushed them back. The Steelers’ defense stiffened, forcing the Jaguars to settle for a 41-yard field goal. This gave Jacksonville an early 3-0 lead.

The Steelers responded when Mason Rudolph found Roman Wilson for a 19-yard completion, moving to the Jaguars’ 46-yard line. A few short passes and a penalty later, Rudolph hit Washington for a 19-yard touchdown, putting the Steelers ahead at 7-3.

Rudolph had a strong, efficient drive, completing all seven of his attempts for 70 yards. But after just one series, Lawrence was replaced by Nick Mullens, who moved the Jaguars into scoring range. On a crucial third down, linebacker Cole Holcomb, returning from a knee injury, broke up Mullens’ pass to Tank Bigsby. The Jaguars had to settle for another field goal, making it 7-6.

On the Steelers’ next drive, things went downhill. Rudolph completed a couple of short passes, but they stalled after a sack. Cam Johnston punted, and the Jaguars took over again.

Quarterback Skylar Thompson then took the reins for the Steelers. He quickly found Connor Heyward for nine yards, but a penalty and a loss on a run left them needing a fourth-and-one. Thompson scrambled but fell short, leading to a 56-yard punt by Corliss Waitman, forcing the Jaguars to start deep in their territory.

The Steelers’ defense held strong, forcing a quick three-and-out. Thompson and the offense sprang to life next, connecting on multiple passes, and capped their drive with a touchdown to Max Hurleman, putting them up 14-6.

Just as it seemed they’d carry that lead into halftime, Jaguars kicker Cam Little stunned everyone with a 70-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 14-9. Coach Mike Tomlin praised Little’s incredible effort, noting it as an impressive kick.

In the second half, the Steelers were unable to gain any momentum and turned the ball over on downs. The Jaguars seized the moment, aided by a penalty that negated an interception. Mullens capitalized and found Trenton Irwin for an 11-yard touchdown, giving Jacksonville a 15-14 advantage.

The Steelers fought back, with key receptions from Ke’Shawn Williams and Roc Taylor. They moved into the red zone, and Thompson found Sermon for an 11-yard touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 21-15.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars switched quarterbacks again to John Wolford, who failed to find his rhythm. The Steelers’ Thompson continued to push forward, helping the team score a field goal to extend their lead to 24-15.

But the Jaguars weren’t finished. Bhayshul Tuten powered into the end zone for an eight-yard touchdown, making the score 24-22. Thompson remained relentless, leading another impressive drive capped by a 26-yard touchdown to Williams, making it 31-22.

In the closing moments, the Jaguars managed a short field goal, cutting the lead to 31-25. The Steelers’ defense held strong as the Jaguars attempted a final drive, ensuring a hard-fought victory.

This game showcased the ups and downs of both teams, punctuating the unpredictability of preseason matchups. As teams solidify their rosters, performances like those of Thompson and Little are bound to be pivotal moving forward.

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Xtra Points,Non-Sponsored,Featured,Sights and Sounds,Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars (2025-PRE-1)