This was a fun game, but it doesn’t affect the standings. The Steelers kicked off their preseason in a tough spot but left with a 31-25 win against the Jaguars. What made it special? Many players who weren’t in the spotlight stepped up.
Take quarterback Skylar Thompson, for example. He was a lesser-known seventh-round pick and a 3-star recruit. At training camp, he blended in. Yet, when the lights came on at EverBank Stadium, he shined. He completed 71.4% of his passes, threw for 233 yards, and scored three touchdowns without any interceptions. His quarterback rating? An impressive 132.0. He led the offense, throwing five passes over 20 yards and helping convert six of nine third downs.
The Steelers typically carry three quarterbacks on their roster, and names like Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph are top of mind. But Thompson is making a case to be included, showing that anything can happen in preseason.
The offense didn’t just rely on Thompson. Undrafted rookie Ke’Shawn Williams and Max Hurleman, who didn’t even have a designated position at Notre Dame, became key players. In a tight moment during the game, Lew Nichols, who was low on the running back depth chart, made significant plays to set up Williams for a touchdown. Exciting moments like these kept fans engaged, reminding everyone that preseason is about discovering new talent.
Coach Mike Tomlin noted that the team had good control throughout the game. Their timing on offense and defense kept the Jaguars from scoring too much. “We played a pretty clean game,” he stated, highlighting their effort to avoid self-inflicted mistakes. Even in the excitement, there are lessons to learn; the game can expose both strengths and weaknesses.
In fact, while the Steelers emerged injury-free for the most part, it revealed some ongoing concerns. Their running game still showed room for improvement, with questions about the offensive line’s protection and depth at the receiver position. It’s easy to get swept up in a preseason victory, but the real test lies ahead in regular-season games.
The Steelers’ star players, including T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, were sidelined for this game, leaving many to wonder if they can maintain their depth and strength in the coming season. Only time will tell if their roster changes will pave the way for a stronger performance.
Preseason games like this one bring fresh faces to the forefront. Players, like Skylar Thompson and Ke’Shawn Williams, experience their dreams come alive on the field, giving fans something to cheer about. While it’s a small snapshot of what’s to come, these moments can spark inspiration and excitement for both the players and fans.
So, while this win does not set the course for the 2025 season, it offered valuable insights into player potential and left a pleasant, hopeful buzz in the air. Sometimes, that’s all you need to carry into the next week. Enjoy these moments, even if they are fleeting.
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Labriola On,Non-Sponsored,Featured,Sights and Sounds,Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars (2025-PRE-1)
