Preseason Week 1 Recap: Steelers Open Strong, Skylar Thompson Shines in Win over Jaguars
The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2025 preseason with a 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, in a game that featured Mason Rudolph’s flawless opening drive, Skylar Thompson’s breakout performance, and a jaw-dropping 70-yard field goal from the opposing kicker.
1st Quarter – Balanced Start
Pittsburgh opened on defense against Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars seemed headed for a three-and-out, but on 4th-and-1, Dyami Brown’s 7-yard run kept the drive alive. Lawrence connected with Travis Etienne for 10 yards to the Steelers’ 27, but a costly penalty stalled the drive. Cam Little’s 41-yard field goal put Jacksonville ahead 3-0.
Mason Rudolph responded immediately. He went a perfect 7-for-7 for 70 yards on a 9-play march, capped by a 19-yard touchdown pass to TE Darnell Washington. Rookie Ben Sauls added the extra point for a 7-3 Steelers lead.
2nd Quarter – Thompson Enters & a Historic Kick
Nick Mullens replaced Lawrence for Jacksonville, driving into the red zone before LB Cole Holcomb — making his return from a major knee injury — broke up a pass to force a 40-yard field goal (7-6).
The Steelers’ next drive stalled, giving way to QB Skylar Thompson. He quickly made his mark, leading an 11-play, 85-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown to rookie Max Hurleman (14-6). But just before halftime, Jaguars kicker Cam Little drilled a 70-yard field goal — an almost unbelievable strike — trimming the Steelers’ lead to 14-9.
3rd Quarter – Punch and Counterpunch
Pittsburgh failed on a 4th-and-1 deep in their own territory. A roughing-the-passer penalty erased an interception, giving Jacksonville new life, and Mullens hit Trenton Irwin for an 11-yard touchdown to take a 15-14 lead (2-point attempt failed).
Thompson answered decisively, hitting Ke’Shawn Williams for 29 yards, Roc Taylor for 16, and then finding Trey Sermon on an 11-yard screen for a touchdown (21-15). Sauls later added a 36-yard field goal to push the lead to 24-15.
4th Quarter – Closing It Out
Bhayshul Tuten powered in from 8 yards out to make it 24-22. Thompson, undeterred, orchestrated a 10-play, 67-yard drive capped by a 26-yard touchdown strike to Williams (31-22).
The Jaguars added a late field goal (31-25), but Logan Woodside finished out the night under center as the Steelers’ defense held firm to secure the win.
Highlights
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Mason Rudolph: Perfect opening drive — 7/7, 70 yards, 1 TD.
Skylar Thompson: Three touchdown passes, controlled tempo, excelled in two-minute offense.
Cole Holcomb: Strong return from injury with a crucial red zone pass breakup.
Special Teams Drama: Punter competition between Cam Johnston and Corliss Waitman heats up; Cam Little shocks with a 70-yard field goal.
Ke’Shawn Williams: Big plays, including a decisive 26-yard touchdown.
“You’ve just got to tip your cap to that kicker — that 70-yarder was incredible.”
The Steelers not only walked away with the win but also gained valuable answers about roster depth. Thompson, Williams, and Holcomb stood out as impact players. It’s early in the preseason, but optimism is already building in Pittsburgh.
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