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Preseason Week 1 Recap: Steelers Open Strong, Skylar Thompson Shines in Win over Jaguars

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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.

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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.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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.

Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Highlights

  • 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.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
    “We wanted to keep the pressure on and limit their defensive calls. I think it worked to our advantage.”
    “You’ve just got to tip your cap to that kicker — that 70-yarder was incredible.”
    Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

    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.

    Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
    Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”