Football season is finally back. The Steelers got the preseason underway on Saturday with a 31-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s only preseason, but Pittsburgh provided fireworks in the first game of the season. Young players fighting for a roster spot got their chance to show why they belong in the NFL, and they didn’t disappoint. The veteran players got the night off, paving the way for the young guys to shine. 

5. Steelers Defense Was Good Without The Stars

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown (5) is lifter up by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98), cornerback Brandin Echols (26) and linebacker Payton Wilson (41), back, during the first quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown (5) is lifter up by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98), cornerback Brandin Echols (26) and linebacker Payton Wilson (41), back, during the first quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Pittsburgh gave all the defensive stars the night off to open the preseason, but the Steelers’ defense looked fine. The Jaguars’ offensive starters didn’t play much, but when they did, they weren’t able to find the end zone. The Steelers’ defense held them to field goals. The pass rush wasn’t as active as they hoped, but Jaguars head coach Liam Coen kept things quick for Trevor Lawrence. 

4. Offensive Line Starters Looked Solid 

Jul 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) and offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) participate in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Jul 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) and offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) participate in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Similar to the Jaguars’ offensive starters, the Steelers’ offensive line starters didn’t play deep into the game, but they looked great to start the game. They allowed Mason Rudolph to cook on the first drive of the game. Darnell Washington found the endzone early to cap off the perfect drive from Rudolph. If they play like that for Aaron Rodgers, it’s going to be a great season in Pittsburgh. 

3. Decisions To Be Made At Wide Receiver

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback De'Antre Prince (24) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roc Taylor (89) with Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) pressuring during the third quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Steelers defeated the Jaguars 31-25. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback De’Antre Prince (24) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roc Taylor (89) with Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) pressuring during the third quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Steelers defeated the Jaguars 31-25. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

The Steelers’ leading receivers in the preseason opener were Ke’Shawn Williams, Scotty Miller, and Roc Taylor. Unfortunately, all three of those players can’t make the final roster. Max Hurleman also played well, making two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. Pittsburgh will have to part ways with some gems before the preseason is over, but Taylor deserves to stick around. 

2. Roman Wilson Has A Pulse

Aug 9, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Aug 9, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Roman Wilson spent last season as a mystery for the Steelers. He didn’t get to play due to injuries, but he looked great in the first preseason game. Rudolph hit him with a 19-yard pass to open the game and found him again later in the drive. Wilson finished the night with two catches for 24 yards. It’s not a statline that stands out, but it is good to see him on the field. If the offense wants to be successful this season, Wilson has to be a part of it. Rodgers has spoken highly of the young receiver. 

1. Darnell Washington’s Stock Is Up

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) is called for unsportsmanlike conduct penality after dunking the crossbar after a touchdown score during the first quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) is called for unsportsmanlike conduct penality after dunking the crossbar after a touchdown score during the first quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Darnell Washington only caught one pass in the preseason opener, but it was an electric 19-yard touchdown to open the scoring for Pittsburgh. Steelers fans have been clamoring for him since he got to town. He needs a bigger role in the offense, especially in the red zone. Washington is a large target that Rodgers will love. It’s time to unleash the beast this season. 

End Of My Steelers Rant

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, left and Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen talks before the first preseason game where the Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday Aug. 9, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, left and Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen talks before the first preseason game where the Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday Aug. 9, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

It’s hard to put stock into the first preseason game of the season, but it’s equally as hard not to be excited for the arrival of football season. It’s the best time of the year. The hot takes are flying around the NFL as everyone awaits the start of the regular season. Players are scratching and clawing for a spot in the greatest sports league in the world. Welcome back, football.