The old adage is that NFL games are often decided by a handful of plays. The rest is just noise. For Aaron Rodgers, his debut win with the Pittsburgh Steelers over the New York Jets came down to three. In no order, he outlined to reporters the most critical moments that propelled Pittsburgh to a come-from-behind victory.
“I think three of the most impactful plays of the game were probably, in no particular order, Kenny G’s fumble that he forced, the 15-yard penalty on [Kaleb Johnson’s] run, and probably DK’s run after-the-catch on 3rd and 10 to start the game,” Rodgers said via the team’s YouTube channel. “After the pass to [Pat Freiermuth] to get us on 3rd and 10 for the conversion. It was an important drive to get started the right way.”
Gainwell’s play is the headliner and our choice for the game’s true turning point. After Rodgers found an open RB Jaylen Warren for a 5-yard score to cut the Jets’ lead to 26-24 to open the fourth quarter, Gainwell forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. WR Ben Skowronek recovered the ball, one of several key plays he made throughout the day.
Two plays later, Rodgers found Austin wide open for his fourth touchdown pass, becoming the first Steelers quarterback to throw four in a Week One game since Ben Roethlisberger in 2007. Rodgers also became the first Steelers quarterback to throw four touchdowns in his debut.
The other plays are easier to forget. Johnson’s lone carry lost initial yardage but gained a personal foul, giving Pittsburgh 15 yards and an automatic first down. It jump-started a drive that ended in Warren’s touchdown, which led to Gainwell’s fumble and Austin’s score—all plays that tied together in the victory.
Pittsburgh got the game started with its first Week One opening drive touchdown since 2008. Notoriously slow starters, the Steelers seemed destined to continue that drought. Rodgers was sacked on his first dropback, and a short run put the Steelers in third-and-long. Rodgers connected with TE Pat Freiermuth for a first down, and plays later, Rodgers converted another third-and-long by hitting Metcalf, who made a Jets’ defender miss, picked up the first down, and racked up plenty of YAC.
The Steelers lived in third-and-forever too often, but playmakers like Rodgers and Metcalf made plays to keep drives going.
“I thought DK played how he plays in practice,” Rodgers said. “The best players can make the practice like a game environment. So the game is not too big for him. I thought he had a nice game.”
Metcalf finished the game with four receptions for 83 yards.
Pittsburgh will need those plays and more to start the season 2-0 against the Seattle Seahawks for Sunday’s home opener.
