The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their preseason with a 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, capping off an exciting night of football. Quarterback Skylar Thompson, a seventh-round draft choice and relatively unknown entity entering the game, shone bright with impressive statistics, including 71.4% completion rate, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Thompson’s performance was amplified by the contributions of several other anonymous players, including undrafted rookie Ke’Shawn Williams and Max Hurleman. The Steelers’ offense posted five pass plays over 20 yards, converted six of nine third downs, and made two red-zone conversions.
The team’s defense, led by coordinators Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin, employed a variety of tactics to neutralize the Jaguars’ strong defensive strength. Coach Mike Tomlin praised his team for playing clean, with few injuries reported, aside from possible soft tissue damage to Cam McCutcheon.
While the preseason opener is often seen as irrelevant in determining a team’s overall prospects, Thursday night served as a welcome confidence boost for the Steelers and their fans. For now, it’s a moment to savor and celebrate, even if the season ahead remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.steelers.com/news/labriola-on-the-win-over-the-jaguars-x4137