The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their preseason with 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 9, 2025, at EverBank Stadium. While the game was a preseason matchup, it showcased promising performances from both teams, offering fans a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming season. The Steelers, led by backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, demonstrated depth and efficiency, while the Jaguars highlighted their new talents and record-breaking moments.
Mason Rudolph set the tone early for the Steelers, completing 9 of 10 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. His precision and ability to carve through Jacksonville's starting defense were impressive, particularly on Pittsburgh's opening drive, which culminated in a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington. Skylar Thompson followed suit, throwing for 233 yards and three touchdowns, proving the Steelers have reliable options beyond their starters. On the defensive side, Brandin Echols stood out with key tackles and pass breakups, showcasing his potential as a playmaker.
For the Jaguars, rookie Travis Hunter made his much-anticipated debut, playing both offense and defense. Although his stats were modest—two catches for nine yards and a missed tackle—his versatility and presence on the field hinted at his potential impact in the regular season. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, in his brief appearance, was sharp and efficient, completing six of seven passes for 43 yards during the Jaguars' opening drive. The highlight of the night, however, belonged to kicker Cam Little, who nailed a 70-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. While it won't count as an official record, the kick was a testament to his incredible leg strength and composure.
The Jaguars' defense had moments of brilliance, with veteran Dawuane Smoot and rookie Danny Striggow each recording sacks. However, they struggled to contain Pittsburgh's backup quarterbacks, allowing the Steelers to maintain control for much of the game. Despite the loss, Jacksonville's mix of seasoned players and promising rookies provided reasons for optimism.
Overall, the game was a showcase of emerging talent and memorable moments. The Steelers demonstrated their depth and readiness for the season, while the Jaguars highlighted their potential and resilience. As both teams move forward in the preseason, fans can look forward to seeing these standout players continue to develop and make an impact.
Some standouts from Saturday night:
Darnell Washington
At 6’7” and 265 pounds, tight end Darnell Washington is physically striking, and if used the right way, could be a force. Washington’s only target in this contest resulted in a 19-yard touchdown, as he snatched Rudolph’s seam shot out of the air, shrugged aside a tackler, and strode into the endzone. While his dunk celebration drew a flag, the play itself crystallized the vision for Washington as a red zone mismatch. With Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth resting, Washington reinforced the notion that he could carve out a distinct niche in Arthur Smith’s scheme this year, particularly as a low-post presence inside the 20.
Scottie Miller
Veteran wideout Scotty Miller—who spent 2024 as a rotational piece—seized his opportunity. He caught all four of his targets for 47 yards, working underneath on sequenced route concepts, including a 22-yard gain with Thompson. Miller routinely found soft spots in the Jaguars’ coverage and consistently moved the chains. Camp reports out of Pittsburgh had been bullish on Miller, and this performance validated the belief that he could push for WR3 duties behind DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson.
Ke’Shawn Williams
Undrafted rookie Ke’Shawn Williams capitalized on every opportunity, finishing with two catches for a team-high 55 yards and a highlight-reel 26-yard touchdown late in the game. Williams’ knack for making plays above the rim—outmuscling a Jaguars defender for what proved to be the winning score—captivated coaches and quickly gained traction on social media. In addition to his offensive output, Williams contributed as a punt returner, nearly breaking one for 27 yards (nullified by penalty). His Swiss-army-knife contributions may well push him onto the final roster if he continues this preseason trajectory.
Cole Holcomb
Linebacker Cole Holcomb, playing in his first game since a devastating 2023 knee injury, displayed the anticipation and burst that previously defined his playstyle. On Jacksonville’s second drive, Holcomb broke up a key third-down pass in the red zone and consistently ranged sideline to sideline. Although credited with only a single tackle in the box score, his intuitive play and explosiveness offered vital reassurance about his mobility post-surgery, reestablishing his claim on a starting linebacker role alongside Patrick Queen and others in the rotation.
(photo courtesy of Jacksonville Jaguars)