Jacksonville Jaguars’ Preseason Kicks Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers

In the NFL, the preseason isn’t just about winning games—it’s about testing talent, refining schemes, and building momentum for the regular season—and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, their 2025 preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers carries extra weight. After a transformative off-season that added stars like defensive tackle Arik Armstead and top draft pick Travis Hunter, the Jaguars enter this game with a clear goal: to evaluate how their new additions fit with the existing core, while giving key reserves a chance to prove they belong on the 53-man roster. The Steelers, a franchise known for their tough, physical style and disciplined defense, provide the perfect first test—their defense ranked 8th in the NFL in total yards allowed in 2024, offering a glimpse of the challenges the Jaguars will face in the AFC. For Jaguars fans and coaches alike, this game is a first look at a team with Super Bowl aspirations, making Jacksonville Jaguars’ Preseason Kicks Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers a highly anticipated event to kick off the football calendar.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Preseason Kicks Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers gains deeper context when examining the specific storylines that will define the matchup. For the Jaguars, the biggest focus will be on their revamped defensive front, which now features Armstead alongside edge rusher Josh Allen. The Steelers’ offensive line, while solid, has questions at right tackle—giving Armstead and Allen a chance to test their chemistry in live game action and generate the interior pressure that was missing from the Jaguars’ defense in 2024. On offense, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is expected to play the first quarter, giving him an opportunity to connect with new wide receiver Marcus Johnson and reinforce his chemistry with Calvin Ridley and Brian Thomas Jr. For the Steelers, the game will center on evaluating their own young talent, including third-round draft pick quarterback Mason Rudolph II, who is competing for the backup role behind starter Kenny Pickett. This matchup of a Jaguars team looking to showcase its off-season upgrades against a Steelers team focused on roster depth creates a dynamic that goes beyond just a preseason game—it’s a chance for both teams to address key questions before the regular season begins.

A critical part of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Preseason Kicks Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers is the opportunity it provides for the Jaguars’ rookies and bubble players to make an impression. Top draft pick Travis Hunter, who can play both cornerback and safety, is expected to see significant snaps in the secondary—likely rotating between outside cornerback and the slot to showcase his versatility. This will be the first time Hunter faces NFL-caliber wide receivers, including the Steelers’ Diontae Johnson, a veteran with 4,800 career receiving yards, giving coaches a chance to evaluate how he handles physical, experienced pass-catchers. On the offensive side, fourth-round wide receiver Marcus Johnson will get reps with both the first and second units, aiming to prove he can be a reliable deep threat and earn a spot in the Jaguars’ rotation. For bubble players like backup linebacker Yasir Abdullah and defensive tackle Tyler Lacy, this game is even more critical—they’ll need to stand out on special teams and in limited defensive snaps to avoid being cut. Preseason games often make or break these players’ NFL careers, and the Jaguars’ coaching staff will be closely monitoring every play to make tough roster decisions in the coming weeks.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Preseason Kicks Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers is particularly significant for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they look to refine their new defensive schemes under coordinator Mike Caldwell. Caldwell’s updated playbook includes more stunt packages and gap-exchange concepts designed to maximize the talents of Armstead and Allen, and this game will be the first chance to run these plays against a real opponent. The Steelers’ offense, which relies on a balanced mix of running back Najee Harris and short passing routes to tight ends, will force the Jaguars to execute their run-stopping and coverage assignments with precision. For example, if the Steelers run a zone-blocking scheme to Harris, the Jaguars’ defensive linemen will need to execute their gap-exchange responsibilities to avoid being outflanked—a drill they’ve practiced extensively in training camp but haven’t tested in live action. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense struggled with discipline in 2024, committing 78 penalties, and this game will be a first test of whether their off-season focus on technique has paid off. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, executing these schemes cleanly against the Steelers will build confidence heading into the regular season.

Another vital angle of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Preseason Kicks Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers is how the game will help the Jaguars manage their key players’ workloads. Starters like Lawrence, Allen, and Ridley are expected to play only the first quarter, limiting their exposure to injury while still giving them a chance to get their legs under them. This approach is crucial for a Jaguars team that saw key players like defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton miss time with injuries in 2024—prioritizing health in the preseason can pay dividends in the regular season’s stretch run. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff has also emphasized situational football in practice, and they plan to use the second and third quarters to run specific scenarios: red-zone offense and defense, third-and-short conversions, and two-minute drills. For example, the second-team offense, led by backup quarterback C.J. Beathard, will get a chance to run a two-minute drill to end the first half, testing their ability to move the ball quickly and score. These situational reps are often more valuable than the final score, as they prepare the team for the high-pressure moments they’ll face in the regular season. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, balancing player health with meaningful reps is the key to a successful preseason.

Finally, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Preseason Kicks Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ desire to build a winning culture and connect with their fan base. TIAA Bank Field is expected to be packed with over 60,000 fans for the game, marking the first time many will see the team’s new additions in action. The Jaguars’ front office has organized pre-game events, including a fan festival and autograph session with rookies, to strengthen the bond between the team and the community. For a franchise that has narrowly missed the playoffs in recent years, generating excitement early in the preseason can build momentum that carries through the regular season. On the field, a strong performance—even in a preseason game—can boost team morale and reinforce the idea that the Jaguars’ off-season moves have put them on the path to success. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Preseason Kicks Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers isn’t just a warm-up game; it’s a chance for the Jaguars to show their fans and the rest of the NFL that they’re serious about competing for a championship in 2025. As the players take the field against the Steelers, they’ll be playing not just for roster spots, but for the belief that this could be the Jaguars’ year.