The Jets fell 34-32 to the Steelers to open the season on Sunday. Here are some takeaways from the game.

Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.

1. The Jets had a chance to exorcise some demons from 2024 in their first game under Aaron Glenn, but failed to finish off the Steelers. The Jets lost six times last season after having a fourth-quarter lead. The Jets had a 26-24 lead Sunday and then had a killer fumble by Xavier Gipson that set up a go-ahead touchdown for the Steelers. The Jets answered with a touchdown of their own to go up 32-31 and it looked like they might pull it out. A pass interference penalty on Brandon Stephens helped move the Steelers into field goal range and Chris Boswell finished them off with a 60-yard kick.

So, for all of the good (and there was plenty) in this game for the Jets, they still left with a hollow feeling and a need to prove Glenn has really changed things around this team. The Jets won’t be a contender until they start winning games like Sunday’s. They made an art form of finding ways to lose last season. Sunday’s loss needs to be a blip and not a continuation of that trend.

2. The Jets made no secret about their desire to run the football this season. They stuck to the plan, and it was impressive. The Jets rolled up 182 rushing yards, a hefty average of 4.7 yards per carry. Breece Hall had 107 rushing yards on 19 carries and Justin Fields had 48 yards on 12 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns.