Jets Fall 34-32 in Aaron Glenn’s Debut — New HC Warns: ‘Turnovers and Penalties Will Get You Off This Field’
Aaron Glenn Saw Positives in 1st Game as Jets HC but Also Things That 'Have Got to Be Fixed'
Aaron Glenn showed some of what he would be about as the Jets' head coach well before Sunday's opening day and the first game of his NFL head-coaching career. And after the 34-32 loss to the Steelers, AG showed a little bit more of what everyone can expect.
If he was distraught at losing a winnable first home game against a tough foe in the opener, he didn't tip his hand.
If he was seething at one bad turnover and too many penalties that cost the Jets too many points, he kept the fire inside.
But at the same time, he laid down the law.
"Exciting game, but I'm not into moral victories," Glenn said at the top of his postgame news conference, not angry, not unconcerned, in an even voice, always focused. "One thing to me that turned this game, man, we can't have turnovers, we can't do it. And we have to be a more disciplined team. There were some penalties that happened in that game that were true discipline issues. That's something that will be addressed, because you will not be on the field with this team if you cause us to lose games."
The turnover was a bitter pill. The Jets had the Steelers down, 26-17, at the very top of the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh scored to slice it to 26-24. Then Xavier Gipson lost the ensuing kickoff return on a strip fumble by Kenneth Gainwell. Two plays later, Aaron Rodgers threw his fourth touchdown pass, and the nine-point lead was suddenly a five-point deficit.
Also, some of those bad major flags were flying again. G John Simpson got hit for unnecessary roughness after retaliating for QB Justin Fields taking a rough pocket hit from CB Jalen Ramsey. That set the Jets back from their 41 with nine seconds left in the first half to their 26. A potential Nick Folk field goal before the half was taken off the board.
Then Quincy Williams' late hit out of bounds on rookie RB Kaleb Johnson late in the third frame turned a 2nd-and-12 at Pitt's 30 into 1st-and-10 at the 45 and fueled that TD drive right out of the fourth-quarter box.
"Those things have got to be fixed or you can't be on the field with us. That's just what it is," Glenn said, adding about how his defense played: "We gave up too many points. You can't do that."
But Glenn also didn't lose sight of the black-ink side of the ledger, and by that we mean the real positives, not the "moral victories" that AG doesn't believe in.
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One huge positive was the first indications that the offensive recalibration around the running attack is being established. The Jets, who finished last season 31st in the NFL in rush yards/game and 16th with 4.30 yards/carry, slashed and dashed for 182 yards on 39 carries, 4.67 per carry, and ran for three of their four TDs, two of them by Fields. Breece Hall had 107 rushing yards — his first 100-yard game since going for 113 at home against Buffalo 11 months ago — and gained 143 scrimmage yards, his most since going off for 169, also in that Bills game.
"I have total confidence in my offensive line and running backs," said Glenn, who had to quickly sight-adjust for this game following Alijah Vera-Tucker's season-ending triceps injury, moving Josh Myers in at center and sliding Joe Tippmann to RG, "They did a good job."
Another bright spot was just that the Jets were not going to wilt against Rodgers, their starting QB of the previous 18 games, or the Steelers defense, which already had T.J. Watt and fortified its back seven with Pro Bowl CBs Ramsey and Darius Slay and others. Those elements and the Steelers mystique (and a multitude of twirling Terrible Towels in the MetLife stands) could have crushed the Jets after those two TDs in 50 seconds of clock time early in the fourth.
But that's not how Fields saw it.
"As a team, I thought we were keeping each other in the fight," the QB said of the Jets climbing back into a one-point lead against the Steelers D. "They acquired all these guys in the offseason, they have future Hall of Famers on that side of the ball, and we put up 32, and there were still plays that were left out there."
Fields is optimistic about the emerging Green & White product, Glenn is encouraged with how his QB came out of the starting gate in leading a 394-yard, four-touchdown offense. And both are keeping an even keel and a belief in what the Jets can achieve this year despite missing a Black-and-Gold-en opening-day opportunity.
"We've got Buffalo coming in here next week," Glenn said. "Damn good team, we know that. The only thing we can do is get back to work. The things that I saw that were positive, we're going to build on those things, and I loved what I saw in a lot of different areas. But there are some things we've definitely got to fix, and we'll get those things fixed going into next week."
Spencer Rattler Takes the Reins as Starting QB: 'This is My Moment, and I’m Not Letting it Slip Away'
New Orleans, LA (Sept 8, 2025) – Spencer Rattler is no stranger to pressure, but taking the helm as the New Orleans Saints’ starting quarterback has been his biggest challenge yet. After a competitive battle for the job, Rattler emerged victorious, with head coach Dennis Allen naming him the starter for Week 1 over Tyler Shough. While the decision initially raised some eyebrows, Rattler’s performance in the season opener has silenced many critics — and the 22-year-old is ready to show he’s not just capable of leading the Saints, but poised to lead them to greatness.
Rattler’s Bold Statement: ‘I’m Here to Lead’
In his post-game comments, Rattler made it clear that his mindset is all about seizing the moment. "This is my moment, and I’m not letting it slip away," he declared. "Being the starting QB for the Saints? It’s not just a title—it’s a statement. I’ve fought for this, and now I’m ready to lead this team to greatness. I’m hungry, I’m determined, and I’m not backing down. Week 1 was just the start—I’m about to show the world what Spencer Rattler is made of!"
With the Saints coming off a season of uncertainty at the quarterback position, Rattler’s confidence and fiery determination are exactly what the team needs. His words echo the type of leadership the Saints have been searching for since the departure of Derek Carr, and it’s clear that Rattler isn’t afraid to take on the mantle of being the face of the franchise.
Impressive Debut in Week 1
Rattler’s Week 1 debut wasn’t without its challenges, but the young quarterback showed flashes of brilliance. He finished the game with 27 completions on 46 attempts, throwing for 243 yards and one interception. While the Saints fell short in the final score, Rattler demonstrated his ability to step up in critical moments, nearly leading a comeback drive in the final seconds.
Tramell Jeffers of Who Dat Dish praised Rattler’s performance, writing, "Rattler’s decision-making and poise under pressure were exactly what the Saints needed. Despite the loss, he stepped up when it counted and showed he’s ready for the challenge." His connection with Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson was evident, with the two wide receivers combining for 60% of his passing yards.
A New Chapter for the Saints
The Saints have been searching for a quarterback who can not only perform but thrive in the intense spotlight of New Orleans. Rattler’s fearless approach to leadership and his ability to rise under pressure are already making waves in the city. With the team's quarterback future uncertain following Carr’s retirement, Rattler’s success in the coming weeks will determine if he’s the answer to the Saints’ long-term search for a true leader under center.
Even as the season progresses, Rattler’s ambition and drive won’t be overlooked. "I’m not here to just play—I’m here to lead," Rattler added confidently. "I know what’s at stake, and I’m giving everything I’ve got. Week 1 was just the beginning, and the best is yet to come."
With his electrifying debut and a confidence that could energize the entire Saints franchise, Rattler is positioning himself not only as the future of the team but as a young leader ready to embrace the responsibility of playing in one of the most passionate cities in the NFL.
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