The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to kick off their 2025 NFL season against the New York Jets this afternoon. It is an interesting game with plenty of storylines to watch.
Aaron Rodgers will be playing his first game with the Steelers. Over the last two years, he has suffered through major disappointment as the starting quarterback for the Jets. He'll have a chance to get some revenge today.
On the other side of the field, Justin Fields is set to make his first start in New York. He was with Pittsburgh last season.
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A pair of quarterbacks going up against their former teams is going to be pure entertainment. There will be a lot of chips on shoulders and points to prove.
With that being said, one Steelers defender has spoken out and provided even more gas for the fire.
Brandin Echols, a cornerback for Pittsburgh, did not hold back from taking a shot at Fields.
"[Justin Fields'] legs are probably one of his most dominant traits. So we just try to eliminate that and force him to have to play quarterback. If we do that, I think we should be good," Echols said.
Fields started off the 2024 season as the starting quarterback for the Steelers. Due to Russell Wilson's injury, he received the opportunity and he made the most of it. He looked the part of a legitimate starting NFL quarterback.
He made six starts and played in 10 total games. In those appearances, Fields completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interceptions. He also picked up 289 yards and scored five more touchdowns on the ground.
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After these comments, Fields will have even more bulletin board material. Perhaps the Pittsburgh defense will be able to back the comments up, but Fields will be out to prove himself and show the Steelers that they made a mistake by letting him walk.
Expect to see a very chippy football game with both quarterbacks doing all they can to beat their former teams. Fields will be looking to begin resurrecting his career and showing the Jets that he could be a legitimate long-term option for the franchise.
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