Pittsburgh Steelers vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Full Player Stats and Game Breakdown
Football fans love a good rivalry, and the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Jacksonville Jaguars matchup always brings good action. These two teams do not play each other every year, but when they meet, the games are often close and full of big plays. In this article, we will look at the player stats from their recent meetings, break down the history between these two teams, and explain what makes this matchup fun to watch.
Whether you are a long-time fan or just checking the score for the first time, this guide will give you clear facts about both teams and their top players.
A Quick Look at the Rivalry
The Steelers and Jaguars have played each other 28 times, counting two playoff games. The record is close. Jacksonville has won 15 games, while Pittsburgh has won 13. This shows that neither team has a big edge over the other in this matchup.
If we look at just the last 10 games between these two teams since 2007, the record is even closer. It sits at 5 wins for each side. This tells us that when these teams meet, the game can go either way. Neither team should feel too confident going in.
The 2025 Preseason Matchup
On August 9, 2025, the Steelers and Jaguars played each other in the first week of the preseason. Pittsburgh won this game 31-25. Keep in mind that preseason games use mostly backup players, so these stats do not always show how the starters will play once the real season begins. Still, the numbers give us a good look at some players who were trying to earn a roster spot.
Quarterback Stats
Pittsburgh used a few different quarterbacks in this game. Here is how they performed:
- Kyle Allen led all Steelers quarterbacks with 92 passing yards and 1 touchdown pass.
- Justin Fields completed 5 of 6 passes for 89 yards during his time on the field.
- Another Steelers passer completed 6 of 7 attempts for 43 yards, though he did not throw a touchdown.
On the Jacksonville side, the quarterbacks split time as well:
- Trevor Lawrence played only one series before leaving the game. He completed 4 of 5 passes for 57 yards.
- Mac Jones took over after Lawrence and threw for 138 yards on 16 of 23 passing, but he could not get the offense into the end zone through the air.
Running Back Stats
Running the ball is a big part of both teams’ game plans. In the preseason matchup, Jonathan Ward stood out for Jacksonville. He carried the ball 10 times for 47 yards, showing good burst and vision even against Pittsburgh’s backup defenders.
Looking at Recent Regular Season Meetings
When these two teams have faced off in the regular season, the games have often come down to strong quarterback play and key defensive stops. In one of their more recent regular season matchups, both starting quarterbacks put up solid numbers through the air.
Trevor Lawrence has thrown for close to 300 yards in past meetings with Pittsburgh, along with a touchdown pass, though he also threw an interception. On the Steelers’ side, the quarterback play was a bit more mixed, with multiple interceptions thrown in some of these games.
In the run game, Travis Etienne has been a steady option for Jacksonville, picking up close to 80 yards on around 24 carries in one recent matchup. For Pittsburgh, Jaylen Warren has also seen carries in these games, though his workload has been smaller in comparison.
At wide receiver and tight end, Evan Engram has been a reliable target for Jacksonville, catching passes for around 88 yards in one game. Diontae Johnson, during his time with the Steelers, also put up strong receiving numbers against the Jaguars, including a game with 12 catches for 111 yards.
A Game to Remember: October 2017
One of the most memorable games in this rivalry happened on October 8, 2017, when Jacksonville beat Pittsburgh 30-9 at Heinz Field. This was one of the most lopsided results in the history of this matchup. The Jaguars defense held the Steelers without a single touchdown the entire game.
Pittsburgh managed only 371 total yards that day. The offense went 7 of 15 on third down, which was not a terrible number, but the team struggled badly once they got close to the end zone. This game is a good example of how a strong defense can take over a game, even against a talented offense.
Defense Matters Too
While quarterbacks and running backs often get the most attention, defense plays a huge role in this rivalry. Pittsburgh has long been known for having one of the toughest defenses in the NFL, and players like T.J. Watt have caused problems for opposing offenses, including Jacksonville’s.
Watt is known for getting to the quarterback fast and disrupting plays before they even start. On the other side, Jacksonville’s defense has also had strong pass rushers who can pressure opposing quarterbacks and force quick, risky throws.
When both defenses play well, these games tend to be low-scoring and tight. When one defense has a bad day, the other team’s offense can put up a big number, as we saw in some of their higher-scoring meetings.
What to Watch For in Future Matchups
If you plan to watch the next Steelers vs Jaguars game, here are a few things worth paying attention to:
- Quarterback decision making. Both teams have talented passers, but turnovers have decided several of their past games.
- Ground game balance. Whichever team can run the ball well tends to control the clock and wear down the other defense.
- Red zone efficiency. Moving the ball between the 20-yard lines is one thing, but scoring touchdowns once inside the red zone is where these games are often won or lost.
- Pass rush pressure. Sacks and quarterback hits can change the entire flow of a game, especially in a matchup this even.
Final Thoughts
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Jacksonville Jaguars matchup has given fans plenty of exciting moments over the years. With a close head-to-head record and games that often come down to the final quarter, this is a matchup worth watching closely. Whether it is a big passing day from Trevor Lawrence, a strong defensive game from T.J. Watt, or a breakout performance from a young running back, there is always something interesting happening when these two teams take the field.
As both teams continue to build their rosters, future meetings between the Steelers and Jaguars should stay just as competitive as their history suggests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the better record in the Steelers vs Jaguars rivalry?
Jacksonville holds a slight edge with 15 wins compared to Pittsburgh’s 13 wins across 28 total meetings, including two playoff games. However, in their last 10 meetings since 2007, the record is tied at 5 wins each.
What was the score of the last preseason game between these two teams?
The Steelers beat the Jaguars 31-25 in a preseason game played on August 9, 2025. Both teams used mostly backup and depth players in this game.
Which players usually stand out in Steelers vs Jaguars games?
Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville passing game have often put up strong numbers against Pittsburgh, while T.J. Watt has been a key defensive player for the Steelers, known for creating pressure and disrupting opposing offenses.
