The New York Jets opened their 2025 NFL season with a piece of history. In their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jets did not punt in the first half — the first time that’s happened in a Jets game since at least 1991.
A Statement Start to the Season
The Jets’ offense came out firing in Pittsburgh, stringing together sustained drives and keeping the chains moving against a traditionally tough Steelers defense. The efficiency meant punter Thomas Morstead never touched the field in the opening two quarters, underscoring just how sharp the offense looked in its season debut.
Rare Offensive Efficiency
Going two quarters without punting is no small feat in the NFL. It requires consistent first downs, clean execution, and a balance of play-calling that keeps defenses guessing. Against the Steelers, a franchise long known for defensive toughness, the Jets’ ability to control tempo and sustain drives stands out as one of the game’s biggest storylines.
Historical Context
The last time the Jets achieved a first half without a single punt dates back more than three decades. Since 1991, through countless games and quarterbacks, the franchise had not seen this kind of offensive rhythm. Sunday’s performance set an early marker for what could be a different kind of Jets season.
What It Means Going Forward
While it’s only Week 1, history-making performances can be tone-setters. For the Jets, avoiding punts in an entire half against a formidable AFC opponent suggests that the offensive pieces are starting to click. If this level of efficiency can be sustained, the Jets may finally shed their reputation for inconsistency and emerge as a legitimate contender in 2025.