3 positive stats from Jaguars loss to Steelers in preseason Week 2

The Jacksonville Jaguars have now lost three preseason games this year and five of the last six if you go back to 2021. Fortunately, none of the losses count on the standings and they have plenty of time to fix the issues they’ve encountered before they take on the Washington Commanders in Week 1 of the regular season.

Although the Jags lost to the Steelers in Week 2 of the preseason, the offense and the defense showed signs of progress for the second consecutive week. With that in mind, here are three positive stats from the loss to Pittsburgh:

3. The Jaguars stuffed the Steelers’ running game in preseason Week 2

For the second consecutive week, the Jags’ run defense showed out. They held Pittsburgh to just 63 total yards and two first downs in their first four possessions. Moreover, the Steelers only managed a measly eight rushing yards and that number would have been even worse if not for a 10-yard scramble by Mitch Trubisky.

But then in their fifth drive, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett and the Steelers marched 63 yards and connected with running back Bennie Snell Jr. for an 11-yard touchdown reception just before halftime.

There are two ways to look at this. On one hand, the Jaguars kept the Steelers in check for most of the first half but they then let allowed Pittsburgh to come back and take the lead before halftime.

Having said that, Jacksonville did a good job of stuffing the run for most of the game and limited the Steelers to 24 rushing yards in four quarters, so it’s clear they’re doing something right. They just now have to do a better job of defending the pass.