Analyst Suggests Steelers May Encounter Abysmal Start To 2025 Season: "I Think You're Staring At 0-6 In The Face"

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to prepare for the start of training camp, the team finds itself with multiple unanswered questions in both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms. With Mason Rudolph currently slated to be the Steelers' starting quarterback in Week 1, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will continue to evaluate both Rudolph and rookie Will Howard as the two are expected to battle for the teams starting role if Aaron Rodgers does not come to town.

Howard, a sixth-round draft pick out of Ohio State, is a five-year college veteran who won a National Championship in his final season with the Buckeyes. Selected with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard has reportedly shown major signs of improvement during the Steelers' rookie minicamp, and may emerge as a legitimate starting option come Week 1, depending on Rodgers.

With the Steelers' quarterback room currently consisting of Rudolph, Howard and Skylar Thompson, many fans have expressed their concerns at the position. Most notably, ESPN's Dan Orlovsky weighed in on the situation and gave his thoughts as to what Pittsburgh can expect throughout the opening weeks of the season.

"I think you're staring at 0-6 in the face." Orlovsky stated. " This is an offense that [only has] D.K. Metcalf right now on the perimeter."

As the team continues to evaluate the current quarterback room, the Steelers are also continuing to wait on Rodgers to make a decision regarding his future. Rodgers, who spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets, is more than likely entering the final season of his career. Despite being past his prime, Rodgers could still add some much needed firepower to a below average Pittsburgh quarterback room, and is expected to make a decision on his future sooner rather than later. 

Steelers’ Offensive Woes Extend Beyond the Quarterback Room

With the Steelers attempting to fix the issues in the quarterback room prior to the start of training camp, the team finds itself with depth issues in the wide receiver room as well. 

After trading star wideout George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh now has a wide receiving corps highlighted by DK Metcalf, with no true second option at its disposal. With multiple veteran receivers still available in free agency, the Steelers may opt to sign a cheap and experienced receiver that could bring a formidable level of production to the Steelers offense.

With Metcalf solidifying himself as the Steelers' top wide receiver option and the rest of the receiver room consisting of Robert Woods, Calvin Austin lll and Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh may emerge as legitimate candidates to land former Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper. 

Cooper, who was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills last season, is an elite and explosive veteran option that may be worth signing to a contract at the right price. Similar to Rodgers, Cooper is a player that is far past his prime, but can still add value to a Steelers offense that is lacking depth at multiple positions.

With Pittsburgh is still searching for answers at multiple positions on offense, fans should keep a close eye on the free agency market, as the Steelers may sign veteran players at both the wide receiver and quarterback spots in the near future. 

Pittsburgh may opt to stick with the talent that is already on the roster as well, as Howard continues to showcase his potential. With the start of training camp just around the corner, the Steelers will have a chance to get an in-depth look at both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms for the first time. 

Do you think the Steelers should sign Rodgers? Should Howard be the starting quarterback over Rudolph? Let us know in the comments below!

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