The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense is set to be very exciting for the 2025 NFL season. Pundits remain divided on just how good or bad this unit will ultimately be, given the many changes and challenges it faces. While the addition of Aaron Rodgers brings star power, his age at 41 raises questions about durability. Meanwhile, DK Metcalf is entering uncharted territory, having never played with the Steelers, and the running back room features several new faces trying to find their footing.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and star wide receiver DK Metcalf stand ready, lined up and poised to start a play during the team’s mandatory minicamp, a pivotal moment as the offense begins shaping its chemistry and rhythm for the upcoming season.
Many fans have been eager to see how the offense has looked during the early stages of training camp. There have been some promising moments, flashes of what could become a dynamic attack. However, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has expressed concern about how much the offense has struggled to consistently perform while speaking on his podcast Kaboly + Mack. While some attribute these struggles to the defense being simply that good, Kaboly points to a different angle that deepens the worry surrounding the offense’s outlook.
Kaboly’s perspective highlights underlying issues beyond what meets the eye, suggesting that the offense’s struggles might not be just temporary growing pains. His insight adds a layer of urgency for the Steelers to address these concerns quickly if they hope to maximize the potential of their new-look offense in 2025. With key players adjusting to new roles and schemes, how the offense evolves over the coming weeks will be critical for the team’s success.
"Yesterday, it was just a clinic put on by that defense," Kaboly said. "Even the team periods and some of those runs, nothing was happening. You can think the offense will come around and that the defense just has some great players."
Kaboly detailed how on Saturday it was another defensive clinic, which is an exciting thing for Steelers fans to hear, and many are confident this defense will be good. The bigger concern is what this offense can bring. If the offense can provide just above-average scoring, protect the football, and move the chains here and there, the defense will be able to carry them to many wins.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive stalwarts TJ Watt and Cam Heyward jog together as they prepare for another grueling practice session, demonstrating their leadership and commitment to excellence that has defined their careers and continues to inspire the entire team.
However, the offense must be serviceable, and Kaboly is worried because stars on defense like TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cam Heyward, and Joey Porter Jr. weren’t even on the field.
"For the most part, during these team periods, Watt wasn’t playing, Heyward wasn’t out there, Highsmith wasn’t out there, Porter wasn’t out there," Kaboly said. "Still, it was just an absolutely dominant faction out there. On the bright side of it, the defense is ready to go."
The Steelers’ defense has always been the backbone of this team, and with players like Watt and Heyward leading the charge, it is no surprise they continue to impress. But the reality is the offense has to step up if this team wants to take the next step. Kaboly’s concerns highlight just how much pressure will be on Rodgers and the new-look offense to find consistency and put points on the board.
Steelers' Offense Going Through A Bit Of A Transitional Phase
It is clear that the Steelers are in a bit of a transitional phase, with new faces and a veteran quarterback trying to mesh. Training camp will be crucial for figuring out what this offense really has and how they can support the defense. Fans are hopeful but cautious; there is still a lot to prove before the season officially kicks off.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to make a throw while he practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 mandatory minicamp on Tuesday June 10, 2025.
At the end of the day, the Steelers’ identity has always been built on tough defense, but modern football demands balance. If the offense can stay serviceable and avoid costly mistakes, the defense can carry the team a long way. The next few weeks will tell if the Steelers can find that balance and compete at a high level in 2025.
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