The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2025 NFL season off with a strong offensive performance on the road against the New York Jets. There were some questions surrounding new quarterback Aaron Rodgers and how he would perform in Pittsburgh, and seemed to quiet all of the doubters with his performance against New York. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the league during the first week of the season as he fired four touchdowns passes and threw for 244 yards, while keeping the ball out of harm's way. He got revenge on his former team, and the fan base in Pittsburgh should feel fairly optimistic about the 2025 campaign.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith (right) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh was able to earn the hard fought win over the Jets after beating them by a score of 34-32. The Steelers were the opposite of what most fans expected, as the offense was borderline dominant, while the defense struggled throughout the contest. The defensive unit stepped up when it mattered late, but the group is going to need to improve moving forward if Pittsburgh wants to have a successful season.
Former NFL tight end and current analyst Greg Olsen discussed Pittsburgh on a recent episode of Bussin' With The Boys, and he spoke highly of Rodgers and the team.
"I was happy for him," Olsen said. "I think if they can get that defense to where they usually are, I think yesterday giving up 30 points to the Jets, I think that's probably not their expectation. That defense has been their strength. But if he can play at or near that level, they enter the conversation in the AFC as a team that can contend with the big dogs."
It was just one game, and it is hard not to overreact to the results of Week 1 in the NFL season, but the Steelers' offense looked better than it has in years. The run game still leaves something to be desired, but Rodgers was surgical in the passing game. If Pittsburgh can continue to improve in the other areas of the game, they have the potential to be one of the better teams in the AFC.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay during their debuts against the New York Jets in 2025.
Olsen highlighted the defense as an area that needs to improve, and that is true. With the amount of star power Pittsburgh has on that side of the ball, there is no reason to give up 30+ points to the Jets. If that side of the ball can get ironed out, Olsen has the Steeles as a team that can play far into the postseason.
The big dogs in the AFC are the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and obviously the Kansas City Chiefs as they have represented the conference in the Super Bowl in five of the last six seasons. This would be a tall task for Pittsburgh, and fans will get some answers to whether or not the Steelers are contenders during the 2025 regular season as the team will play Baltimore twice and Buffalo once.
Steelers' Defense Needs To Turn Things Around In Week 2
Pittsburgh will be taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 in what will be Pittsburgh's home opener in 2025. Seattle struggled offensively in their first game of the season, so Pittsburgh's defense will be able to get back on track with a strong performance against the Seahawks. Pittsburgh will be without some key defensive pieces on Sunday as Derrick Harmon, Malik Harrison, and DeShon Elliott will miss the contest. Nick Herbig and Joey Porter Jr. are questionable for the contest.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig sacks former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith during a Week 17 game in the 2023 season.
It will be a challenge for the Steelers to play well defensively due to all of the injuries, but Seattle's offensive struggles should provide some opportunities for the Pittsburgh defense to get back on track.
What do you think of Olsen's thoughts on the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
