The Pittsburgh Steelers have started the 2025 season off with a 1-1 record, and there are some glaring weaknesses on the roster. The defense has been atrocious through two games, which is completely unacceptable for the highest-paid defensive unit in the league, and the other issue is the offensive line. The run game has not been super efficient, and Aaron Rodgers has seen pressure that he has struggled to get out of early on in the year. Rodgers can play well when given time in the pocket, but far too often he was forced to look to run and move around to make a play.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks at his play sheet during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers is 41-years old and he does not have the same mobility that he once did, especially not after his season-ending Achilles injury from the 2023 season. He needs solid protection which is why the offensive line was seen as an x-factor coming into the 2025 season. So far it has been shaky at best, with Broderick Jones having some issues at left tackle. He struggled mightily in Week 1 against the New York Jets, but he improved slightly in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about whether he was concerned with Rodgers getting hit during his press conference on Tuesday and how he felt about it after criticizing the line the week prior.
"No, less so this week because of the nature of how it happened," Tomlin said about the amount of hits on Rodgers during Week 2. "Week 1, it was first and second down, play-passes and things of that nature. It was more circumstantial and reasonable circumstances in terms of in-game play, possession down football, two minute and so forth in this game. So, it's less alarming than it was in Week 1."
Rodgers was sacked three times during the loss to Seattle, which was one less compared to his four while playing the Jets in Week 1. Tomlin thought the offensive line improved during the second week and he was okay with the sacks that were taken as they came in specific circumstances in the flow of the game.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin stands next to captains Aaron Rodgers and Cam Heyward before the 2025 season opener.
Tomlin specifically noted how the sacks against the Jets came on first and second downs, which are essentially drive killers. Against Seattle, he was happier with the situations that the sacks came in, which makes some sense and also shows that the offensive line might have been protecting Rodgers a little better than it was the week prior.
Sacks also fall on the quarterback in some scenarios. There are plenty of times where a quarterback can hold onto the football for too long, which allows the defensive front to create pressure on the pocket and get to the quarterback. Offensive linemen are not expected to pass block for longer than a handful of seconds, and quarterbacks can make life hard on their linemen by holding onto the football. Rodgers is typically good at getting the ball out quick, but there are some situations where he could be better.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during his first training camp in Latrobe, PA ahead of the 2025 season.
Steelers Must Continue To Establish The Running Game In Order To Help Out The Offense
Pittsburgh seriously struggled to run the football in Week 1, but the running game looked better in Week 2. It was at least more efficient as both running backs averaged over 3.3 yards per carry, which is typically the goal at the NFL level. Pittsburgh has to continue to improve in this area as it will keep opposing defenses guessing, which should also limit the pass rush. If the defense knows an offense is passing, it allows the front to pin its ears back and rush the passer without having to worry about gap integrity as much, especially with a immobile quarterback like Rodgers.
What do you think of Tomlin's comments on Rodgers getting sacked? Let us know in the comments below!
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