"Haven't Been The Steelers Of Old": Jerome Bettis Rips Pittsburgh For Absurd Lack Of Physicality

The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled on both sides of the football to begin the 2025 NFL season. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' offense was elite in Week 1 against the New York Jets, but the veteran quarterback has yet to match a performance of that caliber as we enter Week 4. Rodgers has struggled to connect with DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll on a consistent basis as well, as the veteran will need to continue developing chemistry with his top playmakers moving forward.

Pittsburgh's defense has been underwhelming for the majority of 2025 thus far especially. The defense was at its best in Week 3 against the New England Patriots, as the unit was credited with a whopping total of five fumbles over the course of the afternoon. Legendary defensive lineman Cam Heyward had his best performance of the year in the victory as the veteran was able to record a total of six tackles, a tipped pass, and a sack during the matchup.

Some people believe that the Steelers' level of physicality on both sides of the ball has been lower than what we have seen in years past however, as legendary running back Jerome Bettis recently took a moment to share his thoughts as to how he feels the Steelers have played throughout the first three games of the 2025 season.

"The Steelers believe in being physical," Bettis stated. "That's an area of concern right now."

Bettis continued to talk about the "Steelers of old", as the Hall of Fame running back went further in depth as to why he feels like the 2025 team isn't physical enough.

"The Steelers haven't been the Steelers of old," Bettis proclaimed.

As mentioned, Bettis is a Hall of Fame running back who spent the majority of his 13-year career in Pittsburgh. The generational running back played a major role in the Steelers' Super Bowl XL victory in 2006. Bettis' comments surrounding the Steelers' level of physicality in 2025 are understandable, as the team has struggled on both sides of the ball to begin the year.

The Steelers will need to be much more physical in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings. Pittsburgh will be in Ireland for the Week 4 matchup, as Rodgers will go up against one of the hottest defensive units in all of football currently. Pittsburgh's offensive line will have to be more physical throughout the matchup as well, as keeping Rodgers on his feet and limiting the amount of hits he takes to an absolute minimum will be crucial during his 21st NFL season.

Steelers' Offensive Line Will Play A Crucial Role In Week 4 Vs Vikings

Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones will be tasked with vital roles on Sunday in Ireland. The offensive line as a whole will need to play at an elite level throughout the entire game, as the unit will be going up against a Vikings team that just dismantled the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. Jones has struggled to begin the year on the left side, but the promising lineman could quickly turn things around with a big performance on Sunday.

Bettis' comments surrounding the physicality of the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers is not surprising. The team has had their fair share of struggles throughout the past three weeks on both sides of the ball, but a strong performance in Week 4 against Minnesota can change things very quickly. Rodgers and the rest of the Steelers' offensive will look to get off to a quick start as Pittsburgh could play at a much more physical level moving forward.

Do you think the Steelers need to play at a more physical level for the remainder of the season? Comment below!

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