The Pittsburgh Steelers were a mysterious team coming into the 2025 season. There was a lot of shake ups on the roster and it was hard to imagine what the team was going to look like, especially on the offensive side of the football. Aaron Rodgers was clearly a major change, but as was the departure of Dan Moore Jr., George Pickens, and Najee Harris. Those were three long time starters for the Steelers that would not be returning, while DK Metcalf was a new weapon on the outside for Rodgers. The offense had been shaky in recent years, so it was hard to expect anything different.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers points towards the camera during a home game in the Steel City of Pittsburgh.
The offense for the Steelers has not been much of an issue in 2025. The group has been able to move the ball a good amount, but there has been times where things have died out. For instance, Pittsburgh could not move the ball well enough in the first half against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and we're forced to kick three field goals. That is better than what the past versions of the offense have been, where it was usually just nonstop three-and-outs. Analyst and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky joined The Pat McAfee Show on Monday to discuss his thoughts on the offense.
“I really, really like Pittsburgh’s offense right now,” Orlovsky said. “It’s really, really, really impressive. One, there’s no question they know who they are. Their identity, what they should and should not do. The way I kind of categorize the offense now after a few weeks, it’s creatively cautious. That’s meant as a positive and a compliment.”
Orlovsky has been critical of the Steelers in the past, he even predicted that the team would start the 2025 season with an 0-6 record. Pittsburgh is now 4-1 with a firm lead in the AFC North, and Orlovsky is liking what he is seeing from Rodgers and that side of the ball. He was also very complementary of Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and his creativity when it came to using an extra offensive lineman.
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's offense hit a groove during the 2024 season as well when Russell Wilson was the quarterback, but Orlovsky referenced that and made sure to note that things are different this time around. He believes the offense in 2025 can allow the Steelers to actually be competitive, while the 2024 group did not.
“Last year, they were having some success,” Orlovsky said. “You guys remember me saying like, ‘Hey, it ain’t good enough on offense. It’s not going to beat teams that actually matter. ’ I feel differently about this group. I watch this offense for the last three weeks and this offense can be good enough to beat a Buffalo, a Kansas City, an Indy. They’re efficient.”
Orlovsky loves the efficiency he is seeing from Pittsburgh, and he believes it allows the team to contend with teams like the Buffalo Bills or the Kansas City Chiefs and the other top teams in the AFC. This is good news for fans who have been wanting to see a playoff victory, as those are two teams that will likely be in the postseason at the end of the regular season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Have Found A Ton Of Success With Darnell Washington
Tight end Darnell Washington has seemingly unlocked Pittsburgh's offense. He is a force in the running game as a blocker, and he is a reliable pass catcher as well. He has been playing more over the last several weeks, and it has proved to be fruitful for the Steelers. He had a career game against Cleveland in Week 6 as he hauled in three passes for 62 yards in the game while providing clear lanes on the ground.
What do you think about Orlovsky's comments? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
