Steelers' Arthur Smith Calls Himself Out After Embarrassing Loss To Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin made it clear he’s not concerned after watching his 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers arguably have the worst game of his career on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Steelers' offense, led by Rodgers, struggled all night long, putting up just three points during the meaningful moments of the contest. Rodgers went 16-for-31, throwing for only 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the direction of the offense.

Second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson was the team’s leading receiver with just two catches for 35 yards, highlighting the struggles of a passing attack that looked out of rhythm all night. Jaylen Warren carried the ball 14 times for 70 yards, showing flashes of effectiveness, yet many Steelers fans, including former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, were left wondering why Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith didn’t lean on him more heavily throughout the game. The lack of consistent play-calling left questions about the offensive game plan and how to get Rodgers comfortable in key situations.

Smith addressed the media on Thursday, admitting that he wasn’t good enough against the Chargers and taking responsibility for the offensive struggles. While Tomlin remains calm and confident, the statement from Smith underscores the need for adjustments as the Steelers prepare for their upcoming games. With Rodgers continuing to work through the rust and Smith promising to learn from the mistakes, the team hopes to find a more balanced approach that maximizes both the running and passing game moving forward.

"Like I said, it's on all of us," Smith said to the Pittsburgh media on Thursday. "We are a team offensively we look at every game whether we win or lose. I am certainly very critical of myself, you know, when you are trying to be objective and just not being a victim. That's the name of the game. You look at everything you are doing, find things to execute better and things you need to change. That's an ongoing process."

The Steelers' offense had shown signs of progress in the 2025 season, giving fans hope for a strong finish. However, after their Week 10 performance, those positive signs have taken a hit. 

Concerns about Rodgers’ play and consistency are resurfacing. On top of that, questions about DK Metcalf and the offense as a whole are back in the spotlight.

"We didn't get the result," Smith said. "It's a collective effort. It's never all on one person. I know certain positions get more attention than the others. I mean that's just how it goes in this league. The reality is that it takes all 11, including myself... We get a chance to come back and we gotta play well."

The Steelers' offense has shown flashes this season, but Sunday’s game was a stark reminder that nothing is guaranteed. Rodgers had one of his worst nights, and the timing of the struggles could not have come at a worse moment. Fans saw enough to raise red flags about whether this offense can consistently perform when it matters most.

Steelers' Offense Has To Be Better

Metcalf looked off, and the passing game never really clicked. Even with Warren doing his part on the ground, the lack of balance left the offense struggling to move the chains. Questions about play-calling and decision-making have returned, and it is clear adjustments are needed fast.

Smith has already admitted he was not good enough against the Chargers, and that honesty is a start. But for Steelers fans, words only matter if they lead to results on the field. The next few games will tell us whether this team can fix its issues or if Sunday’s struggles are just the beginning.

Steelers fans, after watching Arthur Smith openly criticize himself following the embarrassing loss to the Chargers, what do you think went wrong on the field? Was it play-calling, execution, or team chemistry? How much responsibility should fall on Smith versus the players, and what needs to change next? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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