Steelers Receive Huge Encouragement From Former Rival: "They Are Closer Than People Think"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are ramping up their offseason processes with a new head coach and now a clear starting quarterback after Aaron Rodgers just committed to signing with the team. Now that the quarterback uncertainty out of the way, Pittsburgh will have a better direction with how it’ll tackle the 2026 season. The front office added more weapons to the offense to aid the 43-year-old signal-caller in hopes of improving a 10-7 mark from 2025. After nearly a decade without a playoff win, the changes in head coach and an improved roster could mean getting over the hump. 

Rodgers is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle to the Steelers' playoff and Super Bowl hopes. The team has improved all around, and with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. and by taking wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second round of the draft, Rodgers will have two new weapons to throw to.

The upgrade at the receiver position will be a great safety net for the veteran arm, as 2025 provided below-average wideout depth beyond DK Metcalf. This will help open up the passing game, which won't have to rely on dump-offs as much anymore. Between a better receiving corps and additions at positions like running back with Rico Dowdle, the Black and Gold offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy have a chance for greatness. 

Former NFL quarterback and now analyst, Robert Griffin III, believes that Rodgers and the rest of the franchise's offseason additions can put the Steelers over the top. He posted on X, even responding to fans who doubt the team has a chance at the Lombardi. 

Griffin's analysis combines all of the Steelers improvements throughout the offseason so far. To break it down, McCarthy brings an offensive-focused mind, something the Steelers aren't known for having, historically. 

He'll bring a new energy to the building, and it's been seen already just in the rookie minicamp and the voluntary veteran workouts. He's been very involved in coaching his young players, especially the quarterbacks. 

Just McCarthy's scheming should prove to be better for the offense. He'll call the plays on offense and ensure that the team can score a lot more points in 2026. Between McCarthy's coaching and the improved weaponry, it only makes sense for the Steelers' offense to be a lot more high-powered than in years prior. 

Along with McCarthy's new offense comes a new defensive coordinator in Patrick Graham. The 2025 Pittsburgh defense was underwhelming, especially for its talent level. Many blame the poor scheming of the previous coaching staff for that. Graham takes a player-focused approach to his scheme, which should benefit a defense with this caliber of talent. 

Steelers Can Be Contenders If All Goes To Plan

The franchise suffered a devastating home playoff loss in January of 2026. The team was overwhelmed by the Houston Texans' pass rush, and the lack of weaponry and poor offensive scheming left the game feeling stale. The common theme of the defense allowing chunk plays and relying on turnovers to keep them in the game was on display. All of the woes of 2025 were all seen on national TV. 

This game was a catalyst for the organization to move in a different direction. If the offense can become efficient and put points on the board, and the defense can play up to its potential, the season could be much better than 2025. There are big changes in the Steel City, and it's probably for the best. 

#SteelerNation