The Pittsburgh Steelers have a slightly improved roster on paper compared to what the team looked like at this point in the 2025 offseason. However, the offense can still struggle due to who is lining up under center. Aaron Rodgers' numbers were fine as the starter in 2025, but he played most of the season scared. He did not want to get hit, and that led to him getting the ball out very fast and not letting things develop down the field. This held the offense back, but fans were fine with it because Kenneth Gainwell could make things happen while catching balls one-yard behind the line of scrimmage.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.
Rodgers is the oldest starting quarterback in the NFL, and he has lost a lot of his mobility over the years. It is completely reasonable that he might want to get the ball out of his hands fast, but that completely handicaps an offense. It limits what a group can do in the passing game. Kevin Clark and Mina Kimes were recently discussing teams that could win the Super Bowl on an episode of This Is Football. The duo excluded the Steelers from that conversation, and rightfully so. The two were shocked Pittsburgh fans had belief, and Clark mentioned that it'll be hard to win with Rodgers at quarterback.
"The argument was that it was Arthur Smith's fault. The other argument was that there were no wide receivers," Clark said. "The whole issue was that Aaron Rodgers had the lowest average depth of target (ADOT) on record ever, and guess who is like the low, ADOT king at wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr! So there is going to be more of that."
The Steelers' downfield passing game was essentially nonexistent during the 2025 season, and a lot of that had to do with Rodgers getting rid of the ball so quickly. More of that is expected with Michael Pittman Jr. joining the team.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA.
The two seemed to have no belief in Rodgers playing quarterback at 42. They each mentioned his mobility and the fact that he seemed scared to get hit in 2025. He threw quick, and the Steelers won't be able to win a Super Bowl with that kind of offense. Kimes spoke more on the topic.
"What is this argument that the reason Aaron Rodgers was throwing the ball in 2.1 seconds was because of Arthur Smith?" Kimes asked. "And not because of the fact that when Aaron Rodgers was born Mr. T was still on the TV? Like what do we think is more likely you guys?"
Kimes referenced Mr. T, an actor and wrestler that was known for his role in The A-Team. That show aired from 1983 through 1987, just to give some background on Kimes' little jab at Rodgers' age.
"He can't get hit! He can't move! He can't move and get hit!" Clark exclaimed.
Despite the changing character within the coaching staff, Clark still thinks the thing holding the Steelers back is the quarterback. He doesn't see a world where the Steelers can go on a postseason run, and he is probably right.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy works with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during Organized Team Activities.
Steelers Fans Can Have Some Hope For Aaron Rodgers
There is some reason to have optimism when it comes to the quarterback's play, and that is him reuniting with the coach he won a Super Bowl with. Mike McCarthy comes to Pittsburgh with a strong proficiency in the West Coast Offense, and a sense of what Rodgers likes to do. His preferences have certainly changed over the years, and it will take a little time for the two to get on the same page.
Rodgers can still throw the ball as well as any quarterback in the league, the offense just needs to make him comfortable in the pocket.
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