Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Makes Bold Verdict On Rookie Protecting Him

The Pittsburgh Steelers must decide whether an unfinished rookie is ready to protect Aaron Rodgers during his final NFL season. Starting Max Iheanachor at right tackle would create obvious risk, but Rodgers apparently has no concern about placing that responsibility on the first-round pick. His answer Wednesday could help Pittsburgh make its boldest offensive-line decision before Week 1.

Iheanachor did not receive a complete preseason evaluation after missing Pittsburgh's first two games. He finally played against the Buffalo Bills and experienced the uneven performance expected from a developing tackle. The rookie surrendered a sack, committed penalties and occasionally arrived late with his hands. However, he also settled down, handled veteran power and showed his athleticism while leading a third-quarter touchdown run.

That improvement created a legitimate argument for allowing Iheanachor to learn through actual competition. When TribLive reporter Chris Adamski asked Rodgers whether he had any reservations about a rookie tackle starting during his final season, the quarterback immediately eliminated any ambiguity.

"No," Rodgers said.

The response contained one word, but its directness supplied everything Pittsburgh needed to hear. Rodgers has spent more than two decades studying pass protection and understanding how one weak point can compromise an offense. If he felt uncomfortable trusting Iheanachor, this was an easy opportunity to deliver a diplomatic answer about competition or letting the coaches decide.

Rodgers did nothing of the sort. His instant response indicated genuine comfort with the possibility of a rookie lining up in front of him when the regular season begins. That confidence matters because Rodgers will feel the consequences of every missed assignment more than anyone else.

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger reached the same conclusion after watching Iheanachor against Buffalo. He acknowledged that mistakes will happen but argued Pittsburgh should accept them and accelerate the rookie's education.

"There's going to be hiccups," Roethlisberger said. "There's going to be bumps in the road. There's going to be issues. But you want him to learn as much on the fly as possible. He needs to be in there. He needs to take his lumps, take his bumps."

Roethlisberger described that approach as a "baptism by fire." The phrase captures Pittsburgh's choice perfectly. Iheanachor will not become fully prepared by watching someone else encounter the speed, disguises and physicality awaiting him on Sundays. That does not mean the Steelers should ignore every early struggle. Offensive line coach James Campen can protect Iheanachor through formation choices, tight-end assistance and adjusted protections. Mike McCarthy can prevent the rookie from being isolated repeatedly against elite rushers while still giving him the snaps necessary to develop.

Pittsburgh also has Dylan Cook available if Iheanachor becomes overwhelmed. Cook provides a legitimate alternative rather than an emergency option, giving the coaching staff flexibility to rotate tackles or make a change without destabilizing the entire offense. Still, the 21st overall selection was not made to spend his rookie season hidden on the sideline. Pittsburgh invested premium draft capital because Iheanachor possesses the size and movement ability to become a long-term starter. His performance against Buffalo showed why patience will be required, but it also revealed traits that cannot be developed without playing.

Steelers Should Trust Aaron Rodgers And Start Max Iheanachor

The strongest argument against starting Iheanachor was the possibility of making Rodgers uncomfortable during a season carrying enormous urgency. Rodgers erased that concern himself. If the veteran quarterback is prepared to live with a rookie's growing pains, Pittsburgh should not manufacture hesitation on his behalf.

Iheanachor getting better as the Buffalo game progressed was more important than expecting immediate perfection. Young linemen will lose repetitions. Pittsburgh needs to determine whether he processes those failures, adjusts his technique and prevents the same mistake from controlling an entire game.

Rodgers and Roethlisberger have now supplied the same basic verdict from two different perspectives. The current quarterback has no reservations, while the former quarterback believes the rookie needs to learn under pressure. Pittsburgh should listen, place Iheanachor at right tackle and begin discovering how quickly its newest first-round investment can become an asset.

Would you start Iheanachor immediately in Week 1, or should Pittsburgh trust Cook until the rookie becomes more polished? Share your Steelers take with me on X (@anthonyghalkias), and consider following me for more Steelers coverage. 

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