The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered an astonishing defeat to the New England Patriots in Week 2 and now are 1-1. The offense managed a whopping three points in the contest and really had no dynamic plays. In another game where the rushing attack was almost non-existent, Aaron Rodgers was forced to throw the ball 39 times — with less-than-ideal pass protection. The defense did its part, but the offense's inability to spark momentum was too much for the group to overcome. Now, the collective will prepare for a Week 3 showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, a group that is elite offensively.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers lines up under center in Week 2 defeat against the Patriots.
The offense as a whole did not come to play in Foxborough. Wide receiver DK Metcalf continued to struggle with drops, catching only four passes for 27 yards on nine targets. The $132 million man was shadowed by Christian Gonzalez, who had quite the day against the Steelers' wide receiver. Beyond Metcalf, the pass-catching unit as a group struggled to create separation against the Patriots secondary.
The biggest story, though, was the offensive line, which struggled again to generate push in the run game. It also couldn't keep Rodgers upright. The signal-caller was sacked four times, including a crucial third-downl strip sack that set the team back a long ways. Rodgers didn't hold back on the offense's performance. In his postgame press conference, the four-time MVP voiced his frustration, saying they weren't playing to their standard.
"We just didn't get into a rhythm. We had too many three-and-outs, and again, I just don't feel there was anyone who had an exceptional game," Rodgers stated. "We all played below our standard."
As Mike McCarthy put it, the offense has been too "herky jerky" and hasn't found a rhythm. Rodgers made it known that not a single one of his teammates had a notable performance. McCarthy's offensive unit has often found itself behind the chains on first-down runs, leading to off-schedule play calls. With just one touchdown in eight quarters of play, the team may have to make some personnel changes as AFC North football is right around the corner.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook prepares to pass-block a defender during a regular-season game against the Patriots.
The biggest problem on offense is the offensive line, which hasn't given the 42-year-old quarterback enough time in the pocket. All five men are in a slump and have given up a lot of pressure. If the Steelers want to make the playoffs for Rodgers last season, they'll need to find a better way to protect the field general. The QB's willingness to stand firm in the pocket and not leave until he has to has improved tremendously, but if he keeps taking these hits, that may no longer be the case.
In 2025, Rodgers had the fastest time to throw in the NFL, with under 2.5 seconds, getting the ball out as soon as possible. In an inferior scheme with a worse supporting cast, the former Super Bowl champion did everything he could to will Pittsburgh to a division title. Now, reuniting with McCarthy, he's been much more willing to throw downfield, but the offensive line isn't doing its part.
Steelers Need To Make Changes To The Offensive Line
No one in the trenches is blameless, but the right side has struggled mightily, and some depth pieces can easily plug into the starting five. Right guard Spencer Anderson had an egregious two-play sequence: he got called for holding, which negated a big catch from Metcalf, then got walked back into Rodgers' lap for a sack. Anderson battled Brock Hoffman for the starting job in training camp and started in Week 1. There might be a change there.
On a third down in the first quarter, Dylan Cook let former Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane go seemingly untouched on a blitz, which forced a bad pass from Rodgers. Cook has not been the player Pittsburgh saw end the 2025 season, and with rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor waiting on the bench, it could be time to see what the rookie can do.
The coaching staff still has plenty of time to get things figured out, but the offense's performance through two weeks has been alarming, and some personnel changes could help turn things around.
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