The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-1, and the sky isn’t falling just yet. But it sure does look grim outside.
Through two weeks, the Steelers have shown consistency in a few metrics that should have every Yinzir worried if they aren’t already. Most of those issues are on the defensive side of the ball, where they rank 28th against the run and 25th against the pass. The team is ranked 29th in points allowed, and only three teams have fewer sacks than Pittsburgh.
Things don’t get much brighter on offense. Pittsburgh is 27th in total yards, 28th in first downs, 30th in rushing, and 29th in average time of possession per drive.
What was that about Aaron Rodgers not facing similar circumstances as he did in New York? Something about the 41-year-old not being put in a position to save the Steelers from themselves? That Kool-Aid doesn’t taste the same after two weeks, does it?
The Pittsburgh Steelers don't want to admit it, but it's clear Rodgers has to save them
Rodgers has been one of the few bright spots for the Steelers so far in the young season. He’s looked more like himself than many people around the league expected him to. Even his mistakes have been somewhat justifiable. After all, he isn’t getting much protection, his offense isn’t particularly balanced, and only one of his two turnovers was really his fault.
Unfortunately, Rodgers can’t save the Steelers from everything that goes against them. Despite how poorly the Steelers as a whole played against Seattle, things were close until the special teams gaffe by Kaleb Johnson. Rodgers even led a nine-play scoring drive in response to that dismal moment. But again, he can’t save the defense from giving up a seven-play touchdown drive on the other side of that to put the game out of reach.
Rodgers is doing all he can on the field, and in the process, he’s shown that he’s closer to his Green Bay version than his New York version. But with everything floundering around him, his leadership is the last lifeline the Steelers can hold onto.
It’s not just on Rodgers, the other vets who “know how to win” – Jalen Ramsey, DK Metcalf, Darius Slay – also play into this same role. But as the quarterback, Rodgers will get the attention when it comes down to the wins and losses and how they eventually stack.
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That’s not to say it’s time to hit the panic switch in Pittsburgh. But it is time for the Steelers to look toward their leadership for guidance. The Steelers roster, besides the notable veteran additions, is full of players who have not tasted true success in the NFL. Think about it; no one drafted by the Steelers since 2017 has won a playoff game.
So, yes, Rodgers does have to save the Steelers from themselves, more so through leadership and guidance than with MVP-level play. Pittsburgh wasn’t expected to be a world-beater out of the gate, but everyone outside of Rodgers is playing well below expectations, and somebody has to light a fire under this roster.