New ideas and concepts are addicting. Especially when the results create a noticeable difference in the atmosphere. The Pittsburgh Steelers are making the most of the change of scenery. As a result, Mike McCarthy is looking more like a genius with each passing day of training camp. According to players, his coaching tendencies and outlook are a breath of fresh air.
It’s been easy to agree with the new head coach recently. But one decision may cause fans to grow concerned. According to Mike Silver of The Athletic, McCarthy is encouraging Aaron Rodgers to take the field against the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers during pre-season action.
Mike McCarthy’s preseason plan for Aaron Rodgers carries significant risk
The gesture could be productive, but I see it as a mistake waiting to happen.
Sure, additional action for quarterbacks during the pre-season is usually beneficial. Game reps create extra practice, which will help McCarthy’s group build much-needed chemistry. So who would turn down the chance to polish the game plan? Especially if the team has a recent history of struggling to move the football downfield.
In 2025, the Steelers ranked 25th in total offense (305.6) and 17th in passing yards per game (213.6). A dismal 40 percent third-down efficiency rating made finishing drives with points harder than expected. The results are hard to ignore. But I do not believe Pittsburgh will have a repeat performance this upcoming campaign.
It's evident McCarthy’s innovations are working and should yield long-term results.
Previous hiccups incorperated with new information are key ingredients for unwarranted disasters. And maybe that’s why McCarthy wants his veteran quarterback to embrace the chance to shake any potential cobwebs out before the regular season begins.
But Rodgers isn’t a regular gunslinger.
He’s one of the best offensive minds the gridiron has seen. Since 2005, Rodgers has earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, four MVP nominations, and a Super Bowl MVP honor. These accolades are not easily achieved. In fact, they are a testament to Rodgers’ experience, skill, and preparation throughout his career.
Rodgers has nothing to prove in meaningless preseason action
With such a distinguished resume, It’s hard to convince me that 30-40 snaps in two preseason games would make a huge difference down the line. If anything, it may put the veteran quarterback's health in jeopardy.
What if Pittsburgh’s star takes unnecessary blows? Or even experience a season-ending injury similar to Rodgers’ 2023 heartbreak in New York?
The risk isn’t worth the reward in my eyes. The harsh reality concerning Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback is that he’s growing older with each passing day. Recovering from injuries and soreness requires more than before. And the veteran has seen his fair share of physical punishment. Within the last two years, Rodgers has been sacked 69 times during the regular season.
That’s quite a toll for a 42-year-old man to endure.
We understand Rodgers’ years of experience is irreplaceable for a franchise with padawan QBs on the depth chart. If he needs to nurse an unexpected injury, who will the Steelers turn to as his replacement?
Truthfully, unnecessary contact during meaningless games just doesn’t seem like the best decision for the franchise at all.
The last time we saw Rodgers in pre-season action was 2018. During that time, McCarthy was entering his final season with the Green Bay Packers. Since then, Rodgers has earned two MVP nods (2020, 2021). We also know he’s capable of leading Pittsburgh. Just last season, the seasoned veteran threw 24 touchdown passes (13th) and 3,322 passing yards.
He was by far the most important player in Arthur Smith’s offense. So why chance losing him to injury if you do not need to?
The smooth transition from the Mike Tomlin to Mike McCarthy era raised initial concerns. But now, all seem to be satisfied after a week of intense training camp. A new approach to the season will bring a change in philosophy. Even so, the change in leadership should not put the season in jeopardy before it begins.
So if Rodgers does see preseason action, hopefully it’s in a limited role with few snaps.
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