The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an exciting come-from-behind victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win keeps the Steelers squarely in the playoff hunt, but it doesn't change the fact that this team isn't playing at an extremely high level.
Unfortunately, a lot of the issues stem from Aaron Rodgers being their starting quarterback.
Even with the Steelers' recent offensive surge, the veteran signal caller isn't playing at a high level. Sure, his experience is a positive trait, and you can't argue against Rodgers as a historically great QB. But at almost 43 years old, he has become a hindrance to the Steelers.
I'm sure Pittsburgh would never do this, but they need to consider moving on from Rodgers this year. Keeping him as the starter won't do this team any good.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to consider moving on from Aaron Rodgers
While being 4-2 through six weeks is good, the actual play feels like a disconnect from the end results. Pittsburgh has greatly benefited from beating some poor teams.
The Falcons weren't playing at the level they are now back in Week 1. Cooper Rush had one of the worst games of a quarterback this season. The Buccaneers shot themselves in the foot with similarly bad quarterback play.
The Colts aren't the same dynamic unit that they were last year (albeit that win was arguably the most complete for the team). The only good team that they've beaten is the Bengals.
Rodgers hasn't been helpful for these wins either. In fact, he has been one of the worst starters in the league.
Advanced stats back that up. Adjusted net yards per passing attempt is the hallmark of determining how dynamic a quarterback's play actually is. It takes into account how much a quarterback is pushing the ball down the field while penalizing interceptions and sacks. The average QB this year sits at 6.1
Rodgers currently has a 5.3 in this category.
How about expected points added (EPA)? This metric looks at how much a player impacts the likelihood that the team scores. Rodgers' EPA per play of -0.16 ranks 27th out of 33 QBs with at least 100 dropbacks this season, according to Sumer Sports.
You go beyond the stats, and the tape backs it up. Rodgers looks like a mess in the pocket and has had horrible inconsistencies with his accuracy. Add a little bit of pressure, and he completely collapses, as evidenced by his 27.4 PFF grade when under pressure—the worst in the league entering Week 7.
While he has stretches where he looks like an above-average game manager, those are getting fewer and farther between. Rodgers isn't doing enough to warrant keeping him on the field.
I'm not running to give Mason Rudolph snaps either. I'm sure he wouldn't move the needle much. However, giving Will Howard and/or Drew Allar some reps would at least give this season some meaning.
I don't think either would do enough to turn the offense around. Given their age and inexperience, they wouldn't need to. What you can do is learn what you have in these young players.
This team is too proud to let this happen, but it isn't like Rodgers is an asset to the team right now. At best, this team sneaks into the playoffs before getting bounced. That doesn't even feel like a sure thing given how this team has only played really well against bad teams.
While it may not lead to instant success, it is becoming harder and harder to justify keeping Rodgers as the starter. The Steelers need to consider going in a different direction...and soon.
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