The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a good situation.
The rush of offseason anticipation has settled, and Mike Tomlin’s team is officially back in rhythm. At 3-1, the Steelers are right where they need to be. Not perfect, but confident, battle-tested, and full of potential. The fruits of their labor have come with their fair share of bumps and bruises, but who can complain about a winning record to start the season?
No, the offense hasn’t played flawless football. The defense still has kinks to iron out. But if we’re being honest, Pittsburgh is only a few incremental steps away from thriving — and that’s largely thanks to one man: Aaron Rodgers.
It’s been a quiet but steady four-game stretch for the 41-year-old All-Pro quarterback who sent the sports world into a frenzy the moment he signed with Pittsburgh. Many questioned the fit. Others doubted he still had enough left in the tank to lead a team built on toughness, defense, and old-school grit.
But Rodgers has silenced those doubts week after week.
The Pittsburgh Steelers enjoy witnessing the Aaron Rodgers' effect
From the moment he stepped onto the field in Week 1 against his former team, his calm presence and command of the game changed everything. He brought grace, experience, and a sense of composure that the Steelers offense has lacked for years.
Statistically, Rodgers has been as efficient as ever. Through four games, he’s maintained a 68.5% completion rate — higher than Patrick Mahomes (61.3%) and nearly identical to Jalen Hurts (69.3%). He’s thrown more touchdowns (8) than Hurts (5) and Mahomes (7), and Josh Allen (7).
For a quarterback pushing his early 40s, that’s remarkable.
Rodgers has proven he can still sling it with the best of them. The question now becomes — why does it feel like Pittsburgh is still playing catch-up?
There’s no single answer, but there are clear contributing factors.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting in the way of seeing Aaron Rodgers' true potential
Some of it falls on the defense.
Teryl Austin’s group has been inconsistent, showing flashes of dominance one week and moments of vulnerability the next. Their lone loss came in a 31-17 meltdown against Seattle, where missed tackles and blown coverages doomed the team. When your opponent hangs 30-plus points on the board, even Rodgers can’t save the day.
But another issue is the offense’s limited supporting cast.
DK Metcalf has been fantastic, emerging as Pittsburgh’s go-to playmaker with 15 receptions, 261 yards, and three touchdowns. Beyond him, though, production has been minimal. Jaylen Warren, who’s battled a knee injury, ranks second on the team in receiving with just 142 yards.
Calvin Austin III has flashed potential with 139 yards, but a recent shoulder injury could slow his breakout season.
It’s fair to wonder how much more Rodgers can do with such a thin arsenal. At his age, he’s not going to outrun defensive ends or rack up rushing yards like Mahomes or Hurts — and that’s okay. His three interceptions through four games are a reflection of a quarterback trying to make plays, not forcing them out of recklessness.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must evaluate how to utilize Aaron Rodgers more efficiently to finish the season
Rodgers has carried himself like a professional from the start. He’s embraced the city, bought into the system, and done everything possible to steady a team that, frankly, is still finding its offensive identity under Arthur Smith.
That’s why the bye week matters so much.
This is Pittsburgh’s opportunity to meet Rodgers halfway. Omar Khan and the front office must explore ways to bolster the offense — whether that’s through trades, free-agent signings, or schematic tweaks to help their future Hall of Famer operate more comfortably.
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Because the truth is simple: Aaron Rodgers has given this team everything he can. He’s played smart, poised, and with heart. The Steelers are getting the version of Rodgers fans hoped for — not the aging veteran on his farewell tour, but the fiery competitor determined to win one more time.
Pittsburgh’s 3-1 record speaks to his leadership. Now, it’s up to the rest of the roster to rise to his level.
The Steelers can’t ask much more of Aaron Rodgers. But if they want to make this magical run last, they'd better start giving him a little more in return.