Improvement is the key ingredient for success, especially on the gridiron. The Pittsburgh Steelers are well aware of this recipe. And for the first time in a while, it feels like they’re finally cooking with all the right ingredients.
Entering Week 2 of the NFL season, the Steelers have earned national recognition, landing at No. 6 in Fox Sports NFL Writer Ralph Vacchiano’s power rankings — just behind the Kansas City Chiefs.
That’s a notable jump for a team that had its fair share of question marks heading into the season. But after a wild 34-32 win over the New York Jets in Week 1, the message is clear: this isn’t last year’s Steelers.
It wasn’t pretty.
In fact, at times it was downright nerve-wracking. The Steelers’ defense gave up 182 rushing yards to Breece Hall and Justin Fields. There were certainly flashes of last year’s inconsistencies. But this time, it didn’t matter. Why? Because for the first time in years, the Steelers have a quarterback who can win them games.
That quarterback, of course, is Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers made an immediate impact in his black and gold debut, throwing four touchdowns and 244 passing yards, showcasing the poise, precision, and leadership that this franchise has sorely missed since Ben Roethlisberger’s prime.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a top ten team thanks to thier bolstering roster additons
To put it in perspective, the last time a Steelers quarterback threw four touchdowns in a regular-season game was Big Ben back on November 8, 2021, against the Chicago Bears. Since then, Pittsburgh’s identity has revolved around grit, defense, and just enough offense to squeak by. That version of the Steelers might win you 9 or 10 games — but it doesn’t scare anyone in January.
This version? It might.
But Rodgers wasn’t the only offseason addition who made his presence felt. Jalen Ramsey added bite to the secondary, and Jonnu Smith gave Rodgers a reliable weapon on offense. Both helped settle an offense and defense that, for the past two seasons, always felt like they were playing from behind — either on the scoreboard or in talent.
Vacchiano’s ranking isn’t just a nod to a Week 1 win — it’s a recognition of potential realized. Sure, there are still questions. The run defense needs to tighten up, and Rodgers will need to stay healthy. But for the first time in years, Pittsburgh feels like a complete football team.
I’m used to the Steelers being doubted — and maybe that’s what’s made this start so satisfying. The climb back into the national conversation didn’t happen overnight. It took risk-taking, bold signings, and a new energy in the locker room.
And now? It’s paying off.
I agree with Ralph Vacchiano: the Steelers are a top 10 team in the NFL. Maybe even top five when they’re firing on all cylinders. With Rodgers under center and a defense that’s hungry to redeem itself, the sky’s the limit for this team.
And honestly, it’s about time.