The large query for the Pittsburgh Steelers coming into the 2025 season was whether or not or not quarterback Aaron Rodgers may nonetheless play at a excessive stage and assist them compete for a Tremendous Bowl.
It is just one recreation, however early returns had been promising of their 34-32 win Sunday over Rodgers’ former crew, the New York Jets.
Steelers haven’t had quarterback play like this in years
Regardless that the Steelers have persistently completed with successful data and made the playoffs the previous few years, their quarterback play has been among the worst within the NFL and considerably lowered their ceiling.
It was a completely completely different story on Sunday as Rodgers not solely put up huge numbers but in addition helped bail out a brutal defensive efficiency that nearly value the Steelers the sport. In recent times, the Steelers giving up 32 factors in a recreation would have been an computerized loss. That was not the case right here.
Not solely did Rodgers put up numbers and factors — he accomplished 22-of-30 passes for 244 yards and 4 touchdowns with zero interceptions — he additionally appeared to have a management over the offense that latest Steelers quarterbacks haven’t had.
The Steelers appeared environment friendly and cohesive, they usually did one thing within the passing recreation that that they had been avoiding for years: They used the center of the sphere and located loads of success with it.
Aaron Rodgers unfold the ball round to everyone
Not solely did Rodgers join with new extensive receiver DK Metcalf for some huge performs — Metcalf caught 4 passes for 83 yards — he accomplished passes to seven completely different gamers, together with 4 completely different gamers for touchdowns: Ben Skowronek, Jonnu Smith, Calvin Austin and Jaylen Warren.
That is a vital growth as a result of one other of the Steelers’ huge query marks coming into this season was who would emerge as a No. 2 extensive receiver after Metcalf.
Austin had a powerful yr in 2024, and second-year participant Roman Wilson figures to play an even bigger position after lacking most of his rookie season as a consequence of damage. Neither participant is a confirmed pass-catching choice who’s a transparent No. 2.
The wild card in all of this was going to be the tight ends, the place the Steelers go 4 deep with Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward. Freiermuth and Smith mixed for eight catches and a landing on Sunday.
