‘Don’t Be Sold’: Steelers’ Offense With Aaron Rodgers Gets Reality Check From NFL Expert
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense showcased a thrilling performance in their season opener, with Aaron Rodgers throwing four touchdown passes to lead a comeback victory over the New York Jets. Despite the excitement surrounding Rodgers’ debut, NFL experts are urging fans not to get carried away with the initial success.
Rodgers’ arrival has undoubtedly injected optimism into the Steelers’ offense, which has struggled in recent years. His experience and ability to perform under pressure were on full display as he orchestrated a dramatic late-game drive, culminating in a go-ahead field goal. However, experts caution that one game should not set the expectations for the entire season, especially given the need for improvement in the offensive line and running game.
The offensive line’s performance raised concerns, as Rodgers was sacked multiple times, and the running game struggled to find its rhythm. The team’s ability to protect their quarterback will be critical as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks. Without a solid running game and adequate protection, the offensive fireworks seen in Week 1 could become a rarity rather than the norm.
Moreover, while Pittsburgh’s defense has elite potential, its early struggles suggest that the team might not be as balanced as needed to contend for a championship. The defense must find its footing and consistently perform at a high level to support the offense through potential growing pains.
NFL Analyis Drops Reality Check on Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offense With Aaron Rodgers at Quarterback
Pittsburgh’s offense this season has received a reality check from an NFL expert. This is detailed more in an analysis by Dan Graziano for ESPN.
I mean … really? Yes, 34 points is great. But this was a long way from a playoff game, and the Steelers took advantage of some serious gifts. The Jets outgained them 394 yards to 271, committed seven penalties and produced the game’s only turnover at a pivotal time. And the Steelers still needed a 60-yard field goal to win. Play that game in Buffalo, Baltimore or Kansas City in January, and you ain’t winning it.
Be encouraged that this Steelers offense might be more consistently productive and exciting than in 2024, but don’t be sold. And don’t gloss over the fact that the defense, which is supposed to be the constant in Pittsburgh, couldn’t stop Fields and the Jets.
Rodgers hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2020 season, and he’ll be 42 when this year’s playoffs start. Great game, great start, but it will take a lot more for me to be convinced that the Steelers can reverse their recent trend of playoff fizzle-outs.
Fans are urged to temper their enthusiasm and recognize that while Rodgers can elevate the team, surrounding factors will ultimately dictate success. Pittsburgh has the pieces to be competitive, but sustaining that performance will require addressing the existing challenges.
While Rodgers’ debut was impressive and set a positive tone for the franchise, it’s essential to remain realistic about the team’s trajectory. As they navigate the season, the focus must shift to strengthening both the offensive line and the running game to ensure that they can capitalize on Rodgers’ skills and contend effectively.
Texans Planning Bigger Role for Nick Chubb
Expect to see some more Nick Chubb in the Houston Texans' offense after a solid Week 1 showing.
Following Houston's season opener loss vs. the LA Rams, 9-14, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was still impressed by what he saw from Chubb in his debut since signing in June. In all, Chubb finished with 13 carries for 60 yards on the ground, averaging 4.6 yards a carry and leading the way in touches throughout the running back room.
And moving forward into the year, Ryans says he wants to lean on Chubb a bit more in the backfield.
"I think Chubb ran the ball really well," Ryans said in an interview with Texans Radio. "We tried to mix it up with the backs– got Woody some touches, Dameon [Pierce]– we're going to try to lean in with Chubb a little bit more."
"He deserves it. He’s shown that he continues to get better as the game went on. You saw him running stronger, finishing plays in a physical manner. So, we've got to get him going a little bit more, and I think he can really help us."
Chubb has seemingly made a super strong impression in the Texans' building since arriving on his one-year, $5 million deal in the offseason, and without Joe Mixon in the fold as he deals with a foot injury that has placed him on the Injured Reserve for at least the first four weeks of the year, the door has opened for Chubb to have some major responsibility in this scoring unit.
Chubb sits in the Texans' running back room alongside veteran Dameon Pierce, rookie Woody Marks, and team captain Dare Ogunbowale to share the workload with– certainly a group that faced a fair share of questions before the season, of just how the responsibilities would be divided in the backfield.
But, as Chubb continues to prove he's healthy from last season and the most productive guy in the room, Ryans clearly wants to get the ball in his hands in the run game while they deal with Mixon's absence– however long that may be– and bank on his physicality and consistent improvements to be a driving force in their work on the ground.
Chubb has reportedly been consistent and hard-working for the Texans dating back to training camp, has clear respect in the locker room from teammates and the coaching staff, and of course, has a proven track record in the league of being one of the better runners of the football in recent history while at his peak production.
That doesn't mean you won't see guys like Pierce, Marks, and Ogunbowale get some occasional reps their way as well, but if Ryans' comments prove true, we could very well be looking at the start of Chubb being a real bellcow in Houston.
