How Aaron Rodgers Will Boost Steelers Offense

During the past three NFL seasons, narratives about Aaron Rodgers as the quirky sports celebrity have largely overshadowed those dealing with his performance on the gridiron. But considering the extenuating circumstances of injuries, and based on his most recent, full season with the New York Jets, it’s difficult to make the case (as many have attempted) that No. 8’s overall skills have declined in any significant manner.

For example, despite his age, Rodgers is still quite mobile and adept at buying time in the pocket — a quality which largely has been lacking in Steelers football since the Roethlisberger era. By itself, this capability promises to translate to a larger number of splash plays by the offense.

Additionally, Rodgers hasn’t lost any of his renowned capabilities as a game manager. In particular, he excels at the kind of improvisations which so often can turn an ordinary play into a splash play. For example, Rodgers has few peers in the NFL when it comes to utilizing RBs or TEs as check-down receivers. This ability is heightened by Rodgers’ well-honed ability to execute play-fakes and look-off the defensive coverage. Similarly, Rodgers has excellent ability to deliver short swing-passes and slant-passes accurately — such that the receiver gets the ball in full stride.

If there’s one aspect of a complete offensive scheme which the Steelers have been lacking for many seasons, it’s in utilizing their RBs as credible receiving threats. As great a QB as he was, Big Ben didn’t like throwing short and he wasn’t very successful when he tried. Conversely, Rodgers has been successful throughout his career in utilizing RBs and wideouts on short “touch-passes.”

Watching his highlights videos from the 2024 season, you’ll see several big plays Rodgers made as the result of his ability to drop these passes into the receivers’ hands just beyond the reach of defenders. Given the capabilities that Jaylen Warren already has demonstrated when working with a bit of space, plus the underutilized talents of Darnell Washington, it’s likely that Steelers fans will be watching the debut of an entirely new offensive dimension during the upcoming season.

Furthermore, Rodgers is a very effective, Red Zone QB. He has a knack for delivering the ball in tight windows which is especially valuable in these situations. And last but not least, like all great QBs, Rodgers usually spots the open receiver and delivers the ball accurately. While his arm might not be as strong as it once was, Rodgers is still a legitimate threat on deep passes.

Combining the array of proven abilities Rodgers possesses with the stable of talent on the Steelers roster, a credible case can be made that the 2025 edition of the Black-and-gold is at least capable of reaching the playoffs. Obviously though, if Rodgers is unable to stay healthy — or if his OL doesn’t afford him the requisite support — the coming season could just as easily go sour.

But this season looks like the last hurrah for one of the league’s best all-time QBs. So my hunch is that, barring injury, No. 8 will make the most of this opportunity. While some have criticized Rodgers for what they perceive as a lack of motivation, I prefer to view him as a veteran competitor who’s preparing to prove — not only that he deserves his lofty position in career stats — but that he still has the capability to compete at a high level. That’s why the coming season carries the additional attraction of shaping up to be the kind of “against all odds” campaign which has thrilled Steelers Nation throughout the years.