The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves this offseason by signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and buying and selling for broad receiver DK Metcalf, signaling a win-now mindset.
However early indicators counsel the imaginative and prescient for this offense is muddled. Rodgers, at 41, got here to Pittsburgh with one aim: to run issues his manner. Nonetheless, the crew’s present plan seems to be clashing along with his approach-and it is elevating alarms, together with from Steelers legend Jerome Bettis.
Rodgers flaunts new asset in NFL return
Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.6 million deal anticipating a system constructed round management, effectivity, and play-action setups-not quantity. As Bettis mentioned on The Dan Patrick Present, “In case you ask Aaron Rodgers to throw the ball 40 instances, that is a mistake.”
He burdened the significance of defending Rodgers by leaning on the run game-a longtime Pittsburgh staple that appears to be fading.
The departure of Najee Harris left a significant gap. The brand new backfield trio of Jaylen Warren, rookie Kaleb Johnson from Iowa, and third-down again Kenneth Gainwell brings promise, however no clear workhorse. Bettis warned that with no dominant run sport, Rodgers may take pointless hits behind an offensive line that is nonetheless unproven.
In the meantime, the Steelers’ pass-catching depth stays shallow. Metcalf brings star energy, however he isn’t a high-volume goal. Behind him are Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, and rookie Roman Wilson-solid however not game-changers.
This might depart offensive coordinator Arthur Smith leaning closely on tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth to hold the brief and intermediate passing sport.
Rodgers vs. Arthur Smith: Discovering the center floor
Arthur Smith, greatest recognized for run-heavy schemes and tight finish utilization, faces a tall activity. His style-pre-snap movement, two-tight-end units, and floor control-clashes with Rodgers’ choice for unfold formations and fast releases. Rodgers constructed his success in methods that prevented heavy movement and relied on single tight ends and play-action effectivity.
Studies counsel Smith and Rodgers are in common communication, attempting to remodel the offense into one thing that fits each types. Nonetheless, it is unclear who will finally form the route. If Smith sticks to his typical blueprint, Rodgers may really feel restricted.
But when they discover a compromise-balancing inside runs with quick, managed passing-Pittsburgh could unlock its potential.
The offensive line stays the x-factor. If it holds up and provides Rodgers time, the Steelers may engineer a balanced, environment friendly assault. If not, the crew’s all-in transfer may unravel by midseason.
As Bettis put it greatest: “You need to run the soccer. That is the identification. That is the system that works.” The clock is ticking for Pittsburgh to seek out theirs.
