Aaron Rodgers to sign with the Steelers

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Born2Steel

You quoted the question but didn't answer.

I don't think anybody is seriously considering the Steelers SB contenders with or without ARod. That's not even the discussion. Rodgers does bring enough to the position that defenses will respect what we can do with him, more than if we were going with MR. That's why I think we will be better on the field with Rodgers. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But I have zero hope in Rudolph as the starter for the season.

---

The answer is irrelevant. The question was simplistic.

It depends if we are just talking about the 2025 season in isolation or if we are talking about looking to a time where the Steelers can actually contend to getting in an AFCCG.

Its like asking if I would like to eat the week old moldy pork chop, or the rotted green pepper in my refrigerator. I'm looking forward to going grocery shopping instead.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by feltdizz

When your 3 oldest players are the most expensive and disappoint in the playoffs.. its a problem.

---

That wasn’t my point. At all. It’s a separate discussion. Good job shoehorning it in though.

If you have two old guys on the starting 11 and one guy who turned 30; how’s that “old” or “aging”?

Can Heyward is old. Slay is old. The rest of the defense is not. It’s a lazy narrative by lazy “reporters”.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson

The answer is irrelevant. The question was simplistic.

It depends if we are just talking about the 2025 season in isolation or if we are talking about looking to a time where the Steelers can actually contend to getting in an AFCCG.

Its like asking if I would like to eat the week old moldy pork chop, or the rotted green pepper in my refrigerator. I'm looking forward to going grocery shopping instead.

---

You might need to buy a new refrigerator.

This year'e offense has every opportunity to be exponentially better with Aaron Rodgers at QB than it did without him. The question is simplistic because the answer is so freaking obvious. Some want to make the assertion that this year's version of Mason Rudolph/Will Howard.Skylar Thompson are somehow equal to or maybe just below level of this year's version of Aaron Rodgers. I find that assertion to be ridiculous and laughable. I brought up in an earlier post that it was odd other teams weren't bidding for Rodgers. I said in that post that either meant he already had a deal done with the Steelers, or the entire league found NO value(Zero worth) in the 5 time MVP QB. Some of you commented that it was the latter. Turns out it was the former, and this deal has been ready to sign since before the draft.

Time will tell how well the 2025 Steelers do with Aaron Rodgers at QB. But, the idea that it has no effect, or that it would be the same with one of those other guys is just plain wrong, inaccurate, and borderline dumb. That's my opinion on that.

Coachspeak 101:
We are on the 2025 season. Putting the best team on the field we can for the 2025 season. The 2026 season will take care of itself in it's own time.

https://www.theringer.com/2025/06/06...ith-dk-metcalf

A good, at least to me, discussion of the potential challenges with Rodgers in 2025.

Sounds like it’s back to the offense that Ben ran his last season. Short passes and occasional sideline heaves.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Born2Steel

You might need to buy a new refrigerator.

This year'e offense has every opportunity to be exponentially better with Aaron Rodgers at QB than it did without him. The question is simplistic because the answer is so freaking obvious. Some want to make the assertion that this year's version of Mason Rudolph/Will Howard.Skylar Thompson are somehow equal to or maybe just below level of this year's version of Aaron Rodgers. I find that assertion to be ridiculous and laughable. I brought up in an earlier post that it was odd other teams weren't bidding for Rodgers. I said in that post that either meant he already had a deal done with the Steelers, or the entire league found NO value(Zero worth) in the 5 time MVP QB. Some of you commented that it was the latter. Turns out it was the former, and this deal has been ready to sign since before the draft.

Time will tell how well the 2025 Steelers do with Aaron Rodgers at QB. But, the idea that it has no effect, or that it would be the same with one of those other guys is just plain wrong, inaccurate, and borderline dumb. That's my opinion on that.

---

Last year Will Levis was the only less effective QB than Rodgers by EPA from a clean pocket.

And Rodgers was 25th in overall QBR.

Threw the most dump off passes in the league and was awful against the blitz.

All stat stuff shamelessly stolen from the Ringer link I shared.

I honestly believe the NFL hard passed on a broken down 42 year old low tier starter with the ego of a top tier guy.

We know the Vikings chose a guy with zero starts over Rodgers. The Giants seemingly chose Wilson.

Rodgers is simply no longer a very good NFL QB. He’s basically 2021 Roethlisberger with a prima donna attitude. No one except the Steelers was willing to sign up for that.

I get why they signed him. I’d rather watch him take snaps than Rudolph or Howard. But my expectations are extremely low.

I believe that anyone expecting this team to win more than 6 games is not being realistic.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

Last year Will Levis was the only less effective QB than Rodgers by EPA from a clean pocket.

And Rodgers was 25th in overall QBR.

Threw the most dump off passes in the league and was awful against the blitz.

All stat stuff shamelessly stolen from the Ringer link I shared.

I honestly believe the NFL hard passed on a broken down 42 year old low tier starter with the ego of a top tier guy.

We know the Vikings chose a guy with zero starts over Rodgers. The Giants seemingly chose Wilson.

Rodgers is simply no longer a very good NFL QB. He’s basically 2021 Roethlisberger with a prima donna attitude. No one except the Steelers was willing to sign up for that.

I get why they signed him. I’d rather watch him take snaps than Rudolph or Howard. But my expectations are extremely low.

I believe that anyone expecting this team to win more than 6 games is not being realistic.

---

Good post. Imo this is a bandaid move, instead of looking for a viable fix it just reeks of a desperation move.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

Last year Will Levis was the only less effective QB than Rodgers by EPA from a clean pocket.

And Rodgers was 25th in overall QBR.

Threw the most dump off passes in the league and was awful against the blitz.

All stat stuff shamelessly stolen from the Ringer link I shared.

I honestly believe the NFL hard passed on a broken down 42 year old low tier starter with the ego of a top tier guy.

We know the Vikings chose a guy with zero starts over Rodgers. The Giants seemingly chose Wilson.

Rodgers is simply no longer a very good NFL QB. He’s basically 2021 Roethlisberger with a prima donna attitude. No one except the Steelers was willing to sign up for that.

I get why they signed him. I’d rather watch him take snaps than Rudolph or Howard. But my expectations are extremely low.

I believe that anyone expecting this team to win more than 6 games is not being realistic.

---

Even with all your seemingly dislike for all things Aaron Rodgers, you do fit in there that he's still probably better than what we had in MR and Howard. I think that is the very point of the move. It's not meant to be a stabilizer for years to come, some would call it a band-aid. That is exactly what it is. I don't think there is a single Steelers fan right now believing we are on our way to #7 with this signing. But this signing does allow us to be better than we were before he signed. I don't believe Rodgers is a 'low tier starter' though. Obviously he's not going to be what he once was at 42, who is.

Fields struggled with taking snaps from under Center without fumbling. That was a talking point all last preseason and into the season. I think Fields is still better than going with MR and Howard.

I'm not sure why we didn't want Russ back. I know how the season ended, I do. But that losing streak was also against some of the NFL's best. I don't really put that all on Russ not being capable. He signed with the Giants at a comparable contract to what Rodgers signed. I just think Rodgers is a better QB than Russ, head to toe.

I think there are some things that happened early in the preseason process that had us fans wondering 'what are they doing'. When the Jets cut Rodgers in early March, it dropped his cap hit from $49M to $21M. The Jets are not a $49M QB away from competing for a SB. Smart move by them to cut that cost. I think a deal was struck at about that same time with the Steelers to play the 2025 season. All the speculation that Rodgers was holding out for the Vikings, or that the Steelers lost out on Fields and Russ, were people that didn't know...talking about things they didn't know about...and the people that did know, played it perfectly. Nobody knew our draft direction at all. We got younger on defense and drafted a RB and QB prospect for the future(hopefully).

So I'll be optimistic. The Steelers' FO does have a plan and are executing that plan. They do not care what our thoughts are on what they should or should not do. We can sit at these keyboards and speculate and discuss, and debate, and all that fun stuff we enjoy. You put the best team on the field that you can each and every season and go for broke. This is how they chose to do that. I'll back their play because I honestly feel they know their business better than I.

HC Mike Tomlin equals 10 wins. I don't know how we fall to under 6 wins. Even with MR/Duck we made the playoffs. I'm confused to where the doubt comes from.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by steelcityboyz

Good post. Imo this is a bandaid move, instead of looking for a viable fix it just reeks of a desperation move.

---

It is a band aid move. When you are bleeding you need a band aide. What viable fix was available for them this year? Yes, they have clearly failed to find a replacement for Ben since before he retired. However, other than stacking draft picks what were the better options this year?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Born2Steel

Even with all your seemingly dislike for all things Aaron Rodgers, you do fit in there that he's still probably better than what we had in MR and Howard. I think that is the very point of the move. It's not meant to be a stabilizer for years to come, some would call it a band-aid. That is exactly what it is. I don't think there is a single Steelers fan right now believing we are on our way to #7 with this signing. But this signing does allow us to be better than we were before he signed. I don't believe Rodgers is a 'low tier starter' though. Obviously he's not going to be what he once was at 42, who is.

Fields struggled with taking snaps from under Center without fumbling. That was a talking point all last preseason and into the season. I think Fields is still better than going with MR and Howard.

I'm not sure why we didn't want Russ back. I know how the season ended, I do. But that losing streak was also against some of the NFL's best. I don't really put that all on Russ not being capable. He signed with the Giants at a comparable contract to what Rodgers signed. I just think Rodgers is a better QB than Russ, head to toe.

I think there are some things that happened early in the preseason process that had us fans wondering 'what are they doing'. When the Jets cut Rodgers in early March, it dropped his cap hit from $49M to $21M. The Jets are not a $49M QB away from competing for a SB. Smart move by them to cut that cost. I think a deal was struck at about that same time with the Steelers to play the 2025 season. All the speculation that Rodgers was holding out for the Vikings, or that the Steelers lost out on Fields and Russ, were people that didn't know...talking about things they didn't know about...and the people that did know, played it perfectly. Nobody knew our draft direction at all. We got younger on defense and drafted a RB and QB prospect for the future(hopefully).

So I'll be optimistic. The Steelers' FO does have a plan and are executing that plan. They do not care what our thoughts are on what they should or should not do. We can sit at these keyboards and speculate and discuss, and debate, and all that fun stuff we enjoy. You put the best team on the field that you can each and every season and go for broke. This is how they chose to do that. I'll back their play because I honestly feel they know their business better than I.

HC Mike Tomlin equals 10 wins. I don't know how we fall to under 6 wins. Even with MR/Duck we made the playoffs. I'm confused to where the doubt comes from.

---

Russell Wilson was 6-6 as a Steelers' starter and got worse as the season wore on. Wilson had a better surrounding cast than Kenny Pickett did. Pickett was 15-10 without the experience and starting in his fifth game as a rookie.

Justin Fields was 4-2, and they didn't prioritize his signing unless he signed for a very low number.

I think it was evident to the team that Wilson wasn't going to lead them anywhere.

I hate the signing of Aaron Rodgers but will root for him like crazy to succeed like I always do with whoever the Steelers' quarterback is.

There is a chance that Rodgers plays well. He knows how to run an offense, go through progressions, and find favorable matchups. He was coming off of a major injury, and he played better as the season went on as he adapted to his limitations and his physical condition slightly improved. With his injury being that much further behind him this season, there is a chance that he will have better movement skills, and his arm and footwork will be more in sync this season....even at his age. He still has his elite skills at the line of scrimmage pre-snap. If he is given the power to take total control of the offense to get them into good plays and manipulate the defense with his snap counts, he can still have a big effect on the game just from a mental standpoint. He has a chance to be pretty good if the young OL comes together, the new RB is the real deal, and Turner is the answer at WR2 or they sign that player, and Washington becomes a real pro and raises his level of play so they can use multiple TE sets regularly as well. That's a lot to hope for, but stranger things have happened.

There is also the chance that he gets injured, or his athletic ability falls off a cliff and he becomes a liability.

He may also be a slightly more diminished player than he was last season and not be good at all.

Most scenarios are him not being what they hoped he would be, but I will hope for the best option. I'm not expecting the best-case scenario. It will likely be something else IMO.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c8771d7c_c.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pczach

Russell Wilson was 6-6 as a Steelers' starter and got worse as the season wore on. Wilson had a better surrounding cast than Kenny Pickett did. Pickett was 15-10 without the experience and starting in his fifth game as a rookie.

Justin Fields was 4-2, and they didn't prioritize his signing unless he signed for a very low number.

I think it was evident to the team that Wilson wasn't going to lead them anywhere.

I hate the signing of Aaron Rodgers but will root for him like crazy to succeed like I always do with whoever the Steelers' quarterback is.

There is a chance that Rodgers plays well. He knows how to run an offense, go through progressions, and find favorable matchups. He was coming off of a major injury, and he played better as the season went on as he adapted to his limitations and his physical condition slightly improved. With his injury being that much further behind him this season, there is a chance that he will have better movement skills, and his arm and footwork will be more in sync this season....even at his age. He still has his elite skills at the line of scrimmage pre-snap. If he is given the power to take total control of the offense to get them into good plays and manipulate the defense with his snap counts, he can still have a big effect on the game just from a mental standpoint. He has a chance to be pretty good if the young OL comes together, the new RB is the real deal, and Turner is the answer at WR2 or they sign that player, and Washington becomes a real pro and raises his level of play so they can use multiple TE sets regularly as well. That's a lot to hope for, but stranger things have happened.

There is also the chance that he gets injured, or his athletic ability falls off a cliff and he becomes a liability.

He may also be a slightly more diminished player than he was last season and not be good at all.

Most scenarios are him not being what they hoped he would be, but I will hope for the best option. I'm not expecting the best-case scenario. It will likely be something else IMO.

---

Wilson had a better game vs the Ravens in the 2nd meeting than he had in the 1st meeting. But he did much better in the 1st game vs the Bengals than in the 2nd game. I went to his 2024 stats sheet and he averaged over 3 sacks per game. In the 1st game vs the Browns he was sacked 4 times and we lost. In the 2nd game vs the Browns he was only sacked once and we won. I don't think Wilson was the answer either, but he was a better band-aid than everyone else on the FA list, IMO.

Rodgers currently fits that same description. He's the best option at this time. He signed on the cheap. And as long as dementia hasn't started setting in, he's probably one of the smarter offensive minds on this team.
I've seen comparisons to later career Ben. To me the huge difference is Ben had his injury on the elbow of his throwing arm. Rodgers tore his achilles. I get the mechanics part and timing with footwork, so yes I get it. I work in orthopedics though. I have seen torn achilles repairs and people come back good as new, or get back to 100%. Very few elbows, whether breaks, arthritis, tendons, or ligaments are ever quite the same after surgery. Many can get back to close. But it's usually , 'I guess this is my new 100%'. But these are not pro athletes.

And I'm not trying to predict anything. I'm just of the opinion all is not bleak. Rodgers is a weirdo, but he is not guaranteed $200M, or harassing women, or kicking puppies, as far as we know he's not a felon. Is that the new standard for QBs? No, but it is a good place to start. Now add in his experience and football IQ and such.

The comparison is not due to the particulars of the injury; it’s because Rodgers has been awful.

Anything longer than 2 seconds and he dumps it off; throws out of bounds, or chucks something uncatchable. Hits a few sideline heaves deep off coverage recognition. Etc.

That’s exactly how Ben played at the end. It’s how Brees played. Not dissimilar to Peyton and Brady either. It’s a former great playing out the string after their body has deserted them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Born2Steel

Even with all your seemingly dislike for all things Aaron Rodgers, you do fit in there that he's still probably better than what we had in MR and Howard. I think that is the very point of the move. It's not meant to be a stabilizer for years to come, some would call it a band-aid. That is exactly what it is. I don't think there is a single Steelers fan right now believing we are on our way to #7 with this signing. But this signing does allow us to be better than we were before he signed. I don't believe Rodgers is a 'low tier starter' though. Obviously he's not going to be what he once was at 42, who is.

Fields struggled with taking snaps from under Center without fumbling. That was a talking point all last preseason and into the season. I think Fields is still better than going with MR and Howard.

I'm not sure why we didn't want Russ back. I know how the season ended, I do. But that losing streak was also against some of the NFL's best. I don't really put that all on Russ not being capable. He signed with the Giants at a comparable contract to what Rodgers signed. I just think Rodgers is a better QB than Russ, head to toe.

I think there are some things that happened early in the preseason process that had us fans wondering 'what are they doing'. When the Jets cut Rodgers in early March, it dropped his cap hit from $49M to $21M. The Jets are not a $49M QB away from competing for a SB. Smart move by them to cut that cost. I think a deal was struck at about that same time with the Steelers to play the 2025 season. All the speculation that Rodgers was holding out for the Vikings, or that the Steelers lost out on Fields and Russ, were people that didn't know...talking about things they didn't know about...and the people that did know, played it perfectly. Nobody knew our draft direction at all. We got younger on defense and drafted a RB and QB prospect for the future(hopefully).

So I'll be optimistic. The Steelers' FO does have a plan and are executing that plan. They do not care what our thoughts are on what they should or should not do. We can sit at these keyboards and speculate and discuss, and debate, and all that fun stuff we enjoy. You put the best team on the field that you can each and every season and go for broke. This is how they chose to do that. I'll back their play because I honestly feel they know their business better than I.

HC Mike Tomlin equals 10 wins. I don't know how we fall to under 6 wins. Even with MR/Duck we made the playoffs. I'm confused to where the doubt comes from.

---

The doubt comes from Rodgers is both bad and a toxic personality likely to divide rather than lead.

The Steelers skill position players are inferior to the Jets. The group Rodgers failed to score TDs with in a couple of games.

The Steelers will be the worse offense in every game they line up in 2025. A season that sees them having a top 10 difficulty schedule.

They’re gonna open with 2-3 wins against other rebuilding teams. Everyone will get all excited and ask questions about the Steelers, Rodgers, and the Super Bowl.

Then the Vikings will pants them in Ireland. But no one will watch it and it will get written off as one of those weird international game things.

They’ll have a “get right” game at home against the Browns. Then the Bengals will beat them. They might win a squeaker against the Colts.

After that; assuming key guys stay healthy; I’m not sure they win another game. I figure they could lose as many as nine in a row. And, yes, I expect the Bears to beat them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

The doubt comes from Rodgers is both bad and a toxic personality likely to divide rather than lead.

The Steelers skill position players are inferior to the Jets. The group Rodgers failed to score TDs with in a couple of games.

The Steelers will be the worse offense in every game they line up in 2025. A season that sees them having a top 10 difficulty schedule.

They’re gonna open with 2-3 wins against other rebuilding teams. Everyone will get all excited and ask questions about the Steelers, Rodgers, and the Super Bowl.

Then the Vikings will pants them in Ireland. But no one will watch it and it will get written off as one of those weird international game things.

They’ll have a “get right” game at home against the Browns. Then the Bengals will beat them. They might win a squeaker against the Colts.

After that; assuming key guys stay healthy; I’m not sure they win another game. I figure they could lose as many as nine in a row. And, yes, I expect the Bears to beat them.

---

NONE of this makes any sense to me. Other than just simply dumping all expectation and preparing for the worst possible scenario, how do any of these prognostications make any sense?

Coach Mike Tomlin Press conference | reacts to Aaron Rodger’s signing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCzwQXy5KdI

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Born2Steel

NONE of this makes any sense to me. Other than just simply dumping all expectation and preparing for the worst possible scenario, how do any of these prognostications make any sense?

---

I don’t see how anyone can take the facts of the 2024 Steelers season and Rodgers Jets performance and come up with a rosier picture.

In comparison to the 2024 Jets, the Steelers RBs are worse. Their WRs are worse. TEs are worse. The OL should be better based on draft status but that is a totally unproven point on an NFL field. Rodgers was a below average QB in 2024. Why would he be better in 2025?

The 2025 Steelers are seemingly planning on starting Slay opposite Porter in a man heavy scheme. Slay had his snaps reduced and was eventually not resigned due to his struggles in man coverage in 2023 and 2024. Why would Slay be better in 2025?

Patrick Queen was brought in to be the engine that made the defense go. The data says he struggled to get off blocks/deal with traffic and in coverage. Just like he did in Baltimore before Roquan Smith showed up. Why would Queen be better in 2025?

The prized WR acquisition is known for running imprecise routes and not dominating at the catch point despite his size. He’s now playing with a QB who is highly reliant on his WRs running exact routes and winning at the catch point. That seems like a dubious pairing.

Oh yeah. The OC is also talking about out finally be able to run his full offense. Specifically that the OL blocking approach is gonna change. So that’ll be an immobile QB who was awful under pressure in 2024 behind an inexperienced OL with guys learning a new system. Sounds wonderful.

That’s just off the top of my head. And doesn’t incorporate Rodgers and the Steelers struggles to do any business over the middle, or the defense not stopping the run which I suspect won’t be magically solved by a rookie DL and an old CB.

Hopium. I’m an addict.

we’re going to win a playoff game with Rodgers and who know what can happen after that !!!!

wooooooo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

I don’t see how anyone can take the facts of the 2024 Steelers season and Rodgers Jets performance and come up with a rosier picture.

In comparison to the 2024 Jets, the Steelers RBs are worse. Their WRs are worse. TEs are worse. The OL should be better based on draft status but that is a totally unproven point on an NFL field. Rodgers was a below average QB in 2024. Why would he be better in 2025?

The 2025 Steelers are seemingly planning on starting Slay opposite Porter in a man heavy scheme. Slay had his snaps reduced and was eventually not resigned due to his struggles in man coverage in 2023 and 2024. Why would Slay be better in 2025?

Patrick Queen was brought in to be the engine that made the defense go. The data says he struggled to get off blocks/deal with traffic and in coverage. Just like he did in Baltimore before Roquan Smith showed up. Why would Queen be better in 2025?

The prized WR acquisition is known for running imprecise routes and not dominating at the catch point despite his size. He’s now playing with a QB who is highly reliant on his WRs running exact routes and winning at the catch point. That seems like a dubious pairing.

Oh yeah. The OC is also talking about out finally be able to run his full offense. Specifically that the OL blocking approach is gonna change. So that’ll be an immobile QB who was awful under pressure in 2024 behind an inexperienced OL with guys learning a new system. Sounds wonderful.

That’s just off the top of my head. And doesn’t incorporate Rodgers and the Steelers struggles to do any business over the middle, or the defense not stopping the run which I suspect won’t be magically solved by a rookie DL and an old CB.

---

Those are some salty ass tears.

1. Warren, Gainwell, and Johnson is not a bad RB room. I won't debate better/worse or by how much here or there. Our RB room is not a weakness.

2. WRs and TEs remains to be seen how effective they will be this season.

3. Still have question marks at the OT spots, IMO.

4. Slay can play outside or inside. He can play zone or man. I don't see him being a weakness in the secondary.

5. Cole Holcomb will wear the green dot. Queen should be faster since he will know his role and not have to play so reactive. Peyton Wilson will most likely be improved in his second season. Maybe it becomes the Holcomb/Wilson show with Queen playing a more limited role?

These are just 5 areas where you seem to be all doom and gloom for no reason. How will Smith use TEs this season? How does the WR room look with the 3-4 new additions? What does a finally healthy again ARod look like?

These are questions that make things fun and exciting. If we had all the answers it would be boring.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Born2Steel

Those are some salty ass tears.

---

You have literally asked (at least twice in this thread) how those of us that are not very optimistic about 2025 are getting to that point.

Then, you get all snippy when someone answers. Like if you don't like the answers, don't ask the question.

In the interest of having a discussion and not personalizing this in any way shape or form -- what of the things that I have posted or others that are negative on Rodgers and the Steelers run counter to facts? What is the basis for a highly optimistic outcome other than hope and the belief that the Steelers are somehow unique and not subject to reality?

Take it another direction. Ask yourself what your expectations and predictions were for Trubisky and Pickett. Compare those to what happened.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pczach

Russell Wilson was 6-6 as a Steelers' starter and got worse as the season wore on. Wilson had a better surrounding cast than Kenny Pickett did. Pickett was 15-10 without the experience and starting in his fifth game as a rookie.

Justin Fields was 4-2, and they didn't prioritize his signing unless he signed for a very low number.

I think it was evident to the team that Wilson wasn't going to lead them anywhere.

I hate the signing of Aaron Rodgers but will root for him like crazy to succeed like I always do with whoever the Steelers' quarterback is.

There is a chance that Rodgers plays well. He knows how to run an offense, go through progressions, and find favorable matchups. He was coming off of a major injury, and he played better as the season went on as he adapted to his limitations and his physical condition slightly improved. With his injury being that much further behind him this season, there is a chance that he will have better movement skills, and his arm and footwork will be more in sync this season....even at his age. He still has his elite skills at the line of scrimmage pre-snap. If he is given the power to take total control of the offense to get them into good plays and manipulate the defense with his snap counts, he can still have a big effect on the game just from a mental standpoint. He has a chance to be pretty good if the young OL comes together, the new RB is the real deal, and Turner is the answer at WR2 or they sign that player, and Washington becomes a real pro and raises his level of play so they can use multiple TE sets regularly as well. That's a lot to hope for, but stranger things have happened.

There is also the chance that he gets injured, or his athletic ability falls off a cliff and he becomes a liability.

He may also be a slightly more diminished player than he was last season and not be good at all.

Most scenarios are him not being what they hoped he would be, but I will hope for the best option. I'm not expecting the best-case scenario. It will likely be something else IMO.

---

Sir, I think you may be lost. This is a Steelers message board. There is no room for reasoned and grounded projections.

The 2025 team is either winning the SB or not winning a game. Save that middle path nonsense for the Buddhists.

In all seriousness, I do think that Rodgers main strength (his pre-snap recognition) gets blunted by the state of the Steelers WR corps. I hate to say it...but Keenan Allen makes some sense at this point. Get one guy on the field in obvious passing situations that will slowly lumber to where Rodgers expects him to be.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

You have literally asked (at least twice in this thread) how those of us that are not very optimistic about 2025 are getting to that point.

Then, you get all snippy when someone answers. Like if you don't like the answers, don't ask the question.

In the interest of having a discussion and not personalizing this in any way shape or form -- what of the things that I have posted or others that are negative on Rodgers and the Steelers run counter to facts? What is the basis for a highly optimistic outcome other than hope and the belief that the Steelers are somehow unique and not subject to reality?

Take it another direction. Ask yourself what your expectations and predictions were for Trubisky and Pickett. Compare those to what happened.

---

I thought that was humorous. Wasn't trying to be snippy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

You have literally asked (at least twice in this thread) how those of us that are not very optimistic about 2025 are getting to that point.

Then, you get all snippy when someone answers. Like if you don't like the answers, don't ask the question.

In the interest of having a discussion and not personalizing this in any way shape or form -- what of the things that I have posted or others that are negative on Rodgers and the Steelers run counter to facts? What is the basis for a highly optimistic outcome other than hope and the belief that the Steelers are somehow unique and not subject to reality?

Take it another direction. Ask yourself what your expectations and predictions were for Trubisky and Pickett. Compare those to what happened.

---

At this point of the season/preseason, everything is based on hope.

I turn to Steelers facts like this...
Mike Tomlin will get 10 wins. He got Rudy and Duck into the playoffs. I have confidence in that.

Rodgers didn't play in 2023. 2024 improved as the season went on. Not sure that equals he just can't do it anymore, but maybe it does.

The past is the past. Trubisky is no longer here.

When the Steelers drafted Harmon, Ryan Clark started screaming about going into the season with Mason Rudolph. Turns out he didn't know what he was talking about. There was a plan in place the whole time. There is a plan every season. I don't know it, you don't know it, Ryan Clark don't know it. But there is a plan. A plan means hope.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

You have literally asked (at least twice in this thread) how those of us that are not very optimistic about 2025 are getting to that point.

Then, you get all snippy when someone answers. Like if you don't like the answers, don't ask the question.

---

So fragile.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Born2Steel

At this point of the season/preseason, everything is based on hope.

I turn to Steelers facts like this...
Mike Tomlin will get 10 wins. He got Rudy and Duck into the playoffs. I have confidence in that.

Rodgers didn't play in 2023. 2024 improved as the season went on. Not sure that equals he just can't do it anymore, but maybe it does.

The past is the past. Trubisky is no longer here.

When the Steelers drafted Harmon, Ryan Clark started screaming about going into the season with Mason Rudolph. Turns out he didn't know what he was talking about. There was a plan in place the whole time. There is a plan every season. I don't know it, you don't know it, Ryan Clark don't know it. But there is a plan. A plan means hope.

---

Ok. I can see that. I don’t listen/see Ryan Clark and 90% of the rest of the tv NFL yellers so I’ve got no idea what that was about.

I’ve never doubted there was a plan.

I’ve never doubted that Aaron Rodgers was the best starting QB option available to the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers.

I just think those options were poop lite, poop dark, poop regular, and poop dry. No matter which one you pick; it’s still a glass of poop.

I’m trying to find a football reason besides “Tomlin is a wizard” that stacks wins for this team. It gets hard pretty quickly looking at their schedule.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hawaiiansteeler

So fragile.

---

What do you think is gonna happen here? Like what’s your plan?

Hoping I’m gonna whine like a child and threaten to quit the board if people don’t like me?

Oh wait….that’s your move. Crap! Now I need another idea.

Back to gunpowder and cocaine!!! Hell yeah!!!

I’ve got a new mumu I’ve been wanting to break in.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

What do you think is gonna happen here? Like what’s your plan?

Hoping I’m gonna whine like a child and threaten to quit the board if people don’t like me?

Oh wait….that’s your move. Crap! Now I need another idea.

Back to gunpowder and cocaine!!! Hell yeah!!!

I’ve got a new mumu I’ve been wanting to break in.

---

I'm not taking this seriously at all, so I have no idea why you are. :noidea:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Born2Steel

He got Rudy and Duck into the playoffs.

---

He got Rudy and Duck to 8-8. They missed the playoffs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El Kabong

He got Rudy and Duck to 8-8. They missed the playoffs.

---

Did they? I thought we made the playoffs that year. Oh well, point remains valid.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

Sir, I think you may be lost. This is a Steelers message board. There is no room for reasoned and grounded projections.

The 2025 team is either winning the SB or not winning a game. Save that middle path nonsense for the Buddhists.

In all seriousness, I do think that Rodgers main strength (his pre-snap recognition) gets blunted by the state of the Steelers WR corps. I hate to say it...but Keenan Allen makes some sense at this point. Get one guy on the field in obvious passing situations that will slowly lumber to where Rodgers expects him to be.

---

:lol:

Just trying to call it as I see it. Pretending there is no potential downside to the Rodgers move is just putting blinders on IMO.

It is certainly going to be interesting. Arthur Smith's offense will finally have a player they can open up his entire playbook with. If Rodgers can stay healthy and the OL does come together, we will likely see some aspects of the offense that have been missing to this point.

The last several drafts have been strong. There are some really good players that are likely to take a major step in their development, while some talented rookies will get a chance to show what they are capable of. I am always excited to see that growth and development and try to figure out the ceiling of these young players. I love seeing young players improve and take major steps forward. It gives a glimpse of what can be when they fully invest in a talented quarterback that can get in the system, master it, and then thrive for 12-15 years to give them a shot at being great over an extended period of time.

It's what everyone wants, but can they pull it off in the very near future? We know it is difficult to find the next great quarterback, which is why we want them to go all in on finding that guy right now and stop with the 40-year-old band aids.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pczach

:lol:

Just trying to call it as I see it. Pretending there is no potential downside to the Rodgers move is just putting blinders on IMO.

It is certainly going to be interesting. Arthur Smith's offense will finally have a player they can open up his entire playbook with. If Rodgers can stay healthy and the OL does come together, we will likely see some aspects of the offense that have been missing to this point.

The last several drafts have been strong. There are some really good players that are likely to take a major step in their development, while some talented rookies will get a chance to show what they are capable of. I am always excited to see that growth and development and try to figure out the ceiling of these young players. I love seeing young players improve and take major steps forward. It gives a glimpse of what can be when they fully invest in a talented quarterback that can get in the system, master it, and then thrive for 12-15 years to give them a shot at being great over an extended period of time.

It's what everyone wants, but can they pull it off in the very near future? We know it is difficult to find the next great quarterback, which is why we want them to go all in on finding that guy right now and stop with the 40-year-old band aids.

---

Yeah. There’s a narrow as heck path littered with ifs that could see something come together on offense. But I’ve got a hard time seeing it. My guy tells me it’ll look like the last Ben year.

But there’s more than enough to keep me watching every minute.

If the Steelers win 10 games this season that means the rest of the teams are really bad or the refs work the outcome. Tomlin could help by getting the team ready with a fast offense beginning Week1 Q1.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mojouw

Yeah. There’s a narrow as heck path littered with ifs that could see something come together on offense. But I’ve got a hard time seeing it. My guy tells me it’ll look like the last Ben year.

But there’s more than enough to keep me watching every minute.

---

Last year Rodgers had 28TD, 11 Int, 63% completion for a QB rating of 90.5. Is there a reason to think he can't do that again this year, and is that not good enough to win some games with?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El Kabong

Last year Rodgers had 28TD, 11 Int, 63% completion for a QB rating of 90.5. Is there a reason to think he can't do that again this year, and is that not good enough to win some games with?

---

I saw a meme today that sums up my thinking fairly well. It read, ' you can say you don't like Aaron Rodgers, but you can't say he's not better than Mason Rudolph'. I mean, that's pretty accurate.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El Kabong

Last year Rodgers had 28TD, 11 Int, 63% completion for a QB rating of 90.5. Is there a reason to think he can't do that again this year, and is that not good enough to win some games with?

---

That’s basically Wilson’s stat line of they played the same number of games.

That’s somewhere between 7-10 wins.

I suspect Rodgers won’t play a full season. I also suspect the Steelers offense will struggle to sustain drives and score points.

Just like the past however many years.

Go watch Rodgers Jets games and the last season he played in Green Bay. He gets rid of the ball in 2 seconds or less because he doesn’t want to get hit anymore. He doesn’t stay with the play long enough to consistently make plays. And his ability to create under pressure has evaporated in his 40’s.

And being better than Mason Rudolph isn’t a claim to anything.

Time will tell.

Rodgers has a football mind. That’s a truth. Whether his aging body can handle it is a story remaining to be told. I’d love to know the untold Justin Fields story. I think he would have done well, but never got a true opportunity. Supposedly the Steelers made him an offer but he decided to go to the Jets. Which tells me bad blood existing there from last season. It will be interesting to see how Rodgers performs this season.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Crow-Magnon

Time will tell.

Rodgers has a football mind. That’s a truth. Whether his aging body can handle it is a story remaining to be told. I’d love to know the untold Justin Fields story. I think he would have done well, but never got a true opportunity. Supposedly the Steelers made him an offer but he decided to go to the Jets. Which tells me bad blood existing there from last season. It will be interesting to see how Rodgers performs this season.

---

Everyone here knows that Rogers isn’t the answer to that position, stopgap. But…he has a solid center, two (hopefully) tackles that can play, and two really good interior linemen. If he doesn’t get hurt…..(and that’s a big “if”) we will find out a lot about our O. Also, can’t wait to see how hungry the D is.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hawaiiansteeler

I'm not taking this seriously at all, so I have no idea why you are. :noidea:

---

He really IS fragile. :faint:

On first observation, I can see that Rodgers is clearly moving better than we last saw him. Watching him move at camp running play action bootlegs, you can clearly see him moving much more smoothly and quickly.

We obviously have much more to see, but it is a very good sign that he is moving better. It will help him throw the ball better as his body feels more like its normal self to him. His legs and his body are more likely to be in sync and will help him with his off-platform throws.

This is a good start to see him moving much better.