Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky expressed serious reservations about the impact of Aaron Rodgers on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 season, doubting that his presence will boost the team enough to outshine rivals in the AFC. Despite the Steelers adding Rodgers to their roster, Orlovsky does not believe they have gained a competitive advantage over powerhouses like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, or Cincinnati Bengals in this demanding conference.
The Steelers, aiming to improve after a disappointing playoff exit last year, had explored several options for quarterback reinforcements, including attempts to retain Justin Fields and talks about veteran Matthew Stafford. Ultimately, their pursuit focused on Rodgers securing the starting job.
Steelers’ Offseason Moves and Rodgers’ Acquisition Timeline
Reports indicate that Aaron Rodgers verbally agreed to become Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback but requested additional time before finalizing the commitment. This delay led head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan to avoid signing another veteran quarterback or drafting a rookie in the first round. During this period, while Rodgers resolved personal matters, the Steelers added wide receiver DK Metcalf to the roster and traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Once settled, Rodgers accepted a one-year contract at age 41, committing to lead the team in 2025.
Orlovsky’s Assessment of AFC Competition and Steelers’ Prospects
Despite the high-profile acquisition, Orlovsky remains unconvinced the Steelers will rise above other AFC contenders. He emphasized how loaded the conference is with elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, all of whom have well-established teams around them. Orlovsky bluntly predicted,
“The Broncos are gonna be better than the Steelers.”
— Dan Orlovsky, former NFL quarterback
This statement has sparked significant debate among Steelers fans, many offended by the idea that their team ranks below the Denver Broncos, who have a second-year quarterback. Orlovsky’s view highlights the steep challenge Pittsburgh faces within the conference hierarchy.
Fan Reactions and Rival Comparisons Intensify the Debate
Many fans responded aggressively to Orlovsky’s doubts, expressing frustration and defending the Steelers’ chances. Some reiterated key statistics from the previous season, pointing out Rodgers’ consistent yardage alongside Bo Nix, Denver’s quarterback. One fan noted,
“Last season: Bo Nix: 3775 yrds; Rodgers: 3897; RB Jevonte Williams (Den): 513 yrds; Warren (Pit) (2nd string): 511 yrds; WR (Den) Sutton 1,008 yrds (17 gms); DK (Pit) 992 yrds (15 gms). Last season: Pit beat Den on the road (13 – 6) with QB Justin Fields. Just saying..”
— @Lawyeredup1
Other supporters wagered that the Steelers will finish with a better record than the Broncos and criticized the notion that Bo Nix would outperform Rodgers in his second year. On the other hand, some fans acknowledged the Denver defense’s potential and expressed confidence in their quarterback while maintaining hope for the Steelers.
Still, detractors dismissed Orlovsky’s opinions as biased, calling him a “known Steelers hater” and accusing him of undermining Pittsburgh unfairly every year. One user remarked,
“Dan is a known Steelers hater and people have been saying the Broncos are gonna be better than the Steelers every year since the year they got Russ. Broncos are a good team but you can give them praise without hating on another team”
— @Dotamatic
Steelers’ Offensive Strengths and Areas of Concern
Orlovsky pointed out that while Pittsburgh has two major passing game threats requiring defensive focus, the rest of the offense offers average challenges, allowing opposing teams to strategize effectively. He explained,
“As far as Pittsburgh goes, you’ve got two guys in the pass game that you really have to focus on. And then everyone else is like, OK, we’re gonna make you beat us.”
— Dan Orlovsky
The offense’s reliance on a narrow set of playmakers might limit the team’s ceiling, especially in a competitive conference. Moreover, former NFL linebacker Chris Long suggested that Rodgers’ arrival could bring some friction to the locker room. He mentioned,
“When he was in New York, and I’m not taking a shot, but I don’t love seeing stuff that should be worked out in the locker room worked out on a podcast. Metcalf has not always been the most surgical of a route runner. You talk about if we end up in a situation where somebody’s not on the right side of the ‘red line,’ famously, infamously, I could see some stuff like that happening and thus the growing pains being tough.”
— Chris Long
These potential tensions between Rodgers and Metcalf could pose challenges for team chemistry and performance as the season unfolds.
Steelers’ 2025 Schedule and Challenges Ahead
Analyst Warren Sharp highlighted the difficulties Pittsburgh will face in 2025, citing their schedule as the ninth most difficult in the league. The Steelers will open the season against Rodgers’ former team, the New York Jets, adding emotional complexity to the matchup. The demanding slate requires the team to consistently perform well to remain competitive within the AFC.
With growing pressure, Mike Tomlin’s leadership will be crucial in harnessing the talents of Rodgers, Metcalf, and the broader roster to avoid what could otherwise become Tomlin’s first losing season in Pittsburgh. The team’s ability to overcome these adversities may dictate their postseason fate.
Broader Implications of Steelers’ 2025 Outlook
The skepticism around Aaron Rodgers’ impact on the Steelers’ 2025 season reflects a broader concern about the team’s ability to keep pace with elite AFC opponents. While the addition of Rodgers and Metcalf represents an upgrade, the overall depth and competitive landscape remain daunting. Player dynamics and on-field cohesion will be tested throughout the challenging schedule.
As the season progresses, the Steelers must demonstrate resilience and adaptability to rise above the prevailing doubts and secure a place in the AFC playoff picture. The ongoing debates among analysts and fans underscore the high stakes and intense scrutiny facing Pittsburgh’s aspirations for the 2025 campaign.