Aaron Rodgers, preparing for the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, did not hold back in his harsh assessment of the New York Jets’ run game during his time with the team. The longtime quarterback offered a lengthy critique of the Jets’ rushing struggles, highlighting serious schematic flaws.
Mark Schlereth, a former guard and current analyst, shared details from a conversation with Rodgers on his podcast The Stinkin’ Truth on June 14. Schlereth recounted Rodgers delivering a 25-minute diatribe focused solely on the Jets’ inefficient ground attack, which Rodgers found baffling and ineffective.
Rodgers Unpacks Jets’ Ineffective Rushing Attack
During the discussion, Schlereth explained that Rodgers compared the Jets’ run game to others he has seen, calling it the worst schematic approach he had ever watched. Rodgers emphasized that the issue was not merely personnel but the way the play design forced players into unclear and unproductive roles.
“Aaron went on for about a 25-minute diatribe on just their run game. I was like watching the Jets last year and it was the worst schematic run game I’ve ever watched. There’s a difference between having guys who can’t block people, I’ve seen that too. But, having your players do things that make zero sense… There’s zero chance of that being successful.”
—Mark Schlereth, Former NFL Guard and Analyst
The Jets’ statistical performance last season supports Rodgers’ message. They recorded just 1,561 rushing yards and 83 rushing first downs, ranking second-worst in the NFL in both categories. Only the Las Vegas Raiders posted lower figures. Additionally, the Jets managed only eight rushing touchdowns, tying with the Cleveland Browns for the fewest in the league.
Further underscoring their lack of explosive running plays, New York was among the bottom five teams for runs that gained 20 or more yards, achieving just six such rushes. This limited ground game put added pressure on the offense to rely heavily on passing plays.
New Opportunities Await Rodgers with the Steelers
As Rodgers transitions to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he will join a team that emphasizes running the ball much more effectively. The Steelers boast a stronger running back group and additional offensive weapons including Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington. This shift may allow Rodgers to play in a more balanced offensive system that suits his future goals.
On the defensive side, Rodgers will face new teammates like cornerback Darius Slay, a fellow Super Bowl champion who signed with the Steelers after leaving the Philadelphia Eagles in March. Slay expressed excitement about Rodgers joining the team during an appearance on Mina Kimes’ show.
“I think he’s a great addition because (of) the fact that we got (sixth-round rookie QB Will Howard), He can train him and help him get to where he’s at. Bringing DK [Metcalf] along so we don’t have to actually find him a true number one receiver. He’s got one that’s right there and that’s ready to go. It’s going to be fun.”
—Darius Slay, Steelers Cornerback
With preseason kicking off on August 9 at the Jacksonville Jaguars and the regular season opener slated for September 7 against the Jets, all eyes will be on Rodgers as he adapts to his new environment and looks to improve upon past frustrations with the run game.
Rodgers’ candid critique of the Jets’ running struggles sheds light on the challenges faced by one of the league’s most experienced quarterbacks. His move to the Steelers presents a chance for a fresh start and possibly a more effective ground attack supporting his efforts.