As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, analysts are voicing cautious views on the team’s offensive prospects now led by Aaron Rodgers. Mina Kimes, during an AFC North preview on ESPN, emphasized that for the Steelers offense to succeed in 2025, two critical factors must align: an effective run game and rapid ball release from Rodgers. She made clear that without these, the offense risks being “dead on arrival.”
Rodgers’ Evolving Passing Ability and Offensive Challenges
Kimes and Robert Mays expressed concern that the current Aaron Rodgers does not possess the same precision in passing as his previous MVP years. The issue lies less in arm strength and more in his ability to deliver pinpoint throws into tight windows, a skill that has reportedly declined since his final season with the Green Bay Packers. While improvement over last season is possible, this regression raises doubts about the offense’s ceiling in Pittsburgh.
The Role of Tight Ends and Playmakers in the Steelers’ Game Plan
One positive aspect highlighted by Kimes is the Steelers’ new tight end, Jonnu Smith, who fits well into the envisioned quick passing strategy. Smith offers versatility as a reliable outlet, capable of gaining yards after the catch and lining up in the backfield to create mismatches.
“It actually has an identity, and that identity makes sense to me,”
Kimes remarked, adding that Smith’s skill set complements what Rodgers needs to succeed.
Kimes further stated,
“an outlet for Rodgers, a guy who can get yards after the catch, a guy who can line up in the backfield.”
She also added,
“When I think about this quarterback and what it takes to succeed, that, to me, also helps this make more sense.”
Alongside Smith, the Steelers will rely on Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and potentially Connor Heyward, although Heyward’s role may overlap with Smith’s responsibilities. The uncertainty surrounding a solid WR2 is tempered by skepticism that Rodgers will have sufficient time to target secondary receivers frequently.
Evaluating Rodgers’ Quick Passing and Turnover Risks
Despite criticism of Rodgers’ quick passing performance last season, statistics from Pro Football Focus offer some counterpoints. Rodgers completed 226 of 322 quick pass attempts—those released within 2.5 seconds after the snap—accumulating 2,022 yards with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 10 to 5. Notably, he registered more “big-time throws” than any other quarterback with 15 such plays and held the fifth-lowest turnover-worthy play rate among quarterbacks with over 300 quick throws.
Nevertheless, Rodgers ranked 20th out of 25 qualifying quarterbacks in adjusted accuracy on quick throws, partly affected by the Steelers’ wide receivers dropping 26 passes during quick plays, the highest total in the NFL. Despite these drops, Rodgers earned the fifth-highest passing grade on quick passes, though it remains uncertain how much these metrics will influence the Steelers’ offensive coordination or Rodgers’ management moving forward.
Concerns Over Rodgers’ Mobility and Offensive Execution
Rodgers’ limited ability to avoid sacks was apparent during his tenure with the New York Jets, a factor contributing to the high volume of quick passes. Kimes emphasized that for Pittsburgh to have a functional offense, Rodgers’ protection through a successful run game is essential. In the system led by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, establishing the ground attack is non-negotiable to create opportunities and sustain drives, further underscoring the precarious position the Steelers offense currently occupies.
Given these challenges, the Steelers’ success with Aaron Rodgers depends heavily on balancing a strong running game with efficient, rapid passing. Failure to execute this balance may lead to continued offensive struggles and skepticism about the viability of their offense in 2025 and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Rodgers worth so much?
A. By 2025, Rodgers is believed to have a net worth of $200 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. The main reason for his wealth is his lengthy NFL career and the high-paying contracts he secured.
Q. How did Aaron Rodgers get so rich?
A. Throughout his 20 years playing in the NFL, Rodgers has reportedly made around $380 million, as stated by Spotrac. Besides his salary, he has also secured millions through brand endorsements and collaborations. Additionally, Rodgers co-founded an investment company called RX3.
Q. Do the Jets still owe Aaron Rodgers money?
A. The $49 million in dead money linked to Rodgers isn’t an amount the Jets owe him after his departure. It is money they already paid him. This amount was postponed to future years to help manage their salary cap.
Q. Was Aaron Rodgers in the military?
A. Aaron Rodgers serves as the Additional Duty First Sergeant in the United States Air Force, according to his LinkedIn profile.