“In a game like today where there wasn’t a lot of flow to it, we need to be better,” Rodgers told reporters once the game concluded. “And that starts with me at like making sure Mike knows what’s working, what’s not working, our coaches know, and — so we can call stuff that we feel like has a better chance.”

The overwhelming number of plays may have worked against the veteran quarterback. In fact, A-Rod expressed his support for finding a way to simplify the game plan throughout the game.

“If there’s too much stuff in the plan, we’ve got to cut it back,” Rodgers added. “I’m always liking to push the envelope, and if I see guys doing it the right way in practice, then I feel good about it, but we’ve got to transfer the practice to the game obviously and the details gotta come with it.”

Something went wrong for the Steelers

The Steelers‘ offense looked completely stuck in the mud in their brutal 20-3 loss to the Patriots. The gameplan completely sputtered out as Aaron Rodgers couldn’t get anything going downfield, finishing with just 187 passing yards, zero touchdowns, an interception, and a strip-sack fumble returned for a Pats score.

New England’s heavy blitz strategy completely overwhelmed Pittsburgh’s game plan: Rodgers was under pressure on nearly 39% of his drop backs and took four sacks, while DK Metcalf was effectively bracketed out of the game with just 27 receiving yards. To make matters worse, Pittsburgh completely failed on possession downs—converting an abysmal 2-of-12 on third down—and averaged 3.5 yards per play as they failed to hit the end zone all afternoon.

Rodgers trusts McCarthy to turn things around

Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy know each other well, and each trusts what the other can bring to the team. The coach’s experience could certainly help Steelers Nation bounce back from the performance they showed at Gillette Stadium.

“I’ve seen Mike for 14 years. So, Mike is going to take accountability, sometimes when it’s not his fault, doesn’t need to do that,” Rodgers said. “But Mike loves the guys, and he wants us to have some urgency and to bounce back with this, and I know we will.”

What’s next for the Steelers?

The Steelers have a tough stretch ahead to fix that sluggish offense. First, they head back home to Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, September 27 to host their division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. Just four days later, on Thursday, October 1, they have a short-week road trip to face the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Finally, they return to Pittsburgh on Sunday, October 11 to lock horns with the Indianapolis Colts.

Key takeaways

• The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a 20-3 loss against the New England Patriots.
• Aaron Rodgers threw for 187 passing yards with zero touchdowns and one interception.
• Third-down struggles limited Pittsburgh’s offense to a 2-of-12 conversion rate.

Pittman had been listed as questionable after being limited in Wednesday’s practice before missing Thursday and Friday. The Steelers ultimately decided not to risk putting him on the field, making his absence official less than 24 hours before kickoff.

The timing is notable because Pittman made an immediate impact in his Steelers debut against the Atlanta Falcons. He caught all three of his targets for 58 yards, including two explosive receptions, and now Pittsburgh will have to adjust its receiver rotation against New England.

Steelers WR depth chart for game vs. Patriots

With Pittman unavailable, DK Metcalf remains the Steelers’ No. 1 wide receiver and should be one of the central pieces of the passing game. Metcalf saw 10 targets against Atlanta despite finishing with four catches for 40 yards, so Pittman’s absence could create another opportunity for Rodgers to lean heavily on him.

Roman Wilson is also expected to have an important role after putting together a solid performance against the Falcons. The young receiver was ahead of Germie Bernard in Pittsburgh’s receiver rotation entering the season, while Bernard had only three offensive snaps in his NFL debut.

Bernard could nevertheless become one of the most interesting players to watch against the Patriots. The rookie was listed behind Pittman on Pittsburgh’s depth chart, meaning his role could increase significantly with the veteran sidelined. The Steelers can also lean more heavily on their tight ends, but replacing Pittman’s presence on the outside will require contributions from the younger receivers.

Pittman’s absence is therefore a significant change for Pittsburgh heading into its second game of the season. The Steelers acquired him during the offseason to complement Metcalf, and his efficient debut showed what he could bring to the offense. Now, Metcalf, Wilson and Bernard will have to help fill the void against New England.

So, who will be the primary backups for this game? The Steelers ultimately decided to go with veteran Mason Rudolph for the role. For the Falcons, however, the decision was more out of necessity: undrafted free agent Jack Strand will serve as their primary alternative.

Rodgers returned to the Steel City for another season, hoping to lead the Steelers to another Super Bowl. Rush, meanwhile, will take on the responsibility of leading Atlanta in its season opener and trying to pull off the upset. Which of these two quarterbacks will ultimately lead his team to its first win of the season?

The rest of the QBs on the Steelers and Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the luxury of having a crowded QB room this season, featuring a mix of experience and youth. Behind Rodgers and Rudolph on the depth chart are Will Howard, entering his second professional season, and recently drafted quarterback Drew Allar.

The situation in Atlanta is completely different, as the Falcons were forced to change their plans at the last minute. Injuries to Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., the two main candidates competing for the QB1 role throughout the season, have forced Stefanski to rely on Rush and Strand for the season opener.

Rodgers’ last Week 1

As announced several weeks ago, this will be Aaron Rodgers’ final season as a professional football player. But when was the last time A-Rod started a season opener as a quarterback?

On September 8, 2008, Rodgers took over as the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback following Brett Favre’s departure, making his debut on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers won that game 24-19, with Rodgers completing 18 of 26 passes for 178 yards, one passing touchdown, and one rushing touchdown.

“Yeah, of course. Of course. That’s why I came back, because I believe in the guys,” A-Rod said. The veteran quarterback has faith in his teammates’ abilities and expressed his excitement about the experience on the roster, although he acknowledged that they will have to battle against their divisional rivals if they want to reach February with a chance to compete for the SB.

“I like the roster as a whole,” Rodgers also added. “We have good veteran leadership. It’s just about going out there and doing it. I feel like the AFC is very deep. Even our own division has a number of teams with Super Bowl aspirations, which is great.”

Rodgers’ last dance

All good things must come to an end, and Aaron Rodgers already confirmed that his 22nd year in the league will be his final ride in the NFL. The veteran QB returned to Pittsburgh for one last dance after a solid 2025 campaign where he showed he still has plenty left in the tank, guiding the Steelers to a 10-7 record while slinging for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions.

While Steelers fans are hoping he can cap off a Hall of Fame career with one deep playoff push, A-Rod already seems focused on savoring every last snap before officially hanging up his cleats for good.

Steel City wants to return to the Super Bowl

The itch in Pittsburgh is getting stronger, and Steeler Nation is more than ready to punch a ticket back to the biggest stage in football. One of the most storied franchises in NFL history, the Steelers boast 6 Lombardi Trophies—tied with the New England Patriots for the most all-time—and haven’t hoisted the hardware since capping off the 2008 season with a win in Super Bowl XLIII.

Their last trip to the big game altogether came back in February 2011 (Super Bowl XLV), making this a fifteen-year drought that feels like an eternity for a fanbase raised on championship football. With a rock-solid culture and high expectations, the goal in the Steel City remains unchanged: break through the brutal AFC playoff gauntlet and finally bring title No.7 back to Acrisure Stadium.

“We know our goal,” the linebacker said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s Chris Harlan. “Not just get to the playoffs but when we get there to make noise. To win and go to the Super Bowl. But there definitely is extra added motivation to send ‘eight’ out the right way.”

A-Rod already knows what it feels like to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and he will look to do it again, this time in Steel City. Will the franchise’s long-held wish finally come true, with the quarterback capping his career with another championship?

Rodgers and McCarthy: A winning duo

Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy were an absolute powerhouse together in the Green Bay Packers, capping off their run with that unforgettable Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2011. During their 13 seasons side by side, they transformed the franchise into a perennial NFC North juggernaut, stacking up eight straight playoff appearances and dialing up one of the most explosive, highly efficient passing offenses the league had ever seen.

Even though things got a bit bumpy toward the end of their era, there’s no denying that when Rodgers’ otherworldly raw talent synced up with McCarthy’s quarterback-friendly system, they were practically unstoppable and left an undeniable legacy in Titletown.

Rodgers’ last dance begins

As Aaron Rodgers kicks off his final NFL ride with the Pittsburgh Steelers, they face a manageable opening stretch that should let the offense get into a rhythm:

• Week 1 (Sept. 13): vs. Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium
• Week 2 (Sept. 20): at New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium
• Week 3 (Sept. 27): vs. Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium
• Week 4 (Oct. 1): at Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 5 (Oct. 11): vs. Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium

Rodgers ultimately decided to return to Pittsburgh for another season, this time under new head coach Mike McCarthy. The decision came after the quarterback acknowledged there had been uncertainty about whether he would continue playing, before eventually signing a one-year deal with the Steelers. Rodgers also confirmed that 2026 would be his final NFL season.

Because Mike Tomlin spent an entire season working with Rodgers in 2025, Dan Patrick asked him whether the quarterback would have returned if Tomlin had remained in charge. Tomlin’s answer was particularly interesting because he believes Rodgers’ decision was driven by something deeper than his relationship with any particular coach: his love for the game itself.

Would Aaron Rodgers have returned if Mike Tomlin stayed in Pittsburgh?

During his appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Mike Tomlin explained that he believes Aaron Rodgers would have strongly considered returning even if the Steelers had never made a coaching change. According to Tomlin, the veteran quarterback embraced not only playing on Sundays but also the meetings, preparation and development that come with being part of an NFL team.

“I believe he would have. Just spending twelve months with Aaron, man, this guy has a love affair with football and all components of it. The process, meetings, team development. He loved training camp last year. Not a lot of guys enjoy training camp settings the way I watched him enjoy.”

Tomlin’s observation is notable because Rodgers’ return was far from guaranteed during the offseason. The quarterback later explained that he had serious conversations with McCarthy and Steelers general manager Omar Khan before deciding that he wanted to play another season. That ultimately led to Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh despite Tomlin no longer being on the sideline.

Tomlin went even further, suggesting that Rodgers’ physical condition and his passion for football would have made him seriously consider another season regardless of who was coaching the Steelers. His belief is based on what he saw from Rodgers throughout their time together, rather than simply speculation about what might have happened.

“I just think he’s built for it. He’s healthy. He’s certainly capable. So, I think that he would have strongly considered it regardless of circumstance. That’s just my gut feeling.”

There is an interesting irony to Tomlin’s comments. While the Steelers ultimately hired McCarthy and Rodgers returned for another season, Tomlin believes the quarterback’s decision was less about the coaching change and more about his own desire to continue playing. Rodgers has already stated that 2026 will be his final NFL season, making this the last chapter of his career.

Now working as an NBC analyst, Tomlin appeared on The Rich Eisen Show and was asked whether he believes the Steelers can actually win the Super Bowl this season with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and Mike McCarthy taking over as head coach.

“I certainly do. I think that’s the only reason Aaron comes back. He believes it, I believe it. I don’t think he comes back if he doesn’t believe that. I think they got the bones of having a good unit at all three phases.”

Can the Steelers win the Super Bowl?

Mike Tomlin believes the Steelers can win the Super Bowl. Tomlin pointed to Rodgers’ decision to return as one of the biggest reasons he thinks Pittsburgh should have legitimate championship aspirations.

The Steelers are entering a new chapter after Tomlin’s departure and McCarthy’s arrival as his replacement. Rodgers, meanwhile, is back for another season in Pittsburgh, giving the franchise a veteran quarterback with championship experience in his official last dance.

For Tomlin, Rodgers’ decision to return is more than simply a commitment to another NFL season. He believes the veteran quarterback returned because he genuinely thinks Pittsburgh has a chance to compete for the Lombardi Trophy. And Tomlin appears to share that belief.

Steelers could be the NFL’s 2026 dark horse

Mike Tomlin acknowledged that the Steelers are not receiving the same level of attention as some of the other teams considered among the top Super Bowl contenders. That, however, could ultimately work in Pittsburgh’s favor.

“Certainly, they’re probably not being talked about in the ways that some others are being talked about, but that can be a good motivator and a catalyst for them as well. I think they got high expectations, and I think they should have high expectations.”

“I don’t think I’ve been in a roster with four quarterbacks. Obviously when you do that you’re taking a spot from another place in the team but, at the same time, the best 53 are gonna make it . . . those four are part of the 53,” A-Rod said Wednesday.

“I’m happy for all those guys, obviously looking to the future. Cause all the three guys will have the chance when I’m gone . . . I’m excited for those guys’ future,” Rodgers added.

The Steelers’ crowded QB room

Rodgers’ last dance in the NFL will be played in black and gold, as he looks to improve on his 2025 campaign, when the Steelers were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Houston Texans. The veteran will have three other quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart, giving Mike McCarthy options to turn to if necessary.

Veteran Mason Rudolph is listed as the first backup in the QB room, while the younger quarterbacks follow behind him. Will Howard is the third option, with recently drafted Drew Allar rounding out the group.

Rodgers’ passing options

DK Metcalf was one of Rodgers’ targets last season, and the receiving corps was further strengthened with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. Unfortunately for the former Indianapolis Colts receiver, a physical setback limited his time working with his new quarterback in practice, but Rodgers himself expressed satisfaction with what he has seen, as well as Metcalf and Roman Wilson.

“He was hurt, so it is what it is. We got to get him up to speed, but I feel great about — DK and Roman have had arguably 2 of the top probably 5 camps on the team. DK has looked unbelievable.”

The Steelers’ season opener

This year, expectations are high in Steel City, as the Steelers have reunited Rodgers and McCarthy, a duo that already knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Getting off to a strong start will be crucial, and these are the first games on their schedule as they look to do so:

• vs Atlanta Falcons, September 13 – Week 1
• at New England Patriots, September 20 – Week 2
• vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 27 – Week 3
• at Cleveland Browns, October 1 – Week 4
• vs Indianapolis Colts, October 11 – Week 5

“I think I have done a good job,” Rudolph revealed to the press. “I have had a good camp. I like the way the offense is evolving and trending. I think Aaron has had a lot of input, tailoring things to the way he likes it.”

The preseason has been a trial by fire for Steelers Nation, particularly for Will Howard and Drew Allar. Rudolph appears to have gained a slight edge over his fellow quarterbacks in the race to sit behind A-Rod, following Howard and Allar’s performances in the preseason games.

A new era under Mike McCarthy

After nearly two decades at the helm of the team, Mike Tomlin stepped down, and Mike McCarthy was chosen to replace him. So far during training camp and preseason, Mason Rudolph appears to be comfortable with his new coaching staff.

“Coach McCarthy has got a ton of great concepts,” Rudolph said. “He’s worked hard with the installation process. Coach Angelichio is great in front of the unit. He really is. He’s a great teacher. I am happy.”

While it is clear that the connection between McCarthy and Rodgers will be the main source of excitement for fans in Pittsburgh, Rudolph is steadily adapting to his new coaching scheme to be ready when his opportunity comes. Unexpected situations happen in the NFL, so being ready and available when called upon is a must.

What’s next for the Steelers?

There is little time left before the start of a new season, and the Pittsburgh Steelers already know they will open at home against the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. Before that, they will play their final preseason game at Highmark Stadium against the Buffalo Bills on August 27.

Their first two preseason games left plenty to analyze. The first was an impressive 28-9 victory over the Green Bay Packers, with a strong performance from Will Howard, while their second matchup ended in a 17-0 shutout loss to the New York Jets.

The decision is part of Pittsburgh’s approach to managing Rodgers’ preseason workload with the regular season taking priority. Rodgers also sat out the Steelers’ preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, making it increasingly likely that the 42-year-old quarterback could go through the entire preseason without taking a snap.

McCarthy has made it clear that the priority is getting the Steelers ready for the games that count rather than exposing Rodgers to unnecessary preseason action.

Aaron Rodgers won’t play for Steelers vs Jets

Aaron Rodgers has also previously made his feelings about exhibition football known, describing preseason football as not being “real football.” With Rodgers already firmly established as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback, the coaching staff appears to believe that his preparation can be handled through practices and joint-work sessions rather than preseason games.

That makes Friday’s matchup against the Jets another opportunity to evaluate the quarterbacks behind Rodgers. The Steelers are using the game to give Will Howard and Drew Allar extended opportunities, while Mason Rudolph will also sit out.

Who will be the Steelers’ starting QB vs Jets?

Will Howard will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback against the Jets, with the second-year signal-caller expected to receive an extended look before Drew Allar takes over.

Howard impressed in Pittsburgh’s preseason opener against Green Bay, completing 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards and leading a touchdown drive. Allar was even more productive statistically, completing 10 of 13 attempts for 154 yards and three total touchdowns.

The plan gives both young QBs an important opportunity to build momentum in the competition for roster spots. Howard is expected to handle the first half, while Allar should take the second half, allowing Mike McCarthy’s coaching staff to evaluate each quarterback with a much larger sample than in a typical preseason rotation.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are particularly interested in seeing how the two young players perform with extended responsibility rather than just a handful of drives. It’s important to remember they’re still looking for a franchise quarterback.

What about Mason Rudolph?

Mason Rudolph’s absence is also significant because the Steelers currently have four quarterbacks on their roster, something the team may not ultimately want to carry into the regular season.

That makes the performances of Howard and Allar even more important, while Rudolph’s place on the roster could become part of the conversation if either young quarterback continues to impress.

For now, Rodgers remains comfortably ahead as QB1, but Friday’s game could have major implications for how the Steelers construct the rest of their quarterback room in 2026.

The former New England Patriots quarterback became part of the conversation after a video from 2010 resurfaced and went viral. In the footage, Brady remained on the field deep into the third quarter of a preseason game, with Randy Moss also playing alongside him.

The clip quickly drew comparisons to today’s NFL, where several star quarterbacks are reluctant to take part in exhibition games. Aaron Rodgers, for example, recently described preseason football as “not real football” with the Steelers.

What did Tom Brady say about NFL players skipping preseason?

Tom Brady did not mention Aaron Rodgers by name, but his comments clearly challenge the modern approach taken by star players who prefer to avoid preseason action.

“Preseason, regular season, I never wanted to be taken off the field. Practice makes perfect. Too many people looking for easy ways out these days. When you’re a football player, and it’s football season, your job is to play football.”

The message is particularly striking coming from a quarterback who spent more than two decades playing at the highest level. Brady’s approach was famously centered around preparation and repetition, and he appears to believe that preseason snaps are part of that process.

His resurfaced 2010 performance provides a perfect example of that mentality. Brady was not simply making a brief appearance before heading to the sideline. He remained involved deep into the game while playing alongside one of his most dangerous weapons in Moss.

Why Tom Brady’s comments matter for Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is one of the most prominent examples of the changing attitude toward preseason football. The Steelers quarterback has made it clear that he would be comfortable sitting out Pittsburgh’s exhibition games, leaving the decision to Mike McCarthy.

The argument from modern NFL teams is understandable. Starting quarterbacks are increasingly valuable, and one preseason injury can potentially derail an entire season. Teams also have much more information about established veterans, making extended preseason workloads less necessary.

Brady sees the issue differently. For him, preseason was another opportunity to sharpen his game, build timing with teammates and prepare for the regular season.

That philosophical difference highlights how much the NFL has changed. Brady’s generation often viewed preseason repetitions as essential preparation. Today’s stars and coaches are increasingly focused on minimizing injury risk and preserving their most important players.

Whether Brady’s old-school approach still makes sense in today’s NFL is debatable. But his message is unmistakable: if you’re a football player during football season, he believes there should be no shortcuts.