“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.

According to NBC Sports, Mike McCarthy could become the fourth head coach in Steelers’ history to start his tenure 2-0. The other coaches to do so have been Mike Tomlin (2007), Bill Cowher (1992), and Johnny Blood (1937), back when the team was known as the Pirates.

The Steelers won in Week 1 but it wasn’t pretty. McCarthy’s team was able to get the home win against a bad Falcons team 20-13 thanks to a TJ Watt pick six. However, the game could’ve went either way. The Steelers won’t count with Michael Pittman Jr. for the next game.

Steelers’ stats in Week 1 vs Falcons

The Steelers had a mere 264 total yards on offense and just 58 rushing yards throughout the game. Pittsburgh struggled to move the chains and when you can’t run the ball, you can’t open up the playbook for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The good thing is the defense looked as good as ever. They allowed just 238 total yards to Atlanta, limited the Falcons to just 2/12 on third downs, sacked Cooper Rush four times, intercepted them twice, and instill fear on the opposing offense.

Who are the Steelers facing in Week 2?

Pittsburgh is ahead of a tough task as they face Super Bowl runners-up Patriots in Week 2. New England was very bad in Week 1, but the team had a long week to prepare and is seeking a bounce back spot.

However, the Steelers should win the battle in the trenches and the Patriots don’t have star wideout AJ Brown available. Hence, McCarthy should feel brave and plan a good performance against New England.

“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

“I’ll say this about Drew and really the whole room, their abilities physically fit in the offense… As we get into this spot in camp, we need to really hone in on specifically concepts… Drew can play through anything that we’ve asked him to do conceptually,” McCarthy said during his Sunday media availability.

Drew Allar is currently behind in the depth chart, although his talent could help him move up the rankings as the weeks go by. He will have to compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard to see if he can eventually earn a chance to become A-Rod’s primary backup.

How did Drew Allar perform against the Packers?

In his NFL preseason debut against the Green Bay Packers, Drew Allar delivered a standout performance to spark a 28-9 victory. Operating with high composure in Mike McCarthy’s offense, the third-round pick out of Penn State completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a explosive 74-yard catch-and-run to Kaden Wetjen.

Allar also showcased his dual-threat ability by adding a 3-yard rushing touchdown, capping off a flawless outing where he accounted for three total scores.

McCarthy needs options in his QB room

Drew Allar provides Mike McCarthy with the ideal insurance policy and developmental quarterback to stabilize Pittsburgh’s long-term signal-caller strategy. With Aaron Rodgers entering his age-42 season, managing the workload of a veteran quarterback becomes paramount, especially given the inherent risk of mid-season injuries or physical decline.

Rather than forcing McCarthy to scale down his playbook for a backup, Allar brings elite arm strength, a 6-foot-5 frame, and the processing power to digest McCarthy’s full West Coast offensive installation without dropping off conceptually.

His ability to step in immediately—demonstrated by his multi-touchdown preseason debut—ensures the offense remains functional if Rodgers misses time, while simultaneously positioning Allar as the clear quarterback of the future once Rodgers eventually retires.

“He [wants me out there for] 30 or 40 plays,” Rodgers told Mike Silver of The Athletic. “I said, ‘Mike, if you want me to play, I’ll play.’ I’m not saying I want to do it. But if he wants me to, I will.”

McCarthy admitted his desire to see him play in the preseason, although he has not made a final decision yet. “We have plans … he’d like to play. I’d like to see him play. But we won’t make a decision until we get all the way up to it,” the head coach said according to ESPN‘s Brooke Pryor.

Rodgers is someone who knows his body very well and, at this stage of his career, understands that he cannot take unnecessary risks before the start of what could be his final season. However, he might grant his head coach’s wish so the two can build the same synergy that previously led them to the ultimate success years ago with the Green Bay Packers.

Breaking a tradition

Under Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh always prioritized having all starters — including veteran quarterbacks — play at least a couple of offensive series during the preseason to “tune up” the team before Week 1. With Aaron Rodgers arriving in Steel City, it marked the first time in the Tomlin era that a healthy starter did not take a single snap in August.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason games

Only a few weeks remain until the start of a new NFL season, and before that, preseason games will provide a preview of what could be ahead. If Rodgers takes the field for a few snaps, he will go head-to-head with two familiar opponents: the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets.

• vs Green Bay Packers, August 13
• vs New York Jets, August 21
• at Buffalo Bills, August 27

How did Rodgers do under Mike Tomlin?

Under Mike Tomlin in 2025, Aaron Rodgers provided a steady veteran presence for the Pittsburgh Steelers, guiding them to a 10–7 record. In his campaign in the Steel City, the veteran quarterback threw for 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions with a 65.7% completion rate and a 94.8 passer rating.

However, the season came to a bitter end for the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round, where Rodgers and the offense were completely smothered in a 30–6 loss to the Houston Texans, managing only 146 passing yards under relentless defensive pressure.

J.J. Galbreath joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2025 out of South Dakota, and he felt that something hadn’t been quite right during Tomlin’s final stretch with the team. “Last year coming in, I just felt like there was like a tension in the air,” he said during an appearance on The Banner Show.

After completing his first year in the NFL, Galbreath appears to be entering this new chapter with a greater sense of confidence and experience. “It seems more easygoing,” he added.

It appears that Mike McCarthy is already looking to distinguish himself from Mike Tomlin, not only in terms of team culture but also through his tactical approach. Can the veteran head coach lead the Steelers back to the NFL‘s elite?

Mike Tomlin’s legacy

Since taking the reins of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, Mike Tomlin has built one of the most impressively consistent resumes in modern NFL history. Most famously, he’s never posted a single losing season in nearly two decades on the sideline.

Along the way, he became the youngest head coach at the time to win a Super Bowl when he led Pittsburgh to victory in Super Bowl XLIII, added seven AFC North division titles, and earned over 170 regular-season wins.

Rodgers’ tight end options

J.J. Galbreath currently sits lower on the Steelers’ tight end depth chart, especially after the team signed former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan to provide another reliable target for Aaron Rodgers. These are the tight ends the veteran quarterback will have at his disposal this season:

• Darnell Washington
• Pat Freiermuth
• Robert Tonyan
• JJ Galbreath
• Lake McRee
• Jaheim Bell

Steelers kick off preparations for the 2026 season

The Steelers’ 2026 NFL training camp is just around the corner, and unlike many other teams, Pittsburgh’s veterans and rookies will report on the same day to begin preparations in full.

The scheduled date for players to report for the toughest stage of preparation is Tuesday, July 28, with Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, serving as the team’s training camp location.

With the 2026 NFL training camp set to begin soon, several changes are already starting to take shape. According to journalist Mark Kaboly on his show Kaboly + Mack, the Steelers are expected to have less physical contact during the early practices, along with the implementation of a new approach under the team’s new regime.

“I guess change isn’t bad, but he ain’t easing into this change,” Kaboly said. “It’s, ‘This is my way, this is how I do it, I don’t even care.’ I wouldn’t even be shocked if there is nothing that is similar to what was done in the past. They even changed the name of their weekly program on their website. What was it called, The Standard is the Standard? I don’t even think that’s the name of it anymore.

“I think it’s Forging Iron or something like that. You think The Standard is the Standard sign is going to be right there walking into the locker room at Acrisure Stadium? I guarantee that sign’s not there. What I’m saying is, everything has changed.“

What means ‘Standard is the Standard’?

Popularized by Mike Tomlin, the phrase “The standard is the standard” embodies an uncompromising mindset of accountability, discipline, and excellence. It means that the team’s expectations and level of performance remain high regardless of circumstances, whether dealing with injuries, roster changes, or playing back-to-back opponents.

In essence, it serves as a reminder that excuses are unacceptable, and every player, regardless of their role or status, is expected to meet the exact same elite standard set by the franchise.

Key differences between McCarthy and Tomlin

While both are Super Bowl-winning head coaches, Mike Tomlin and Mike McCarthy approach the game from fundamentally different tactical foundations. Tomlin is a defensively rooted leader whose core philosophy rests on a hard-nosed, physical 3-4 defense and disciplined, high-intensity play designed to win the turnover margin and physical battles up front.

In contrast, McCarthy is an offensive-minded play-caller built around West Coast passing principles, heavy usage of spread formations, and short-to-intermediate horizontal passing schemes designed to maximize quarterback rhythm and efficiency.

Where Tomlin emphasizes defense, field position, and relentlessly enforcing high standards across all phases, McCarthy focuses his field tactics on dictating tempos, creating favorable passing matchups, and managing offensive red-zone execution.

“I saw the whole charade that went on all this offseason, but I mean it’s talks. Obviously, no movement either way,” the linebacker said, via Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“So, at the end of the day, [the Steelers] have business to handle. I’ve got business handled at home, and my business is to go out there and play the best football I can and put myself in a good position and put our team in a good position so that we both get successful.”

Queen was one of the players frequently mentioned in rumors as a potential cap casualty this offseason, amid speculation that Pittsburgh could make roster moves to create salary-cap flexibility in Steel City. However, according to his own comments, those rumors have been put to rest, and he will now look to compete for the AFC North title alongside the team’s new coaching staff.

Queen was a key asset in 2025

Patrick Queen absolutely held it down for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense in 2025, locking up the middle of the field across all 17 games. He wrapped up a stellar season with an impressive 120 combined tackles, 1.0 sack, and a forced fumble, proving exactly why Pittsburgh brought him in.

He was a non-stop motor and a total coverage nightmare—the exact kind of reliable weapon that gives a savvy veteran teammate like Aaron Rodgers total peace of mind on the other side of the ball.

What is Queen’s contract situation?

Queen entered the league with Pittsburgh by signing a three-year, $41 million contract in 2024, locking him down through the 2026 season before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2027. Heading into the final year of that deal, he carries a significant $17.1 million cap hit for 2026, which includes a base salary of around $13 million.

Because of that heavy number, the front office faces a tough financial decision on whether to let him play out the final year of his contract or restructure things to lower his immediate impact on the team’s total salary cap.

“I’ve got a good amount of money coming in this year,” Queen said. “So at the end of the day, I couldn’t care less. If they do want to extend, cool. If not, cool. At the end of the day, it’s a business.“

Rodgers has trusted linebackers

Following a frustrating exit in the 2025 playoffs, Aaron Rodgers is locked in for what will be his final NFL campaign, and he will have the luxury of leaning on a truly elite linebacker corps to help him get over the hump. Pittsburgh’s defense is loaded with premier playmakers, anchored by the relentless edge-rushing duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, alongside the explosive athleticism of rising star Payton Wilson.

With Patrick Queen also locking down the middle of the field, this formidable unit is perfectly equipped to choke out opposing offenses, giving the veteran quarterback the elite defensive support he needs to orchestrate one last deep postseason run.

Swinton had joined Pittsburgh in February as part of Mike McCarthy’s new coaching staff and was expected to play an important role within the special teams unit. His arrival was viewed as a key addition to support special teams coordinator Danny Crossman, who took over following the departure of longtime coach Danny Smith.

The timing of the move comes as the Steelers continue preparing for a season with high expectations surrounding Aaron Rodgers and a roster built to compete for a playoff run.

Why Steelers fired coach Derrius Swinton?

The Steelers have not publicly disclosed the specific reason behind Derrius Swinton’s dismissal. However, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor later provided additional details regarding the situation.

“Though the Steelers declined to provide the exact violation, Swinton, who was hired as part of new coach Mike McCarthy’s staff earlier this year, was dismissed due to workplace misconduct, a team source told ESPN.”

Before joining Pittsburgh, Swinton built an extensive NFL résumé working with several teams across the league. During his coaching career, he held assistant roles with the Chiefs, Broncos, Raiders, Bears, Cardinals, Chargers, Lions and 49ers.

“We’ve definitely got four that we love, I can say that,” the head coach said to the press. “You always have to develop the room. That’s always been the approach. We’re hoping that (general manager) Omar (Khan) can get the roster expanded to 55 and we can keep four. It’s a really good room. This is a good place to be, having four guys that can play.”

Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph represent the veteran presence. Will Howard and Drew Allar might be the future. It is no coincidence that all four are together this season: Steel City is going all in with A-Rod while also keeping their eyes on what could happen beyond 2027.

Mike McCarthy wants to develop the youngest talent

Aaron Rodgers’ return somehow benefits Will Howard as well as Drew Allar. With Mason Rudolph also on the roster, Mike McCarthy aims to fully develop and maximize the talent of his two young players at the position.

“Mason has a lot of experience,” the Steelers head coach said. “We’re trying to develop Will and Drew as well as we can. Will is ahead of Drew, just based on the fact that he’s been here.” Howard enters his second year in the NFL after not playing a single snap during his rookie season. Drew Allar, meanwhile, is taking his first steps in the league and will need to absorb as much information as possible to get up to speed.

Steelers have a HC who knows how to work with quarterbacks

Throughout his coaching career, Mike McCarthy has built a stellar reputation as a true quarterback guru with a proven track record of maximizing passing talent. This pedigree was solidified during his defining tenure with the Green Bay Packers, where he took over a young, raw Aaron Rodgers and meticulously developed him into a mechanical masterpiece and a future four-time MVP.

McCarthy’s quarterback-friendly system and strict developmental protocols have consistently elevated signal-callers, helping them master pre-snap reads, refine their footwork, and play with high-level efficiency. It is exactly this history of elite mentorship that makes his current role so intriguing as he looks to work his magic once again on a new generation of quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh already looking ahead to the 2026 season

Returning to another Super Bowl is the number one ambition in Steel City. These will be the first matchups of the upcoming season that they will have to face:

• Week 1, vs Atlanta Falcons
• Week 2, at New England Patriots
• Week 3, vs Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 4, at Cleveland Browns
• Week 5, vs Indianapolis Colts

Retirement is still close, though—just a little ways out and rising on the horizon. Rodgers confirmed 2026 will be his last NFL season, meaning he will retire younger than Tom Brady did. Still, he is excited for the upcoming campaign alongside McCarthy, with whom he won a Super Bowl—his lone Vince Lombardi Trophy—in 2011. In fact, if it had not been for the head coach, Rodgers may have called it a career this offseason.

“I thought that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh. But when the decision was made to hire Mike, I started opening my mind back up to coming back,” Rodgers stated, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

Unfinished business for Rodgers

Had Rodgers closed out his chapter with the Steelers after the 2025 NFL season, a dull feeling would have lingered over his one-year stint in the Three Rivers. The future Hall of Famer and Tomlin‘s offense looked herky-jerky all season long.

To make matters worse, their final act is still giving fans in The Burgh nightmares. A whopping 30-6 home loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round extended Pittsburgh’s postseason winless drought to nine straight years. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Not even Rodgers could wash that sour taste out of fans’ mouths.

Still, he’s ready to give it another shot in 2026. Perhaps, a decade later, the curse will finally be lifted. Rodgers has plenty to prove as well. His last postseason victory came during the 2020 season, and he’s gone 0-3 in the playoffs since then.

Rodgers and McCarthy reunite

With Mike McCarthy calling the shots, Rodgers may be in for a trip down memory lane—a return to the glory days. If the longtime coach-quarterback duo still has some magic left, the Steelers may have reason to believe.

If there’s one coach capable of getting the best out of “A-Rod,” it’s McCarthy. He served as Rodgers’ head coach in Green Bay for 13 seasons from 2006 to 2018. During that span, Rodgers won a Super Bowl and captured two NFL MVP awards. If he plays to even a fraction of that level in 2026, Pittsburgh could be in for a magical year.