“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.

Brown suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to Seattle, ending his first game with New England after the team acquired him during the offseason. He finished the game with three catches for 26 yards before being forced out with the ankle injury.

His absence is a major blow for an offense led by Drake Maye. Brown was expected to give the Patriots a true No. 1 receiver and another major weapon for Maye, but the young quarterback will now have to operate without one of New England’s most important offensive players.

When will A.J. Brown return with Patriots?

A.J. Brown is expected to miss at least four games after the Patriots placed him on injured reserve. That rules him out against the Steelers in Week 2, as well as New England’s next three games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.

The earliest Brown can return is Week 6 against the New York Jets, although the latest reporting indicates his high ankle sprain is expected to keep him out for around six weeks. That means the Patriots could potentially be without their star receiver for a significant portion of the early season.

Until Brown returns, the pressure will increase on Maye and the rest of New England’s receiving corps. Players such as Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Romeo Doubs and Demario Douglas will have to take on larger roles as the Patriots try to replace the production and impact Brown was expected to provide.

For New England, Brown’s absence creates an immediate challenge at the start of the season. The Patriots will have to find ways to keep the offense productive without their top offseason addition, while Brown works his way back from the ankle injury with a potential Week 6 return now on the calendar.

The Steelers receiver appeared on the injury report Wednesday as a limited participant before missing practice Thursday and Friday. Pittsburgh ultimately decided not to risk putting him on the field, leaving Aaron Rodgers without one of the team’s most important offensive weapons against New England.

Pittman’s absence is particularly significant because he made an immediate impact in his Steelers debut against the Atlanta Falcons, catching all three of his targets for 58 yards. His presence was expected to give Pittsburgh a reliable No. 2 receiver alongside DK Metcalf and prevent defenses from focusing too heavily on the team’s top target.

Who is Steelers WR2?

Michael Pittman’s absence could bring back some bad memories from 2025, when Pittsburgh struggled at times to find enough reliable production behind its top wide receiver. Without Pittman available, the Patriots can devote more attention to Metcalf, potentially creating more double-coverage situations for Pittsburgh’s primary weapon.

That puts additional responsibility on Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard. Wilson already saw six targets in the season opener, while Bernard played only three offensive snaps against Atlanta. The second-round pick is now expected to see a much larger role, giving Rodgers another young receiver who will need to step up against New England.

The tight ends could also become particularly important. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington give Rodgers two additional options who can work underneath and over the middle, potentially helping Pittsburgh counter extra attention on Metcalf while taking some pressure off Wilson and Bernard. Pittsburgh could also lean more heavily on multiple-tight-end formations with Pittman unavailable.

For the Steelers, the challenge will be finding enough ways to keep the passing game balanced without their No. 2 receiver. Pittman’s absence could force Metcalf to deal with more defensive attention, while Wilson, Bernard, Freiermuth and Washington could all have bigger roles as Pittsburgh looks to keep Rodgers’ offense productive against the Patriots.

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.

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.

“DK, the drops. As a receiver especially, that’s got to just like, chap ya,” Big Ben said while talking to Santonio Holmes on a recent episode of his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. “And, two [offensive pass interference penalties]. That’s a lot. How much of that — the argument is going to be how much of that is lack of preseason reps, right? No preseason games. No preseason reps.“

Metcalf did not see any game action during the Steelers’ preseason due to an undisclosed injury. Clearly, the lack of game reps may have worked against him, and it remains to be seen whether he can quickly get back into form and become the ace Aaron Rodgers needs throughout the season.

A slow start to the season for Metcalf

DK Metcalf’s 2026 season got off to a pretty frustrating start, as he really struggled to sync up with the offense and capitalize on his opportunities. Despite seeing a heavy workload with 10 targets, he managed to secure just 4 catches for 40 yards—leaving a lot of production on the field with a dismal 40% catch rate.

His main issues stemmed from a lack of efficient route running and failing to create separation, resulting in several contested drops and uncharacteristic miscommunications late in key possessions. If he wants to bounce back, he’ll need to clean up those focus drops—as Roethlisberger suggested—sharpen his route tree, and turn those high-volume targets into actual chunk plays instead of empty downs.

Week 2 won’t be easy for Metcalf

Roethlisberger’s comments regarding DK Metcalf’s mistakes will face their first test in a difficult trip to Foxborough. The Steelers will take on the New England Patriots in Week 2, with Christian Gonzalez, the highest-paid cornerback in the league, expected to be one of Metcalf’s primary defenders on the field.

Steelers’ schedule beyond the Patriots

After opening the season with an important win at Acrisure Stadium, the Steelers’ schedule appears promising in the early part of the season. Following their trip to New England, they will return home to host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 for a key divisional matchup.

They will then travel to Cleveland to face the Browns at Huntington Bank Stadium, while their Week 5 game will once again be at home, this time against the Indianapolis Colts. By then, will Metcalf have been able to regain some of his elite form?

Ian Rapoport identified the Chiefs as a team to watch in the ongoing situation surrounding Porter, who remains involved in a contract dispute with Pittsburgh. The Steelers have been open to trade discussions, although they have yet to receive an offer that matches their asking price.

Rapoport explained the situation this way: “There are teams that are corner needy teams. He is a very good player with a contract situation that’s a mess. They’re obviously at an impasse. So, does someone step up and say, we need a really good corner. Pittsburgh has been open to trading him. The interest based on their price has been not there yet, but definitely one to keep tracking on who he ends up playing with.”

Could the Chiefs trade for Joey Porter Jr.?

The contract situation is a major part of the equation. Pittsburgh has historically been unwilling to negotiate contract extensions once the regular season begins, meaning the window for Porter and the Steelers to reach an agreement has already closed. If the cornerback does not receive the long-term deal he expected, a trade could become an increasingly realistic solution for both sides.

Rapoport specifically pointed to Kansas City as a team worth monitoring because of the uncertainty surrounding rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane. The Chiefs selected Delane in the first round and hoped he could become an important piece of their secondary, but an injury could potentially force Veach to look outside the organization for help.

When asked specifically about the Chiefs as a potential destination for Porter, Rapoport responded: “Chiefs, we’ll see because if Mansoor Delane is hurt, Brett Veach will make a trade. He will be risky. definitely something to keep watching.” That does not mean Kansas City is actively negotiating with Pittsburgh, but it puts the defending AFC contender firmly on the list of teams to monitor if the Steelers decide to move their star cornerback.

The Detroit Lions are another team Rapoport identified as a possibility after Detroit moved on from Terrion Arnold. Porter would give either team an established young cornerback, but any trade would depend heavily on Pittsburgh’s asking price and Porter’s contract expectations. For now, there is no indication that a deal is imminent, but with the Steelers and Porter at an impasse, and multiple teams potentially needing cornerback help, his situation could become one of the NFL’s most interesting trade stories.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Steelers are open to “listening to offers” for star CB Joey Porter Jr. The Giants had a reported interest in CB Trent McDuffie prior to his trade to the Rams. Porter is reportedly disgruntled with the Steelers, so the Giants could sweep in to see if they land a star at the position.

If the Giants are able to trade for Porter Jr., their next priority will be actually signing Porter to a long deal. The whole disconnection from the Steelers comes because the team hasn’t met Porter’s expectations on a new deal.

The pros of getting Joey Porter Jr.

Joey Porter would be a high-upside trade for the Giants as he brings several key advantages for an NFL team looking to get a lock down corner in its secondary. These are some of those advantages:

• High-level physicality and size
• Young talent at just 26 years old, entering his prime
• Immediate CB upgrade over the majority of the league’s corners
• Open to trade and negotiate a new deal

The risks of getting Joey Porter Jr.

However, just like with any move, the Giants would also be taking on a risk by bringing Joey Porter. While he’s talented, there are also key indicators that could end up making this a risky trade:

• Market-rate contract, Porter wants a massive deal
• Giving away premium draft capital
• Porter is currently dealing with a back injury spamming all the way back to training camp

Porter’s absence is especially notable because he has been involved in a contract dispute with the Steelers throughout the offseason. The two sides have been unable to reach an agreement on a long-term extension, and Porter missed training camp while dealing with the back issue and his unresolved contract situation. Now, with Week 1 arriving, his future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain.

Schefter and Rapoport also reported that the possibility of a trade remains in play. That makes Sunday’s absence more than just an injury storyline, as Pittsburgh must now consider whether it can resolve the contract situation or potentially move one of its best young defensive players.

Will Steelers trade Joey Porter Jr.?

A trade still appears unlikely because Joey Porter Jr. has established himself as one of the Steelers’ most important cornerbacks and moving him would create a massive hole on a defense that expects to compete immediately. Pittsburgh would also have to receive significant value in return for a player who is entering his prime and could become one of the NFL’s highest-paid cornerbacks at the position.

However, the Steelers have already shown that they are willing to make difficult decisions when a contract situation becomes a potential distraction. The clearest recent example is George Pickens, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys before the 2025 season. Pittsburgh ultimately chose to move on from the talented wide receiver rather than allow the situation to continue affecting the team.

That precedent is what makes Porter’s situation worth monitoring. Pickens’ departure left a hole at wide receiver despite his talent, and trading Porter would create an even more concerning void on defense. The Steelers could receive a significant draft package in return, but replacing a proven shutdown-caliber cornerback would be extremely difficult. For now, Pittsburgh appears to have a major decision ahead: find a way to keep Porter happy and under contract, or risk losing one of the most valuable pieces of its defense.

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.

Instead, an injury suffered during practice has forced Tagovailoa to watch the season opener from the sideline. The Falcons confirmed that the veteran quarterback will be inactive against Pittsburgh after dealing with an oblique injury that emerged during one of the final practices before the game.

The development is particularly frustrating for Atlanta because Tagovailoa had won the starting job as Michael Penix Jr is still injured. Now, neither of the team’s top two quarterbacks will be available against the Steelers, forcing Atlanta to turn to a veteran backup at the last possible moment.

Who is starting QB for Falcons vs Steelers?

Cooper Rush will be the starting quarterback for the Falcons against the Steelers, moving into the spotlight after spending the week preparing as Tagovailoa’s backup. The veteran took first-team reps after Tua’s injury and now faces the challenge of leading Atlanta on the road in the opening game of the season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has expressed confidence in Rush’s preparation and ability to step in on short notice.

Why isn’t Michael Penix Jr. available to play for Falcons?

Rush’s promotion was made necessary not only by Tagovailoa’s injury but also by Michael Penix’s continued absence. The Falcons’ former starter remains unavailable as he works his way back from the ACL injury that ended his 2025 season. Although Penix participated fully in practice this week, Atlanta has already determined that he is not ready to play in the opener.

That leaves Rush as Atlanta’s only available experienced option to start against Pittsburgh. The situation represents a dramatic change from the plan announced Monday, when Tagovailoa was supposed to begin his Falcons career as the team’s QB1. Instead, an oblique injury has forced Atlanta to change course just days before kickoff, while Tagovailoa will have to wait for his Falcons debut.

Why isn’t Tua Tagovailoa playing for Falcons vs Steelers?

Tagovailoa will miss the game because of an oblique injury suffered during practice shortly before the season opener. The issue became apparent when he appeared to favor his back during Thursday’s session, briefly going down after throwing a pass before getting back to his feet. He was subsequently listed as a limited participant and did not practice Friday.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for Tagovailoa. After being released by the Dolphins and signing with Atlanta, he had been given a chance to reset his career and prove that he could still be a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. His Week 1 opportunity was supposed to be the first step in that process, but the oblique problem has delayed his debut.

For the Falcons, the immediate priority is getting through Pittsburgh with Rush under center. Atlanta will now hope Tagovailoa can recover quickly and return to the lineup, while Penix continues his rehabilitation. What was expected to be the start of the Tua comeback story has instead become one of the strangest quarterback situations of Week 1, with Atlanta losing both of its top options before the season opener even begins.