Doubts Rise Over Aaron Rodgers’ Impact on Steelers’ Super Bowl Hopes
Aaron Rodgers’ recent signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers has sparked skepticism regarding the veteran quarterback’s ability to significantly enhance the team’s prospects for a Super Bowl run. The 41-year-old joined the Steelers in June after a season with the New York Jets, where he faced challenges that have left some football analysts questioning his effectiveness.
While many Steelers fans have welcomed Rodgers, believing his experience could invigorate Mike Tomlin’s squad, ESPN’s Chris Canty has voiced strong reservations. During an episode of First Take, Canty stated, “It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it ain’t that close. It’s because I don’t believe in the quarterback. I just don’t.”
Rodgers’ history of injuries over the past three seasons has been a focal point for critics. Canty emphasized that attributing Rodgers’ decline solely to injuries may overlook the broader implications of aging in professional sports. “Whether it’s injuries or whether it’s age, it doesn’t really matter,” he noted, adding, “As players get older, they don’t get healthier.”
The Steelers faced considerable challenges last season, finishing among the bottom ten teams in the league for sacks allowed. Compounding their difficulties, they lost a key player in running back Najee Harris, who had been a consistent performer, surpassing 1,200 yards from scrimmage in each of his first four years. Canty remarked, “Having experience don’t mean a damn thing if you physically can’t go out there and do the job.”
Rodgers’ ability to elevate the Steelers’ performance remains a point of contention. Canty, a former Dallas Cowboys player, expressed skepticism about Rodgers’ potential to improve the team’s standing, particularly with the upcoming 2025 NFL season on the horizon. “When it comes to Rodgers, I struggle to see how he’s going to raise the floor from what we’ve seen from the Pittsburgh Steelers over the last half a decade,” he said.
As the Steelers prepare for their season opener against the Jets on March 10, 2025, the spotlight is firmly on Rodgers and whether he can overcome his recent struggles to lead the franchise back to the postseason. The ongoing debate about his impact will likely continue as fans and analysts alike assess his performance throughout the season.
