Steelers offense hits a wall in brutal loss to Patriots
A rival NFL executive did not hold back after watching Pittsburgh fall 20-3 to New England in Week 2. “What did you expect? He’s 42, can’t do it anymore,” the exec told The Athletic’s Mike Sando.
The Steelers managed only three points against a dominant Patriots defense in Week 2. Questions about Rodgers’ age and arm strength are suddenly impossible to ignore around the league.
Rodgers battles a relentless Patriots pass rush all afternoon
Rodgers finished 23-of-39 passing for 187 yards and one touchdown in the Week 2 loss. New England’s pass rush sacked him four times for a combined loss of 43 yards.
Those sacks disrupted any rhythm Pittsburgh hoped to establish through the air all afternoon. The offensive line struggled to hold up, leaving Rodgers without the clean pocket he needs now.
Rival executives feel vindicated by Pittsburgh’s ugly Week 2 loss
The anonymous executive’s blunt reaction captured a sentiment growing louder across the league this week. “Never thought that would work, anyway,” the exec added, referring to Pittsburgh re-signing Rodgers.
That skepticism existed before the season started, given Rodgers’ age and his uneven finish to 2025. Sunday’s lopsided performance against New England only reinforced doubts already circulating throughout league circles this season.
McCarthy takes full blame for offense’s lackluster showing
Coach Mike McCarthy did not point fingers at his 42-year-old quarterback after the loss. “It starts with me,” McCarthy told reporters, taking ownership of an offense that scored just three points.
McCarthy’s willingness to absorb blame publicly showed how seriously he views the offense’s early struggles. It also raised fresh questions about whether his scheme truly fits Rodgers’ remaining strengths.
McCarthy explains what has to change up front
McCarthy elaborated on what needs to change for Pittsburgh’s attack moving forward this season. “We’ve got to give Aaron better platforms to throw off of,” he told reporters after the loss.
He also pushed back against the idea of playing it safe just to protect his 42-year-old passer.
Rodgers gives a cryptic answer about accountability
Rodgers offered a postgame assessment that several observers found difficult to fully interpret. “The best teams are player-led teams,” he said, a comment that hinted at accountability beyond the coaching staff.
He expanded on that idea, stressing the need for players to flag “what’s working, what’s not working.” It read as a subtle nod to friction within Pittsburgh’s offensive approach Sunday.
A closer look at Rodgers’ declining numbers this season
Rodgers’ struggles against New England followed a difficult finish to last season. In Pittsburgh’s January Wild Card loss to Houston, he completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards, threw an interception and was sacked 4 times.
The Patriots pressured him again in Week 2. Rodgers completed 23 of 39 passes for 187 yards, threw an interception and took 4 sacks as the Steelers lost 20-3. Pittsburgh scored just 3 points and did not reach the end zone.
Reunion with McCarthy hasn’t fixed Pittsburgh’s offense yet
Pittsburgh reunited Rodgers with McCarthy hoping to recapture the chemistry from their 13 years together in Green Bay. The pairing suggested a coach who understood exactly how to scheme around an aging but still-savvy passer.
Two games into the experiment, that familiarity has not translated into results on the field. Rodgers’ comments about accountability suggest even he senses something isn’t clicking within McCarthy’s offense.
Advanced stats paint a bleak picture for Pittsburgh
Through 2 games, Pittsburgh’s offense has struggled by several measures. Mike Sando reported that this is the Steelers’ worst start this century in expected points added per pass play. He also ranked it their second-worst start in EPA per play and third-worst in success rate over that span.
The loss to New England showed what those numbers look like on the field. Pittsburgh gained 235 yards, averaged 3.5 yards per play and scored only 3 points. Rodgers was sacked 4 times as the Steelers failed to reach the end zone.
Steelers rank near the bottom of the league in efficiency
The advanced numbers grew worse the deeper Sando examined Pittsburgh’s early-season statistical splits. He noted the Steelers rank second-worst in EPA per play among all NFL teams through two games.
Pittsburgh also ranks third-worst in success rate, a measure of how often plays gain enough yardage. For a team with playoff aspirations, that kind of production is difficult to sustain.
Pocket problems remain Rodgers’ biggest weakness
Rodgers’ pocket presence has become a persistent concern that predates this season’s early struggles. His trouble handling pressure was evident throughout 2025 and carried into Pittsburgh’s Wild Card loss to Houston.
Four sacks against New England showed those same issues remain unresolved under the new coaching staff. Protection breakdowns compound quickly when a 42-year-old quarterback can’t consistently create plays under pressure.
McCarthy’s downfield philosophy demands better protection
McCarthy’s philosophy still centers on pushing the ball downfield rather than relying on short, safe throws. That approach demands precise protection and consistent timing, two elements missing during Sunday’s loss.
Whether McCarthy adjusts his scheme to better fit Rodgers’ current abilities could shape the rest of Pittsburgh’s season. The coach insisted the needed changes start with him, not his aging quarterback.
Pittsburgh still has time to turn the season around
The Steelers are 1-1 after beating Atlanta in Week 1 and losing to New England in Week 2. With 15 regular-season games remaining, their slow offensive start has not settled their playoff prospects.
Their next chance to respond comes at home against the 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals on September 27. A win would leave both AFC North rivals at 2-1 and give Pittsburgh a chance to show that its performance against the Patriots was an early setback.
Want to know why he believes in Pittsburgh’s roster? Rodgers recently sent a bold message about Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl chances despite the rocky start.
What comes next for Rodgers and the Steelers
Mike McCarthy has taken responsibility for Pittsburgh’s offensive performance and said the team must give Rodgers better conditions to throw. Rodgers has also said he needs to communicate more clearly with coaches about which plays are working during games.
The Bengals game will provide an immediate test. After Rodgers took 4 sacks and the offense scored just 3 points against New England, Pittsburgh needs better protection and more sustained drives to avoid falling behind in the division.
For another Steelers legend’s view of today’s game, check out how Terry Bradshaw recently offered his own blunt take on where the modern NFL stands.
What do you think about the Steelers’ offense under Rodgers and McCarthy? Like this post and comment below.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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