The Pittsburgh Steelers created significant buzz by bringing in Aaron Rodgers, a move that shifted expectations for this season.
The 41-year-old quarterback represents a major upgrade on paper, but legitimate concerns remain about his commitment level following an inconsistent tenure with the New York Jets.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes recently outlined what Pittsburgh must address to maximize this high-profile addition.
“None of this will work, even if Rogers does buy in, which I’m skeptical of. None of it will work, regardless of what the offense looks like, if they can’t run the football better than they did last year. And that’s something that they’ve invested in,” Kimes said, via NFL on ESPN.
“None of it will work, regardless of what the offense looks like, if they can’t run the football better than they did last year.”
Even with Aaron Rodgers, @minakimes thinks the Steelers need to improve their run game first 🏈 pic.twitter.com/iSgrYtEzSs
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 6, 2025
Her assessment highlights a fundamental truth about offensive success.
Simply acquiring a talented quarterback means little without proper support systems in place.
Kimes emphasized that establishing a reliable ground game remains essential for unlocking Rodgers’ full potential in Pittsburgh’s system.
The Steelers have made clear investments in addressing these concerns.
They selected Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, bringing in a running back whose skill set aligns with coordinator Arthur Smith’s wide zone concepts.
The interior offensive line appears solid, though questions persist at the tackle positions.
Broderick Jones could prove crucial in both run blocking and pass protection duties.
His development may determine whether Pittsburgh can provide the balanced attack Rodgers needs to succeed.
Last season’s rushing statistics reveal the urgency behind these moves and illustrate why the ground game requires immediate improvement.
If defenses can consistently force the Steelers into predictable passing situations, Rodgers may struggle to overcome the limitations.
The success of this quarterback acquisition hinges entirely on whether Pittsburgh’s supporting cast can deliver the foundation necessary for offensive balance.
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