The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has struggled through the first two weeks of the NFL season. Led by Aaron Rodgers, the unit currently ranks 31st in several key efficiency metrics, including points per drive and success rate.
The 5.6-yard dropback problem in Pittsburgh
The decline in Pittsburgh's offensive production is most evident when Aaron Rodgers is forced to hold the football. According to the report,Next Gen Stats indicate that on dropbacks lasting more than 2.5 seconds, Rodgers is averaging just 5.6 yards per attempt. This represents a significant downward trend from his 6.8 average in 2025 and highlights a quarterback who is increasingly prioritizing self-preservation over offensive explosiveness.
This lack of production has left the Steelers near the bottom of the league in expected points added (EPA) per play. While the team benefited from a Week 1 turnover spree by Cooper Rush, the underlying numbers suggest a unit that is fundamentally unwatchable. The offense is currently generating explosive plays at the fourth-lowest rate in the NFL, leaving the team struggling to sustain drives.
Rodgers' demand for more McCarthy play-calling input
Rodgers has publicly suggested that the solution to these offensive woes lies in his own influence over the scheme. Following a three-point performance in a loss to the New England Patriots, Rodgers indicated that he needs to communicate more effectively with head coach Mike McCarthy regarding which plays are working.
This desire for increased control may create a tactical conflict within the Steelers' coaching staff.. The report notes that Rodgers' preferred approach—releasing the ball quickly to avoid hits—directly contradicts the explosive playstyle McCarthy aims to implement. this tension was visible during the second half of the Patriots game, where Rodgers' tendency to avoid contact appeared to limit the offense's ability to push the ball downfield.
Bo Nix and the Denver mobility crutch
In contrast to the stagnation in Pittsburgh, the Denver Broncos found a temporary spark through Bo Nix's mobility. during a second-half comeback against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Nix's efficiency spiked when he moved outside the pocket, helping Denver overcome a rough start to the season.
While Nix struggles from a stationary position—completing only 46 percent of intermediate throws when in the pocket—his accuracy jumps to 55 percent when he is on the move. As the report highlights, Nix has thrown for more passing yards on the run than any other quarterback since entering the league in 2024. However, this reliance on mobility may act as a crutch that limits the Broncos' passing game by cutting the field in half.
The $165 million Mayfield turnover risk
The financial stakes of quarterback performance are perhaps most visible with Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. despite recently signing a three-year, $165 million extension, Mayfield has already struggled with ball security in the opening weeks of the season.
Pro Football Focus data shows that Mayfield is currently tied for the league lead in turnover-worthy plays. Whether it is a risky scramble against the Bengals or a decision to take a defender head-on against the Browns, Mayfield's strugle to protect the football is a growing concern for head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht. For a player on a top-of-the-league contract, these lapses in judgment are becoming increasingly difficult to justify.
Will Rodgers' pre-snap reads fix the Steelers?
Several critical questions remain regarding the direction of these struggling offenses and whether their leaders can adapt. It is unclear if leaning on Rodgers' advanced football IQ will actually solve Pittsburgh's issues, or if his desire for play-calling input will only further limit the team's offensive ceiling. Additionally, observers are left wondering if Bo Nix can improve his pocket presence or if the Denver Broncos will remain tethered to designed rollouts to mask his inaccuracies.
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