For multiple seasons, one of the things that frustrated the Pittsburgh fans was their disjointed passing game. Then came in OC Arthur Smith and the Steelers entered the 2024 season firmly in the run-heavy club— only the Eagles (58.1%), Baltimore (53.7%), and the Packers (52.3%) had better numbers over 51.6% from Pittsburgh. But after a tough loss to Cincinnati back in early January, HC Mike Tomlin believed “If you can’t get a yard, you don’t deserve to win, and so obviously we didn’t.”

However, unlike the rest of the teams, they’ve not had a QB that can run. Fast forward to now, we’re still in the same game. Entering 2025, things look similar– the same OC in Smith, the run-heavy offense, and a QB1 in Aaron Rodgers who is known for his quick passing over running. But with Friday’s Seven Shots series down, the offense is already showing its potential.

In a best-of-seven series win, that many call an “eight shots” game after Tomlin cleared the slate early into the practice, Rodgers had a pair of TDs. Even though most of his work consisted of short passes to his running backs, but even NFL Legend Mitch Morse believes “I think he’s going to be the best version of himself” and he has more to say.

Appearing on Good Morning Football, Morse stated, “I think, personally, you’re going to see a liberated Aaron Rodgers. Kind of free from the shackle of expectations. Of course, he’s gonna hold himself to a high standard but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a kind of Aaron Rodgers reminiscent of 2020-2021, where he’s very efficient with football. He’s not going to have to put all those big numbers on the board with an Arthur Smith offense that’s very run-heavy.

“I mean running 60% on first down last year. Last year, they were more of an inside zone team. Kind of on-personnel. But what Arthur Smith really loves is outside zone and working play action off that… I’m just really excited to see Aaron Rodgers, I think he’s going to be the best version of himself.”

Remember the 2020 and 2021 seasons? Under Matt LaFleur’s coaching, Nathaniel Hackett’s coordination, and with unmatched chemistry with Davante Adams, Rodgers snagged back-to-back MVPs.

In 2020, he had 4,299 yards for 48 TDs on 70.7% completion. Then the next season, Rodgers put up 4,115 yards for 37 touchdowns on 68.9% throws. Rodgers was in a rhythm that a veteran quarterback was supposed to be. He is not historically known for a run-heavy game. It’s the quick passing, play-action mastery, and precision-based offense that the 41-year-old quarterback excels at. And the Steelers are betting on him to end their postseason drought.

Meanwhile, Smith has been provided everything he wanted to run his offense. A rebuilt offensive line, a hand-picked running back (Kaleb Johnson from Iowa), and a top-tier wideout, DK Metcalf. He’s likely to rely on a run-heavy offense. But will this offense complement Aaron Rodgers’ strength? That we shall see. On the flip side, the Steelers are expected to cut ties with one of their QBs.

The Steelers hint at slimming down Aaron Rodgers’ QB room

The Steelers have their fair share of quarterback crisis, and it dates back to Big Ben hanging up his cleats. And entering the 2025 offseason, there wasn’t much of a change in the script. The Steelers were starving for a quarterback, and it felt like they were swiping right on every team about to dump theirs. They brought back Mason Rudolph on a two-year $8 million deal with Skylar Thompson on a reserve/future contract.

Then came the draft night, and they picked Will Howard. But the skepticism quickly turned into optimism when they signed Aaron Rodgers. The writing was already on the wall. Rodgers just had to put pen to paper, which he eventually did. Fast forward to training camp, and the rumor mill is buzzing that Mike Tomlin and Crew might cut ties with one of their QBs.

And somehow, Thompson seems to be the odd man out. On July 21, Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora came up with the Steelers’ 53-man roster predictions. And yes, Thompson wasn’t on the list. “I don’t slot Howard’s chances at 100% and Skylar Thompson’s veteran resume could give him an early camp edge. Still, Howard is the clear favorite to win the No. 3 job. Rodgers and Rudolph are entrenched in the starter and top backup spots.” Kozora named Rodgers as QB1, and rightfully so, and Rudolph as QB2. The twist?

It’s rookie Howard who cemented his place as QB3 in Kozora’s roster prediction. No Skylar Thompson. And the logic tracks. Rudolph had a decent season last year (1,530 yards and nine TDs). Meanwhile, Howard’s 4,010-yard, 35-touchdown senior season for Ohio State definitely turned heads. Moreover, with him practicing with Rodgers, he’s expected to finally be the franchise QB Tomlin has been looking for. But Thompson? That’s where things get murky. Just 721 yards, one TD, and three picks across three seasons. It’s hard to ignore. No wonder he’s not on Kozora’s 53-man roster.