Overview

• Aaron Rodgers, 41, has brought a controlled, efficient passing philosophy to Pittsburgh that clashes with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s grind-it-out, run-heavy system.
• Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis publicly warned that asking Rodgers to throw 40 passes a game “is a mistake” and insisted the team “will run the football.”
• Head coach Mike Tomlin and Smith affirmed they will maintain a ground-first approach despite adding Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf.
• After allowing Najee Harris to depart in free agency, the Steelers drafted a promising Iowa running back to reinforce their traditional rushing attack.
• Analysts caution that an overreliance on passing could heighten injury risk for Rodgers and weaken the effectiveness of play-action between the lines.