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New York City, N.Y. — The Aaron Rodgers-era in Pittsburgh is about to get underway this week and it could be entertaining as the first test for the Steelers is at MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets.
The Jets, Rodgers’ former team, are now led by former Steeler Justin Fields, who had a brief stint with the team last season– as he found himself as a bench warmer for Russell Wilson.
Is Rodgers the Answer to the Steelers Prayers?
Pittsburgh has struggled offensively since Ben Roethlisberger hung up his cleats following the end of the 2021 NFL season. They have found themselves going through a slew of quarterbacks including Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson. After no deal seemed to be imminent between the Steelers and any new quarterback, a contract was reached with Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers, bringing the future Hall of Famer to the Steel City.
One of the most consistent flaws within previous quarterbacks dating back to Big Ben has seemed to be experience.
Russell Wilson seemed to be poised last season for a revival after struggling with the Denver Broncos in 2022. But things seemingly fell through as Mike Tomlin planned for a two-quarterback system that split playing time up between Justin Fields and Russ.
Kenny Pickett struggled with the Steelers in his two seasons with the team after getting selected at number 20 in the 2022 NFL Draft and never could seem to get out of the funk that he found himself in.
After 4 long years of bad quarterback play, have the Steelers found the answer to all of their problems in Aaron Rodgers?
It is hard to tell this early but with all the hype and experience he brings to the team, I’d say he is poised for a better year than he has recently experienced.
New Faces in the Steel City
The Steelers made some pretty big moves during the offseason, most notably trading Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Dolphins for superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
In March, the Steelers signed Kenneth Gainwell, Darius Slay, Mason Rudolph, and James Pierre. The team also traded a second-round and seventh-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for DK Metcalf.
Predictions and Betting Odds
Spread
- Steelers -3 (-102)
- Jets +3 (-118)
Moneyline
- Steelers: -155
- Jets: +130
Total
- 38.5 (Over -108/Under -112)
Mike Tomlin is hard to bet against when it comes to the spread. The Steelers were 11-7 last year against the spread. That record should improve this year with the talent on the roster improving drastically. I would personally take the under as this is the first game for both teams this season. The Steelers defense is incredible this year, one of the best I have seen the team have in a very long time. I think if they hold strong, it will be an offensive onslaught for Pittsburgh.
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