Despite 5-2 Start, Kurt Warner Still Doesn’t Think Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers Will “Go Very Far”

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are 5-2 after seven games and sit second in the AFC North, but the offense hasn't been as explosive as Kurt Warner would have liked it to be.

Despite 5-2 Start, Kurt Warner Still Doesn’t Think Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers Will “Go Very Far”

Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

Aaron Rodgers returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers for one final season to win a Championship. After seven games, they are second in the AFC North with a 5-2 record. Pittsburgh is the fifth seed in the AFC.

The Steelers’ wins came against the Falcons, Bengals, Colts, Buccaneers, and Saints (in France). The Steelers are on a three-game winning streak.

Despite the success, Hall of Famer Kurt Warner isn’t sold on the Steelers. On the latest episode of the Rich Eisen Show, Warner argued that the Steelers aren’t good enough for a deep playoff run. He said:

I don’t think [they’re] gonna go very far.

Warner believes Pittsburgh’s offense hasn’t dominated NFL defenses like Buffalo, Kansas City, or Cincinnati. The Steelers have scored 20, 3, 30, 24, 34, 26, and 16 points. They are taking far too many plays (10-12) to score points.

Elite defenses will wait for them to make a mistake. Long possessions put pressure on the opponent, but they also increase the chance of a turnover or takeaway. Right now, the Steelers need explosive plays. Warner said:

Good offenses can change a game with a one-play touchdown. If you’re scoring 16 points and then add one explosive touchdown, suddenly you’re at 23 points, and with a good defense, that makes you a legitimate playoff threat. That’s where the question lies for the Steelers. Where are those quick-strike touchdowns going to come from?

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Aaron Rodgers sounded critical of the Steelers’ offense

The Steelers faced the Saints last week in their first-ever regular-season NFL game in Paris, France. Rodgers threw a touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington. Backup running back Rico Dowdle led the receivers with 6 catches. DK Metcalf had 56 yards on two receptions. Jaylen Warren rushed 18 times for 101 yards.

Despite 5-2 Start, Kurt Warner Still Doesn't Think Aaron Rodgers' Steelers Will "Go Very Far"
#8 Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

Chris Boswell’s 39-yard field goal in the third quarter was the last play either team moved the scoreboard. The Steelers won by six points.  Rodgers admitted the offense needs to play better. The sacks and turnovers on defense helped Pittsburgh secure a fifth win. He told Molly McGrath after the game:

I don’t think we played very well on offense today. Credit to their defense, but we’ve got a lot to work on.

The Steelers are looking to avoid a whitewash against rivals

The Steelers are at home in Week 8 and await the arrival of bitter AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns. One month earlier, they faced each other in Cleveland. Rodgers threw 22 of 40 completions for 299 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Warren had 17 carries for 93 yards. Metcalf caught 5 passes for 115 yards. Washington, Pat Freiermuth, and Roman Wilson each caught a touchdown.

In reply, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson threw 24 completions for 268 yards, 1 touchdown, and one interception. Quinshon Judkins and Jaleel McLaughlin each scored a rushing touchdown. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. caught a touchdown pass, while Denzel Boston went 4 for 89 yards. The Browns won 27-24.

According to Sports Illustrated, the Steelers are favorites over the Browns in Week 8.

Spread

  • Browns +3.5 (-108)
  • Steelers -3.5 (-112)

Moneyline

  • Browns: +150
  • Steelers: -180

Total

  • 38.5 (Over -112/Under -108)

The Steelers boast an overwhelming record against their divisional rivals at home. They lead the series 52-21. The teams last met in December 2025. Rodgers threw 2 touchdowns and for 235 yards. Metcalf caught 4 passes for 95 yards and one touchdown.

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