Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher believes the team must give quarterback Aaron Rodgers one thing to be successful in 2025.
There are several factors that will determine if quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be successful with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. But former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher believes there’s one thing they must give him — full autonomy of the offense.
“Absolutely,” Cowher said on the “Dan Patrick Show.” “I don’t think there’s any question about it. And I think Aaron’s at a point where he knows you don’t want him to be throwing the ball 40 times a game at this point. You want Aaron Rodgers to be healthy going into the playoffs, and hopefully you get to the playoffs. I think in the meantime, you create a balance on your football team that you’re not just relying on his arm throughout the course of four quarters.”
Cowher says he would actually give Rodgers as much autonomy as he would have given quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. That may be easier said than done with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, though.
In February, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Smith did not want quarterback Russell Wilson changing plays at the line of scrimmage, despite Wilson’s big game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Week 13.
If that’s true, why would things be any different with Rodgers?
The 41-year-old does have a better resume than Wilson as a four-time NFL MVP, 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLV champion and MVP. But he must first prove he is still deserving of respect on the field.
Last season, Rodgers led the Jets to a very disappointing 5-12 finish while throwing for for 3,987 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
However, if Rodgers can turn back the clock this season, Smith may just gave him control of the offense.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Bill Cowher Reveals What Steelers Must Give QB Aaron Rodgers
