Behind the Steel Curtain
Legendary Steelers coach Chuck Noll once said, “Respectability? Who wants to be respectable? That’s spoken like a true loser.”
With the Steelers mere days away from starting their 2025 season, we at Behind the Steel Curtain thought it would be fun to get some of our staff members’ final thoughts and predictions out and share them all in one place with you. Each season is full of twists and turns, and almost always has a few surprises that no one sees coming. So with Noll’s quote in mind, we present to you our final takes from the summer that will surely age like milk.
Jarrett Bailey: Aaron Rodgers.
Ryland Bickley: Jalen Ramsey. He’s such a talented, aggressive, and versatile addition to the Pittsburgh secondary. He’ll be a massive upgrade over the uninspiring nickel play the Steelers have endured for years, and his ability to play on the boundary as well as at free safety should open the door to more creative looks from the Pittsburgh defense.
Joey Bray: Aaron Rodgers. Never in a million years did I think that I would see Rodgers put on a Steelers jersey. While this very well may be Rodgers’ final run in the NFL, I still think he has plenty left in the tank. He is undoubtedly the best quarterback the Steelers have had since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Rodgers has done nothing but buy in and embrace Pittsburgh and the team since signing in June. He is more than capable of bringing the city its first playoff win in nearly a decade with this roster.
Ryan Parish: Derrick Harmon. As a lifelong fan of the Oregon Ducks – my parents met on campus – I’m excited to watch one of my favorite Ducks continue his career on my favorite team. An injury sustained during the preseason will delay that for at least Week 1, but Harmon will hopefully be the next great defensive lineman for the Steelers.
Alex Hanczar: Payton Wilson. After an impressive rookie campaign that saw the NC State product go for 78 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and an interception, his sophomore season comes with plenty of intrigue. Now surrounded by an experienced defense that includes veteran Cole Holcomb breathing down Wilson’s neck at the Steelers’ LB position, the 25-year-old could be in for a big year.
RB: How does Aaron Rodgers’ style of play mesh with the rest of his offense? He prefers a spread-out passing game, but Arthur Smith is known for a tight end-heavy, run-first scheme. Rodgers likes detail-oriented receivers, which has never been D.K. Metcalf’s calling card. And beyond that, what is the 41-year-old quarterback still capable of? There’s a world where Smith draws up an offense that works for all, but an equal chance it blows up in everyone’s face.
JBr: It has to be all of the moves they made...
