NFL defensive coordinator lays out blueprint to slow down Pittsburgh Steelers

TL;DR

NFL defensive coordinator outlines strategies to counter Pittsburgh Steelers' offense led by Aaron Rodgers. Key tactics include altering coverage and pressuring Rodgers to disrupt his game.

Key points

Defensive coordinator outlines blueprint to counter Steelers' offense
Aaron Rodgers' arm strength remains strong despite aging
Steelers' run game expected to improve with new additions

Mentioned in this story

Aaron RodgersRico DowdleMichael PittmanGermie Bernard

Pittsburgh SteelersMinnesota Vikings

Dublin , Ireland - 28 September 2025; Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #8 of Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2025 NFL International Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images) | Sportsfile via Getty Images It’s expected that eventually, Aaron Rodgers will agree to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers to come back for his second season with the franchise. And no matter which way you lean on the subject, there is both good and bad that comes with the 42-year-old being under center for a 22nd NFL season, as one NFL defensive coordinator pointed out to Albert Breer of *Sports Illustrated*. “His arm strength is still like it was 10 years ago—he can still throw it,” the defensive coordinator said. “His movement is what’s left him a little bit. He can still maneuver in the pocket, but he can’t get away the way he used to. His arm strength is what it always was. The difference is back in the day, you’d worry about him scrambling, getting out and creating explosive [plays]. Now he can’t do that, and he doesn’t want to get hit.” With that, as Breer points out, the blueprint has been laid out on how to slow down the Steelers’ offense should Rodgers be the one under center in 2026. “According to this particular DC, what you saw as the blueprint for attacking Rodgers last year was, when defenses got the Steelers in obvious passing situations, the focus was on changing the picture on him coverage-wise as much as possible and trying to get free rushers at him,” Breer writes. “The logic there: While you won’t fool him, you’re cooked if you give him the answers to the test. And if you can get him to hold the ball for a second longer and you can hit him, you can aggravate him.” Luckily for the Steelers, their run game should improve in 2026 with the addition of , and Rodgers will have an upgraded group of pass-catchers led by Michael Pittman and , meaning the passing game should be more dynamic by default. ***Let us know what you think in the comments***. ***Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!***

Q&A

What strategies did the defensive coordinator suggest to slow down Aaron Rodgers?

The defensive coordinator recommended changing coverage schemes and applying pressure to Rodgers in obvious passing situations to disrupt his performance.

How has Aaron Rodgers' playing style changed as he ages?

Rodgers still possesses strong arm strength but has lost some mobility, making him less able to escape pressure and create explosive plays.

What improvements are expected for the Steelers' offense in 2026?

The Steelers are expected to enhance their run game with Rico Dowdle and have upgraded their passing game with new pass-catchers like Michael Pittman and Germie Bernard.