Aaron Rodgers finding his rhythm behind Steelers' new-look O-Line
The offensive line isn't the only reason for the improvement, but Pittsburgh's decision to change things up has given the offense a chance to get going.
SteelersAaron Rodgers is starting to look more comfortable in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers' changes up front have played a part in that.
The Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts 34-22 Sunday, giving Rodgers his third straight game with at least three touchdown passes. He finished 22-of-31 for 235 yards and wasn't sacked once.
That is quite a turnaround from the beginning of the season, when Pittsburgh scored just 16 points over its first two games. Rodgers has thrown nine touchdowns over the last three weeks, and the offense has started to find its footing. Read more: Aaron Rodgers finding his rhythm behind Steelers' new-look O-Line.
The offensive line isn't the only reason for the improvement, but Pittsburgh's decision to change things up has given the offense a chance to get going.
Rodgers is starting to find his rhythm
Rodgers looked comfortable against Indianapolis. He got the ball out, made the throws he needed to make and delivered three touchdown passes for the third week in a row.
One of his best moments was a no-look pass on a rollout. It was the kind of play Steelers fans might remember from his Green Bay days, when Rodgers could make throws that seemed impossible.
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His numbers have picked up, too. Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in the Steelers' 30-27 win over Cincinnati before throwing three more touchdowns against Cleveland. Pittsburgh lost that Cleveland game 27-24, but Rodgers continued to produce through the air.
The offense has been more productive lately. After a slow start, Rodgers is getting the ball into the end zone and giving Pittsburgh a better chance to win.
The changes up front are making a difference
Pittsburgh made a move on the right side of its offensive line by putting Brock Hoffman at right guard and giving rookie Max Iheanachor his first start at right tackle.
After the decision to start Iheanachor, head coach Mike McCarthy pointed to the rookie's ability and the work he had put in to earn the opportunity.
“Max is a talented young man. I think that's evident,” McCarthy said.
The new combination got its first real test against Cincinnati, and the Steelers came away with a 30-27 win. Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
In his postgame press conference on September 27, Rodgers also praised the offensive line's performance.
“I thought the offensive line did a really nice job,” Rodgers said, specifically recognizing Hoffman and Iheanachor for their work.
That was an encouraging sign for Pittsburgh after spending time trying to find the right combination up front. The line still had problems against Cleveland, but it gave Rodgers more to work with against Cincinnati.
The Steelers don't need the line to dominate every snap. They need it to give Rodgers enough time to read the defense and get the ball out. When pressure arrives too quickly, it limits what he can do with the offense.
Sunday's game against Indianapolis was another step in the right direction, with Rodgers taking just one sack.
Warren is giving the offense another option
Rodgers hasn't been the only one making plays. Jaylen Warren had one of his best games of the season against Indianapolis, finishing with 101 rushing yards and 87 receiving yards.
His two touchdowns showed how quickly he can change a game. Warren broke loose for a 50-yard rushing score and later took a pass 80 yards for another touchdown.
That makes life harder for opposing defenses. They can't focus entirely on Rodgers when Warren is capable of breaking a long run or turning a short pass into a big gain.
Warren's performance is especially important with Rico Dowdle recovering from a dislocated toe. Pittsburgh needs production from its running backs, and Warren delivered against the Colts.
The Steelers are still working through issues on offense, but Rodgers' recent numbers are hard to ignore. He's thrown three touchdown passes in three straight games, and the line has started to settle in after the changes.
Pittsburgh now needs to show it can keep this going if they want to defend their AFC North Title
If Hoffman and Iheanachor continue to give Rodgers solid protection, the Steelers have a better chance of keeping the offense moving and making the most of the quarterback's recent run.
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Join the conversationThis story was written and edited by Quinn Robie. No AI was used in the writing or editing of this story. How our newsroom works.








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