The Pittsburgh Steelers completed the 2024 season within the worst approach potential. After beginning 10-3 and having management over their very own future within the AFC North, they tumbled to the end line, shedding their final 4 regular-season video games and being trounced by the Baltimore Ravens within the Wild Card spherical. That prompted an offseason that has been filled with modifications, but outdoors expectations for the Steelers in 2025 don’t appear to be a lot increased. On FOX Sports activities’ Breakfast Ball on Tuesday, the Steelers’ 8.5 anticipated win complete was talked about. Analyst Craig Carton believes Pittsburgh will clear that, and he’s fairly assured.
“Right here’s what’s loopy about that exact over/below, it hasn’t modified, since they signed Aaron Rodgers,” Carton stated. “And that’s complicated to me. As a result of, if the notion was, Mason Rudolph was gonna be your beginning quarterback, and all of us agreed, it’s a serious improve to go from Mason Rudolph to Aaron Rodgers, however the quantity hasn’t moved in any respect? For a coach that [has almost] by no means gained lower than 9 video games in a season. How does that quantity not go up not less than a recreation, a recreation and a half?”
Carton does have a good level right here. Whereas Aaron Rodgers didn’t strike concern into the hearts of opponents final yr, the truth that Pittsburgh’s projected win complete from the sportsbooks didn’t transfer up after his signing is peculiar. Rodgers not less than completed the 2024 season on a excessive notice, throwing for greater than 250 yards in 4 of his final 5 video games. Rudolph, however, gained simply one of many 5 video games he began for the Tennessee Titans final yr, and threw 9 landing passes with 9 interceptions in eight video games. Even on the age of 41, Rodgers appears to be a transparent improve.
Carton agrees, and he thinks Mike Tomlin may even save Pittsburgh from a shedding season.
“And this isn’t going out on a limb. They’re at all times over .500,” Carton stated. “So now you’re giving me free cash to say, with an upgraded quarterback, they’re gonna be over .500? I’m gonna take the over, ’trigger Mike Tomlin doesn’t win lower than 9 video games in a season.”
It’s not the boldest take from Carton right here. In case you had wager on the Steelers to complete not less than .500 each season, you’d have gained cash yearly since 2003. All through turbulent occasions, particularly lately, Tomlin has rallied his crew to not less than a .500 file each time.
Nonetheless, if there was going to be a time for that streak to finish, it could possibly be this yr because of the variety of transferring components. Rodgers does really feel like an improve. However he represents one more new quarterback coming in to study the system for one yr. Pittsburgh additionally has a rookie in Kaleb Johnson, who might take over lead-back duties because the yr progresses. DK Metcalf is the brand new first possibility at broad receiver with out a whole lot of depth behind him. And Pittsburgh simply shook up its protection up in a serious approach, changing Minkah Fitzpatrick with Jalen Ramsey.
Pittsburgh’s schedule could pose some issues as nicely. It’s eerily much like final season. The Steelers have a neater slate to start out the yr, of which they should take benefit. The tip of the yr is a grueling stretch, much like 2024.
Issues have been rolling for the Steelers earlier than they bought to these final 4 video games. There’s a superb probability they discover themselves in the same spot once more this season. We’ll see in the event that they improved sufficient to maintain from falling aside over the ultimate stretch of the yr as soon as once more. Carton thinks the Steelers will surpass that win complete, which ought to put them within the dialog.
