Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 Season: A Year of Missed Opportunities and Lingering Questions
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 NFL season has been marked by a series of critical lapses that hindered their performance and led to disappointing outcomes.
Quarterback Uncertainty
The Steelers entered the season with uncertainty at the quarterback position. Veteran Aaron Rodgers was rumored to be considering joining the team, but his commitment remained unclear as the season progressed. With Rodgers’ status unresolved, the team relied on Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard, none of whom provided the stability expected from the quarterback position. This uncertainty contributed to offensive inconsistencies throughout the season.
Defensive Struggles
Despite having a roster filled with talent, the Steelers’ defense faced challenges in execution. In a pivotal Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the defense allowed 320 passing yards and three touchdowns to a hobbled Patrick Mahomes, marking their third consecutive loss. Linebacker Patrick Queen expressed frustration, stating, “We keep talking about it. Nobody is doing a thing about it.
Coaching Concerns
Head coach Mike Tomlin faced scrutiny as the team struggled to maintain consistency. Former NFL player Ryan Clark suggested that Tomlin should consider leaving the team ahead of the 2025 NFL season, citing stagnation and persistent playoff struggles. Tomlin’s influence was questioned, with some fans and analysts advocating for a change to reinvigorate the team’s performance.
Offensive Line Inconsistencies
The offensive line, while showing some improvement, continued to face challenges. Allowing 49 sacks during the regular season, the line struggled with pass protection and creating consistent running lanes. This inconsistency hindered the offense’s ability to execute effectively, contributing to the team’s overall performance issues.
NFLPA Report Card
The Steelers received poor marks in the NFLPA’s 2025 Team Report Card, ranking 28th overall. While head coach Mike Tomlin received an “A” grade, the team scored “C+” or worse in seven of 11 categories, including treatment of families and locker room conditions. These rankings highlighted ongoing concerns about the organization’s internal environment.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 season underscored the need for the Steelers to address key areas, including quarterback stability, defensive execution, coaching strategies, and internal team dynamics. Without significant improvements in these areas, the team may continue to face challenges in achieving success in future seasons.