On deck: Aaron Rodgers has Steelers in command of watered-down AFC North
Allen Park — It’s been a minute since the Detroit Lions have played the Pittsburgh Steelers, and, frankly, that 2021 contest was an ugly, forgettable matchup in inclement conditions.
Notably, the teams tied that afternoon, 16-16, marking the first non-loss of Dan Campbell’s tenure after the team started the year 0-8.
Quarterback Jared Goff suffered an oblique injury in the contest. That caused him to miss the following week in Cleveland — an even more brutal viewing experience, if you can believe it. That remains the only game Goff has missed due to an injury since joining the Lions.
Speaking of quarterbacks, 2021 was the final season of Ben Roethlisberger’s career. However, the Lions missed him that week. He was out after testing positive for COVID. It was the only game he was sidelined during his farewell campaign.
Since Roethlisberger retired, the Steelers have lacked stability at the position. They drafted Kenny Pickett the following offseason, but abandoned that course after two years, trading him away after signing Russell Wilson in free agency.
That switch probably went better than most expected, but it didn’t stop the team from overhauling its quarterback room again this offseason, signing Aaron Rodgers, another long-in-the-tooth veteran, and bringing back Mason Rudolph to serve as the backup after a one-year exodus to Tennessee.
Rodgers, 42, has also exceeded expectations in Pittsburgh. Through 13 games, he’s led the team to an 8-5 record while posting a 98.8 passer rating. He also remains the most efficient quarterback in NFL history, with a 102.5 career rating.
The Steelers retooled the arsenal for Rodgers, trading away George Pickens and dealing for DK Metcalf. The latter has been less productive than the former this season, but with decidedly less drama. Still, the four-year, $132 million extension given to Metcalf after the trade feels like an overspend.
Adam Thielen is also in Pittsburgh after recently procuring his release from the Vikings, but there’s not much to see there, with two catches in two games for the 35-year-old receiver.
Additionally, the team bolstered an already solid tight end group when it traded for Jonnu Smith. Between him, Pat Friermuth and Darnell Washington, the collective has combined for 89 receptions and seven touchdowns this season.
Much was made of the Los Angeles Rams’ usage of 13 personnel a week ago. They lead the league in the grouping, with the Steelers No. 2 at 16.2%
In the backfield, the team allowed Najae Harris to walk in free agency and handed the reins to former undrafted free agent Jaylen Warren. He’s been fine, with 685 yards (4.0 yards per carry), but Pittsburgh’s ground game continues to be disappointing. You have to go back to 2015 to find the last time it was formidable.
If anything, change-of-pace backup Kenneth Gainwell, signed away from Philadelphia, has been the more effective option when given opportunities. He’s also a pretty strong pass-catcher, hauling in a career-high 53 balls so far this season.
Offensively, Pittsburgh’s most prominent concern is its line. Right tackle Troy Fautanu is back after missing almost all of his rookie year a season ago, but the team lost left tackle Broderick Jones to a neck injury and guard Isaac Seumalo exited Monday’s game with a tricep concern.
Additionally, Andrus Peat, who has been filling in for Jones, missed Monday’s game with a concussion. That opened the door for Dylan Cook to make his first start in his fourth season. He answered the bell in a big way, not allowing a single pressure in that appearance.
Defensively, the Steelers reinforced a talented front by using this year’s first-round pick on Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. But injuries are a problem in that trench, as well, most notably with T.J. Watt. The superstar edge rusher recently suffered a collapsed lung after a dry needling treatment went awry. It’s unclear whether he’ll be able to play this week.
Meanwhile, Harmon is dealing with a knee injury, which shelved him for Monday’s game, although he’s on track to play against Detroit. And Nick Herbig will try to go this week after exiting against the Dolphins with a hamstring strain.
In the second level, the off-ball linebacking group is led by a pair of 2024 additions, veteran free-agent signing Patrick Queen and draft pick Payton Wilson. They each have more than 100 tackles this season.
The secondary is where the team has seen the most significant changes from a year ago. Pittsburgh shipped out safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami in exchange for three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is lining up all over the defensive backfield for the Steelers. He’s frequently been paired at safety with trade acquisition Kyle Dugger, who was scooped up from the Patriots for a late-round draft pick swap at this year’s deadline.
At cornerback, the team signed veteran Darius Slay this offseason to complement Joey Porter Jr., but it didn’t pan out, and Slay was recently waived. On Monday, with James Pierre out, the recently signed Asante Samuel Jr. got the call. He had missed most of this and last season after spinal fusion surgery.
The 8-6 Steelers are currently sitting in first place of the AFC North, with a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens and a head-to-head victory in hand ahead of a season-closing rematch between the bitter rivals. With one more victory this season, Pittsburgh will finish at or above .500 for a 22nd consecutive season.