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Aaron Rodgers Chases NFL History as the Steelers Aim for a Deep Postseason Run
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- Aaron Rodgers Chases NFL History as the Steelers Aim for a Deep Postseason Run
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to kick off their regular season with just over a week to go . They will host the Atlanta Falcons , just as they did 16 years ago. Ironically, that was the last season the Steelers reached the Super Bowl.
They lost to the Green Bay Packers, coached by Mike McCarthy and quarterbacked by Aaron Rodgers .
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Now, Rodgers and McCarthy are looking to lead the Steelers back to the Super Bowl 16 years later, with Rodgers entering what is expected to be his final season. However, the outlook on Pittsburgh's chances remains relatively split. In ESPN's recent power rankings, the Steelers landed at No. 21.
Brooke Pryor of ESPN provided the following rundown on what could be the biggest factor in determining the Steelers' fate in 2026: Rodgers.
"Aaron Rodgers becoming the fourth quarterback in NFL history to appear in 300 games (including the postseason), joining Tom Brady, Brett Favre and Drew Brees. Entering his 22nd — and final — season, Rodgers has appeared in 287 NFL games. The earliest he can join this exclusive club is Week 13 against the Texans, which is fittingly a primetime game on Sunday night.
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"He'll mark another significant day earlier that week when he turns 43 on Dec. 2. Total games played is just one of several milestones in Rodgers' grasp this season. He can also pass Peyton Manning (579) for third-most touchdowns thrown in NFL history. Rodgers enters this season with 572 total passing touchdowns, including the playoffs."
Steelers being overlooked?
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy watches the action against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Steelers may be getting a bit overlooked heading into the season. Pittsburgh made the playoffs last year despite having arguably more questions surrounding its roster than it does entering 2026. This offseason, the Steelers addressed several of those concerns, particularly at wide receiver.
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Pittsburgh revamped the position by adding proven veteran Michael Pittman Jr. while also bringing in rookie Germie Bernard , who gives the offense another young player with promising upside. The Steelers also have a historically proven offensive coaching staff led by McCarthy, offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio and assistants such as James Campen .
Defensively, Pittsburgh returns plenty of proven talent. The Steelers have a deep cornerback room and a defensive line capable of creating problems up front. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham also brings experience and a track record of getting production from defensive units that lacked the talent Pittsburgh has now.
MORE: Aaron Rodgers' Net Worth, NFL Career Earnings, and Endorsements
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Can Rodgers, McCarthy, and the Steelers prove the NFL wrong?
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Ultimately, this season will come down to Rodgers' arm and McCarthy's impact. Unlike his previous two stops, McCarthy is inheriting a playoff team rather than taking over a team that missed the postseason the year before. If anything, the expectation for McCarthy should be getting Pittsburgh back to the playoffs. What happens from there remains to be seen.
For Rodgers, the challenge will be trusting his offensive line, receivers, and coaching staff while making the most of whatever is left in the tank. If he can still make the big throws when Pittsburgh needs them most, the Steelers could have a chance to prove that No. 21 in the preseason power rankings is far too low.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Essentials
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
