The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing significant challenges in their 2025 NFL season following a disappointing 23-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The team’s starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, expressed critical insights regarding the Steelers’ preparation after the game, highlighting deficiencies that need addressing before they can salvage the remainder of the season.
In a post-game press conference, Rodgers noted that while the team’s off-field strategies have improved, their on-field preparation during practice has been lacking. The Steelers’ offense struggled dramatically, amassing only 166 yards throughout the game. “I thought the preparation, like I said, was better,” he stated. “But the practice wasn’t as good as I thought it was. That doesn’t mean you’re going to have a bad performance, but the execution tonight just wasn’t good enough.”
Rodgers elaborated on the discrepancies between preparation and practice, suggesting that the quality of the team’s practice sessions directly impacts game performance. “It’s a lot of things,” he explained. “Kind of just a feeling. A lot of it is just the energy at practice and the tempo.” He pointed out that while Friday’s practice showed improvement, Thursday’s session did not meet expectations for tempo and execution.
Accountability was a recurring theme in Rodgers’ comments. He emphasized the need for the entire roster, especially team leaders, to take responsibility for the team’s performance. “I believe in the coaching staff. I believe in Mike Tomlin,” he said, reinforcing his trust in the head coach and the coaching team. “That’s why I came here. And players need to take accountability, myself included, and I will continue to. I need to play better.”
Rodgers also hinted at potential solutions moving forward. He suggested that the Steelers could enhance their performance by placing greater emphasis on film sessions and improving communication among players. “When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up,” he noted. “When I check to a route, you do the right route.” This comment referenced a specific instance during the game where tight end Jonnu Smith ran the wrong route after a check by Rodgers, contributing to the team’s failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
As the Steelers look to rebound in their final five contests, the focus will be on translating Rodgers’ insights into actionable improvements. The team is determined to enhance their practice routines and ensure that communication remains a priority to avoid similar mishaps in the future.
The loss to the Bills serves as a wake-up call for the Steelers, but with dedicated preparation and accountability, they aim to turn their season around. As they move forward, it will be crucial for the players and coaching staff to collaborate effectively and build on their strengths in the coming weeks.
