Pittsburgh Steelers Face Tough Road After Tomlin’s Exit

Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 season under a cloud of doubt, highlighted by ESPN analyst Kevin Clark’s warning that Aaron Rodgers’ reduced arm strength and the loss of Mike Tomlin could derail the franchise’s playoff push. The Steelers sit 4th in the AFC with a 10‑7 record and a one‑game winning streak, but the outlook remains uncertain.

Why is Kevin Clark concerned about Aaron Rodgers?

Clark pointed to Rodgers’ 2025 numbers – 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 71.9 QB Impact Score that placed him 29th among quarterbacks. He argued the veteran’s quick, short throws reflected a decline in pocket mobility rather than a strategic shift. That limitation, Clark said, forces defenses to crowd the line of scrimmage, choking the Steelers’ short‑passing game and stifling backs like Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.

How does Mike Tomlin’s departure affect the team?

Tomlin’s exit removes the only coach in Steelers history to keep the club at or above .500 every season despite diminishing talent. Clark contrasted Tomlin with Mike McCarthy, who will now run the offense. McCarthy’s record with the Dallas Cowboys (2020‑24) showed underperformance even with a stronger roster, raising doubts about his ability to replicate Tomlin’s consistency in Pittsburgh.

What does the Steelers’ schedule look like?

The 2026 slate pits Pittsburgh against a first‑place AFC schedule, beginning with a matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. The tough road test will expose whether Rodgers can adapt his game and whether McCarthy can craft a scheme that maximizes the limited athleticism of the aging quarterback.

Can the Steelers still make a playoff run?

Even with the concerns, the Steelers remain 10‑7 and on a one‑game winning streak, showing they can still win in the AFC. If the offense can diversify beyond short throws and the defense steps up against a balanced attack, Pittsburgh could still clinch a postseason berth. The next few weeks will reveal if the team can overcome the analyst’s warnings or if the season will end in disappointment.

What should fans watch for next?

Fans should monitor Rodgers’ deep‑ball attempts and any adjustments McCarthy makes to the play‑calling. The performance of the running backs in early games will also signal whether the short‑pass chokehold can be broken. As the Steelers head into their Falcons showdown, the stakes are high and every snap will matter.