As the Steelers prepare for the 2026 season, CBS Sports analyst Bryan DeArdo believes Pittsburgh needs to reduce its dependence on Aaron Rodgers and re-establish its running game after an inconsistent rushing season in 2025.

“One of the biggest things the Steelers need to do is establish an identity on both sides of the ball while playing complementary football,” CBS’s Bryan DeArdo wrote. “On offense, the Steelers need to rely less on Rodgers and more on the running game, which was one of their biggest issues in 2025.”

DeArdo argued that Pittsburgh's offense lacked a consistent identity last season, making it difficult to sustain drives and complement its defense. In his view, a stronger commitment to the running game would ease the pressure on Rodgers while helping the Steelers play the balanced style.

In his prediction for the Steelers going into the 2026 season, the analyst opined that a record similar to last season's 10-7 is “realistic,” but the team can’t reach the Super Bowl even if that is the goal.

The prediction also noted that the Steelers haven’t shown the strong performance needed for their Super Bowl campaign in over a decade. 

According to Bryan DeArdo of CBS, even a single postseason appearance in 2026 would make this year a successful one. This season is significant for Rodgers and the Steelers.

With Rodgers entering what he has said will be his final NFL season, DeArdo believes Pittsburgh has enough talent to make the playoffs, but only if it establishes a more balanced offense.

“The 2026 Steelers have the talent to snap their drought without a playoff win, which would be a fitting bow on Rodgers' Hall of Fame career,” wrote DeArdo.

The Steelers are expected to have a remarkable year, and Rodgers has the chance to end his career on a sweet note.

Aaron Rodgers enters 2026 with a stronger offseason foundation

Rodgers enters the 2026 season in a better position than he was a year ago after spending the offseason working in Mike McCarthy's offense and building chemistry with his teammates.

Even so, DeArdo, in the same report, explained that Pittsburgh's success will depend on reducing the burden on the veteran quarterback rather than asking him to carry the offense.

“Rodgers got reacquainted with new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense and was able to get some work in with his teammates," wrote DeArdo, "especially the team's new additions that include running back Rico Dowdle, veteran wideout Michael Pittman, and rookie wideout Germie Bernard.”

Last year, Rodgers threw for 3,322 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

While Rodgers enters the season with greater familiarity in the offense than he had a year ago, DeArdo believes Pittsburgh's playoff hopes will ultimately depend on establishing a stronger running game instead of relying too heavily on the veteran quarterback.

What are your predictions for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey