by: Steve Samra 1 hour ago SamraSource
Are the Pittsburgh Steelers a legitimate threat in the AFC after their Week 1 victory over the New York Jets? Cam Newton believes they’ll have a shot to grow into one over the course of the 2025 season.
While there’s certain areas he’d like to see improvement, Newton answered the question on Monday’s edition of ESPN’s First Take . He’s a believer in Aaron Rodgers , but the Steelers have work to do, even after an amazing win over the New York Jets.
“What I’d say about the Pittsburgh Steelers is this: I don’t think the question is Aaron Rodgers. I think it’s about Aaron Rodgers ‘ amenities. DK Metcalf —he’s a playoff contender who can really give teams fits. But everybody else? When you’re suffering in the run game — when it comes to deep playoff runs, it comes down to one thing: can you beat man-to-man? Do you have the talent that can beat man-to-man, simple and plain?
“I don’t think the Steelers’ amenities give Rodgers a guy—or guys—who can beat man-to-man. There’s only so much Arthur Smith can give you with schematics, but sooner or later it going to come down to: can you win one-on-one.”
All told, the Steelers have felt like they’re a quarterback away for quite some time, and Rodgers turned back the clock in Week 1. Whether or not he can continue that level of play throughout an entire season remains to be seen, but it was a heck of a start for Pittsburgh in Week 1.