Mike Tomlin Refuses to Change Plans While Aaron Rodgers Faces Tough Reality With Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers face mounting urgency as they enter Week 3, with a brutal schedule looming. The first three opponents — the Jets, Seahawks, and Patriots — missed the playoffs last year, but the challenges only intensify after that. After Week 3, the remaining 14 games include half against returning playoff teams. Add to that a tough Week 9 clash with the suddenly hot Colts, who may have missed the postseason last year but currently lead the AFC South at 2-0. The Steelers are favored by just 1.5 points against New England, underscoring the narrow margin for error. Despite this, head coach Mike Tomlin is standing firm amid questions about the team’s faltering defense.

According to Steelers correspondent Mark Kaboly for the Pat McAfee Show, the HC isn’t ready to abandon his defensive schemes just yet. “We had the desire to improve our run defense,” he said. “I thought particularly initially we did, but there was an attrition component to the game, and our lines got a little thin at various points of the game. I thought we felt the effects of that. I know certainly we were somewhat limited with some of the schematics that we would like to deploy, because we had some new people there, and we’re relatively new to this season.” The message is clear: Head coach’s plan stays the course for now, with faith that the defense will gel as the lineup solidifies and the season progresses.

The recent loss to Seattle was a harsh reminder of the Steelers’ defensive struggles. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers blew a 14-7 halftime lead and fell 17-31 in a humiliating loss. According to Gerry Dulac, opposing RBs have rushed for over 100 yards in both games — a first in Mike Tomlin’s coaching tenure. The defense’s struggles to shed blocks and make tackles highlight deep schematic and personnel problems. Yet, Tomlin remains stubborn, refusing to change course as the cracks grow wider.

Meanwhile, A-Rod is trying to stay grounded amid all the noise. When pressed about frustrations, he shrugged, saying, “It’s Week 2. C’mon, now…You can’t ride the highs or ride the lows. You’ve got to refocus every single week and be a professional.” It reminds us of his famous 2014 message to “R-E-L-A-X” after a slow Packers start. But this season doesn’t offer much cushion, especially with the Steelers’ upcoming gauntlet of games.

This added pressure puts Tomlin’s playoff hopes on a knife-edge. Other teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos also face fate-defining Week 3 games. The Cardinals, undefeated at 2-0, could boost their postseason chances by 12.5% with a win over the 49ers. Meanwhile, Denver visits the Chargers with similar postseason stakes. But no team has more riding on Week 3 than the Steelers. Each game from here on out feels more like a playoff elimination round than a regular-season contest.

Rodgers confronts mounting pressure

The Seahawks’ loss was more than a stumble — it was a wake-up call for Tomlin. As Dianna Russini detailed, both sides of the ball faltered. “Attacking Pittsburgh’s run defense is easier when running away from T.J. Watt. Seattle’s Kenneth Walker took advantage of that during the Seahawks’ 31-17 win over the Steelers, averaging 8.1 yards per carry,” Russini wrote. “Their offense also struggles with the run: Pittsburgh ranks 30th in rush yards, which won’t be helped by a matchup against the Patriots’ top-three run defense next week.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers’ offense sputtered after halftime, losing the game despite a halftime lead. The Steelers entered the season hopeful for a boost on defense, with costly additions like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay expected to shore up weaknesses. Instead, the team sits near the bottom of the league in run defense. Rodgers insists talent and scheme should be enough, echoing T.J. Watt’s belief that these issues are fixable. But with a brutal schedule ahead, the Steelers must deliver more than just hope and faith.

The Week 3 matchup against the Patriots is a crossroads. For Mike Tomlin, the reality is simple: without better performances on both sides, this season could slip away quickly. The clock is ticking, and this team’s margin for error couldn’t be thinner. Rodgers will need all his leadership to keep this Steelers ship from sinking.