The Pittsburgh Steelers have certainly been quite entertaining early this season. Their Week 3 clash with the New England Patriots was proof of that. The Steelers held on for a dramatic 21-14 victory. Aaron Rodgers delivered late, Calvin Austin III made the decisive catch, and the defense came up with big plays at crucial moments. Beneath the excitement, though, lies a troubling reality. This team has issues that could undermine its season if they aren’t addressed soon.
Steelers ride defense, late Rodgers heroics to beat Patriots
In the Steelers' Week 3 win over the Patriots, Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes. Those included the game-winner t Austin with just over two minutes remaining. Meanwhile, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye passed for 269 yards and two scores. However, New England self-destructed with five turnovers. They had one interception and four fumbles, two of which came inside Pittsburgh’s 2-yard line. The Steelers’ defense proved decisive. It produced five sacks, forcing all five turnovers. They also shut down a potential game-tying drive in the final minute.
Veteran Steelers lineman Cameron Heyward played a starring role. He tipped a pass that resulted in an interception and later forced a fumble near the goal line. Rodgers, meanwhile, made history by surpassing Brett Favre for fourth place on the all-time touchdown pass list. That was after a 12-yard strike to DK Metcalf in the second quarter. Still, beneath the celebration, Pittsburgh has some worrying issues.
Here we'll try to look at and discuss the four reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers should be concerned despite Week 3 win over Patriots.
Rodgers is good, but not great
Rodgers still has flashes of the brilliance that made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in NFL history. His fade touchdowns to Metcalf and Austin were vintage Rodgers—precise. Those were daring throws in high-leverage moments. Pittsburgh’s red zone offense remains efficient largely because of his poise in those situations.
Look closer, though, and cracks appear. His accuracy was inconsistent, and he threw a brutal interception directly into the arms of former Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane. At his age, Rodgers is still tough enough to hang in against pressure. However, it’s fair to wonder how much punishment his body can endure over a 17-game schedule. His play isn’t elevating the team often enough, and stretches of stagnation put unnecessary pressure on the defense. Asking Rodgers to carry this team week after week could prove unsustainable.
Watt flashes, but consistency is key
The good news is that TJ Watt finally broke through. He snapped a six-game drought without a sack by bringing down Maye twice. It was a relief for fans to see their defensive star regain his disruptive presence. It also gave Pittsburgh hope that Watt can once again anchor the pass rush.
The bad news is that skepticism remains. One game, even a strong one, doesn’t erase nearly two months of relative invisibility. The NFL’s elite pass rushers don’t just show up occasionally. They dominate consistently, dictating protections and tilting the field. Watt has done that in the past. That said, can he still do it now? The Steelers’ defense needs Watt at his best to offset shortcomings elsewhere.
Defense bends too often on key downs
And speaking of shortcomings, Pittsburgh forced five turnovers and notched five sacks. Sure, those are winning numbers. However, the defense also allowed Maye to carve them up on possession downs. It repeatedly extended drives with completions on third and even fourth down. That inconsistency is alarming, particularly given the investment in this unit.
Cam Heyward didn’t sugarcoat the problem after the game.
“I think sometimes we were not paying attention to our assignments,” he admitted. “Sometimes you can get a little thirsty in there. Think it’s just going to be a sneak or two, but then, on the flip side, it can make you susceptible to big passes.”
Assignment discipline shouldn’t be an issue for a veteran group. Yet it was, and if not for New England’s self-inflicted turnovers, this could easily have been a different outcome.
Arthur Smith’s offense lacks identity
Perhaps the most puzzling concern is on the sideline. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has had moments where his play-calling looks cutting-edge. We have seen modern spacing concepts, well-timed shots downfield, and creative usage of personnel. Too often, though, he reverts to an almost archaic approach that kills momentum and identity.
This inconsistency makes the offense difficult to trust. At times, it feels like Smith is coaching in 2025, but sometimes it feels like he's stuck in 2005. For a roster with Rodgers, Metcalf, and emerging weapons like Austin, the Steelers should be much more dynamic. Without a clear identity, the Steelers risk wasting their talent.
Bottom line
The Steelers are 2-1, which is better than the alternative. They’ve beaten two AFC rivals, and Rodgers continues to prove he can deliver in clutch moments. The defense still makes impact plays, and Heyward remains a tone-setter. However, those positives shouldn’t blind Pittsburgh to the flaws that nearly cost them on Sunday.
Rodgers’ inconsistency, Watt’s uncertain form, defensive lapses on key downs, and Smith’s puzzling play-calling all pose real threats to this team’s long-term success. Beating the Patriots was entertaining, sure. That said, if the Steelers want to contend deep into the season, they need more than entertainment. They need answers.
