Dec 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (10) reacts with New Orleans Saints wide receiver Dante Pettis (17) after a touchdown against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (24) during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Steelers Have Obvious Move to Make on Offense

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Nov 10, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the definition of unpredictable, and that's anything but a compliment to the 5-4 team. Their loss to the Los Angeles Chargers highlighted this unfortunate issue once again, as the team's offense went from improving to awful in a hurry.

The Steelers never could get things going on offense against the Chargers, but their passing game was particularly brutal. Each aspect failed, and attempts to adjust only produced worse results. It made the already obvious need for veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling even more apparent.

Rodgers Struggles

For better or worse, the Steelers have put all of their eggs in the basket of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Through the first eight games, he looked excellent.

That all disappeared against the Chargers as they brought a game plan and physicality that disrupted Rodgers and his offense all game long.

Because of the Chargers' performance, Rodgers completed fewer than 50% of his passes while throwing two interceptions. For the first time all season, Rodgers looked every bit like a 41-year-old veteran.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

He Can't Do It Alone

While he struggled, there was no one around him to pick up the burden. Tight end Jonnu Smith was a non-factor. Calvin Austin III had his worst game of the season, including a low point of a dropped pass that resulted in Rodgers' second interception. Roman Wilson recorded a garbage-time touchdown catch for the second time this season.

More than anything, it demonstrated how much the Steelers have been hoping the 21-year NFL veteran could disguise their offensive flaws. The four-time MVP has been expected to overcome an offensive line still finding its groove and a lack of wide receiving options behind star pass-catcher DK Metcalf.

Which is why they need to elevate Valdes-Scantling from their practice squad immediately.

Trusted Pair of Hands

Rodgers was left to dry in the team's loss to the Chargers. Even worse, it showed just how shallow the offensive depth is and their struggles to recapture momentum as soon as it slips away.

They need something to change their fortunes and bring new energy to their lineup. They need a player who is trustworthy in the open field and can be a player that Rodgers goes to in a jam. That player just might be Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Steelers have no other options, so for the sake of their season, he better be.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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