Count Pittsburgh Steelers great James Harrison among those who believe quarterback Aaron Rodgers has declined.
On the most recent episode of the "Deebo & Joe" podcast, Harrison said he doesn't think Rodgers is the same player he once was.
Harrison's biggest concern about Rodgers has to do with the future Hall of Famer's arm strength.
“To be honest with you, I don’t think he’s the player that he used to be,” he said. “I think now it’s to the point where those balls that he would zip out there, and it’s just the fingertip away and you couldn’t get to it. Now, guys are getting a hand on that ball. Some guys are picking that ball. The placement is not exactly perfect like it was. It’s three inches off. Three inches off, it’s the difference between somebody touching the ball, picking the ball, and the ball getting into the receiver’s hands.”
Harrison is spot on when it comes to a loss of arm strength making a big difference.
However, by all accounts, Rodgers has looked good throughout the offseason and there hasn't been any indication he has lost zip on his throws.
It's fair to wonder if Rodgers will decline, though. After all, he's 41 years old and Father Time remains undefeated. He is going to hit the wall at some point.
But there is a reason for optimism that decline won't happen this year. Rodgers did struggle in 2024, but he was also coming back from a torn Achilles. As the year progressed, Rodgers clearly got better and looked more like himself.
The biggest roadblock to Rodgers having a good season might be personnel.
Rodgers doesn't have a great assortment of receivers, there are questions about the running backs room and the jury is still out on Pittsburgh's offensive line as a whole, especially at the tackle spots.
We'll have a much better idea of where the Steelers' offense stands when Pittsburgh opens its season in New York against the Jets on Sunday, but don't be surprised if the unit gets off to a slow start after Rodgers didn't get any preseason snaps.
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