The Pittsburgh Steelers are a model of NFL excellence.
Even their down years aren't all that down.
One stat sums that up about as well as any: The Steelers have had 21 consecutive non-losing seasons.
That includes 18 under current head coach Mike Tomlin.
And while it's not something anyone is talking about, the Aaron Rodgers signing has the potential to ruin the streak.
Rodgers is a gigantic name and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer.
But this is also a QB who tore his Achilles four snaps into the 2023 season, then had a 5-12 record as a starter with the Jets in 2024.
Say all you want about the Jets' dysfunction: 5-12 is still 5-12.
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The Steelers haven't had a losing season since a 6-10 mark in 2003 under Bill Cowher.
They're tied with the Cowboys (1965-85) for the NFL record of 21 in a row. If the Steelers finish 9-8 (or 8-8-1) this season, they'll stand alone.
Rodgers has legitimate blow-up potential. His health could be a problem. His attitude could be a problem. His declining skills could be a problem.
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Would you bet against Tomlin getting a Steelers team quarterbacked by Rodgers to nine or 10 wins? Probably not.
But it really could happen, and if that's the legacy Rodgers leaves in Pittsburgh, that'd be brutal.
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