The arrival of Mike McCarthy to the Steelers was not welcomed by many fans, nor is the possible return they are seeking from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Some analysts have said that McCarthy represents more of the same that existed under Mike Tomlin, and that if the passer returns, it would amount to a failure already foretold.
For the team legend James Harrison, the organization is moving in a direction very contrary to what he believes should be followed in order to restore the franchise to the high expectations that, for now, remain low, very low.
It seems the team has become stuck with these decisions in a period they appear unwilling to leave behind. The time has come to invest in young people and bring new ideas into the institution.
James Harrison delivers a harsh critique of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ moves
From James Harrison’s perspective, the team should commit to a young, talented signal caller so that a rebuild can be planned around him and what he could contribute to the franchise.
In that way, they would have a greater chance to operate with a long term vision instead of merely applying patches to barely salvage a season, as was the case in 2025 with Aaron Rodgers leading the team.
Rodgers was very good; today he is a veteran living his final moments, if he has not already passed them, and he only delivers brief percentages of the quality that once defined him. Therefore, it is the ideal moment to step aside and allow someone to arrive who can provide what youth brings.
I just don’t want him (Aaron Rodgers) back.”…”I don’t want him back because we need to be able to move on.
James Harrison said on the Deebo & Joe podcast.
And it is worth remembering that when the team committed to someone young, results arrived. Ben Roethlisberger arrived in 2004 and played in two Super Bowls with mixed results across his eighteen-year career.
These are the quarterbacks who have passed since Roethlisberger’s retirement:
- Kenny Pickett
- Mitchell Trubisky
- Mason Rudolph
- Russell Wilson
- Justin Fields, and
- Aaron Rodgers
This is a rebuild.”…”Period. I know the Steelers don’t want to say that or don’t want to believe that. If you don’t want to say it because it sounds bad, but if you actually believe it, that’s worse. Because the reality of it is that we have to actually rebuild this thing. We are going to have to have, and I call it this, a first or second pick losing season if we want to get a franchise quarterback.
Added the legendary Steelers linebacker.
The work ahead of Mike McCarthy is long and arduous, beginning with deciding who will be his next passer, a choice that will define the franchise’s direction and competitive outlook in the seasons to come ahead forward.
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