Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum just lit a fire under the Pittsburgh Steelers, flat-out proclaiming on SportsCenter there’s “no chance” Aaron Rodgers is taking them to the Super Bowl. Yeah, you heard that right. Tannenbaum didn’t pull any punches, stating, “The only way he’s going to LA is if he flies there.” He doubled down by calling them “the third-best team in the division.” Talk about a brutal jab, especially for a team that’s been putting in the work.
The Smack Talk vs. The Stats
You gotta wonder what Tannenbaum is even looking at. This isn’t some squad that’s limping into the season. The Steelers have been *winning*, straight up. They stacked up 10 wins for the third consecutive year in 2025, even snagging the AFC North title in the process. And it wasn’t just luck, they added “a ton of talent” on both sides of the ball. So, for a former GM to come out and dump on a team that’s been consistently competitive and actively improving its roster, it’s a bold take. Are Rodgers and the Steelers really just the third-best? After three straight 10-win seasons and a division title, that feels like a slap in the face. Mason McCormick even got named to PFF’s 2026 All-Breakout team, showing there are definitely some bright spots.
The Gauntlet of the AFC North
The AFC North is always a dogfight, we know that. Tannenbaum’s take implies the Bengals and Ravens are clearly ahead, but let’s look at it. Cincinnati *did* improve their defense, which they desperately needed, no doubt. But the elephant in the room for them is Joe Burrow’s health. He’s missed at least seven games in two of the last three seasons, including a whopping nine contests in 2025. Can you really be “best in the division” when your franchise QB might be sidelined for half the season? Over in Baltimore, they’re starting a “new era” with new head coach Jesse Minter. Lamar Jackson also battled injuries in 2025, so his bounce back is huge. Plus, Derrick Henry had just under 1,600 yards last year, but you have to wonder if he loses a step. Honestly, even with those “improvements” and “new eras” for the rivals, it’s “easy to make the argument” the Steelers have the best roster in the division. That said, it’s tough to ignore that their offensive trio got ranked among the worst in the NFL recently. They need to figure that out if they want to shut Tannenbaum up.
Early Tests and High Stakes
Rodgers and the Steelers won’t have to wait long to put Tannenbaum’s words to the test. They’ve got their first matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, then again in Week 10. The Ravens battles are set for the final month of the season, in Weeks 15 and 18. These aren’t just games, they’re statements. If the Steelers want to prove the doubters wrong, especially a loudmouth like Tannenbaum, they need to dominate these division showdowns. The path to the Super Bowl might not be a direct flight for Rodgers, but it certainly runs through the AFC North.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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