Jon Gruden has seen enough of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive struggles. The former NFL head coach isn’t blaming Aaron Rodgers, either. He’s furious with the players around him, particularly after watching the 42-year-old quarterback absorb a massive hit against the New England Patriots.
During the latest Gruden Family Football Show, Gruden tore into Pittsburgh’s pass protection, questioned its receiving corps and explained why Rodgers is being denied the opportunity to run the offense that made him a future Hall of Famer.
Gruden rips Steelers’ offensive execution
Gruden pulled out his greaseboard to dissect a particularly ugly protection breakdown against New England. Pittsburgh appeared to have the Patriots’ defensive alignment identified, with the offensive line and running back communicating their assignments before the snap.
Then everything fell apart.
Two defenders created confusion, Pittsburgh failed to pick up the pressure and Rodgers took a crushing hit that Gruden couldn’t believe he’d survived.
“I’ve never seen Rodgers take a hit like that,” Gruden said.
The protection failure was only the beginning of his frustration. Gruden also questioned Pittsburgh’s inability to execute passing concepts Rodgers has relied upon for years, including formations designed to isolate receivers in favorable matchups.
DK Metcalf drew particular criticism for his dropped passes and inability to consistently create separation. Pittsburgh’s problems extend to its blocking on quick throws, where missed assignments have turned routine plays into potentially disastrous situations.
“Trips X ISO hand signals, [expletive] pass protection. It’s horse****. It’s got to get better,” Gruden said.
