Eric Mangini thinks that Aaron Rodgers‘ future with the Pittsburgh Steelers may turn out to be an organizational determination below Mike McCarthy.
Rodgers enters his second NFL season in Pittsburgh whereas McCarthy begins his first 12 months as head coach. Their reunion creates expectations after their profitable run along with the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
Talking on “First Issues First,” Mangini stated McCarthy may have little persistence if Rodgers’ efficiency turns into a serious drawback.
“I feel it completely has it in them,” Mangini stated. “100 thousand %. That is his final likelihood as a head coach, and he’s going to do no matter is in his finest curiosity to win.”
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McCarthy’s historical past with Rodgers provides one other layer. The 2 gained Tremendous Bowl XLV collectively, however their relationship finally deteriorated earlier than McCarthy’s 2018 firing.
Mangini thinks that historical past may affect how McCarthy handles troublesome choices.
“And I imply, as a lot as issues are good proper now, he went to Dallas as a result of that cat didn’t need him in Inexperienced Bay,” Mangini stated. “That’s behind your thoughts. It’s like, okay, nicely, I needed to change addresses since you weren’t proud of me. Now, if I’m not proud of you [that can happen].”
That creates an uncommon dynamic getting into a season with little margin for error.
Aaron Rodgers’ efficiency may decide the Steelers’ route
The Steelers went 10-7 final season and gained the AFC North earlier than shedding 30-6 to Houston within the Wild Card spherical.
Rodgers delivered 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions throughout 16 begins. Nonetheless, his restricted mobility and conservative passing method remained issues.
Mangini burdened that Pittsburgh would want sustained poor quarterback play earlier than contemplating a serious change.
“I don’t do it,” Mangini stated. “I don’t suppose that is any type of fast ball. It’s going to should be constant dangerous quarterback play.”
When requested what that threshold may appear to be, Mangini pointed towards the broader season.
“If the season is getting away due to him and the whole lot else is [fine],” he stated.
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That distinction issues as a result of Pittsburgh has constructed its 2026 roster round profitable now. The Steelers added DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., giving Rodgers stronger weapons.
McCarthy additionally inherits T.J. Watt and a protection anticipated to maintain Pittsburgh aggressive. The roster subsequently leaves little excuse for sustained offensive struggles.
“That might in all probability be an organizational determination, not only a head teaching determination,” Mangini stated.
For Pittsburgh, Rodgers’ efficiency will form greater than the quarterback place. It may decide how briskly the franchise strikes towards its subsequent section.
