By Evan Massey
Copyright newsweek
The Pittsburgh Steelers have started off the 2025 NFL season with a 1-1 record. After defeating the New York Jets in the season opener, the team came back down to earth in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks.In Week 3 NFL action, the Steelers are set to hit the road for a matchup against Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh will look to get back on track and show that they are a legitimate contender in the AFC.Mike Tomlin’s team has looked hot and cold to start the year. No one knows what to expect from them so far, but there are reasons to be both optimistic and concerned.Read more: Steelers Legend Ben Roethlisberger Doesn’t Hold Back on Kaleb JohnsonWith that being said, the Steelers have received an ominous warning just two weeks into the season.Mike Renner spoke out about Pittsburgh in his “Pushing the Pile” podcast on Wednesday. What he had to say will not make Steelers fans happy.He is concerned about the star trio of Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey that the team brought in during the offseason. The concern that he has is that none of the three stars look like their old self. Renner is also concerned about superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt.”None of those guys are what they once were,” Renner said. “[Aaron] Rodgers doesn’t feel quite like his dominant self. T.J. Watt’s not quite as dominant as he once was. DK Metcalf, even, not prime DK Metcalf. Jalen Ramsey. All of them feel like a little bit, not to say a shell, but they are all not the complete dominant [versions].”Former NFL offensive lineman Kyle Long agreed with Renner’s assessment of the Pittsburgh stars.”Like, hey, That’s a great looking meal. But it’s been sitting in the fridge in a Tupperware for a day in a half,” Long said.Read more: NFL Insider Reveals Expected Date for Browns’ QB ChangeRodgers is now 41 years old and will turn 42 in December. Ramsey isn’t getting any young, nor is Watt. Metcalf looked like he took a step back last season with the Seahawks.Of course, it’s still very early in the season. There is still plenty of time for the Steelers to turn things around and shut up their doubters.However, the concerns are valid. Pittsburgh is built around aging stars. Hopefully, that doesn’t come back to bite the team as the season moves forward.For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
