INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The initial excitement surrounding Aaron Rodgers” arrival with the Pittsburgh Steelers has begun to fade as the season progresses. After a promising start that saw the team win four out of five games, the 41-year-old quarterback”s struggles have become increasingly apparent, culminating in a 25-10 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.
Rodgers completed 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, recording one touchdown alongside two interceptions and a fumble. This performance marked his lowest passer rating of the season at 50.6. “I didn”t play very good at all,” Rodgers admitted. “I gotta play better. We”ve got four division games left. It”s a long season.” His recent trend shows a decline in both passing yards and quarterback rating for three consecutive weeks.
The Steelers” struggles were evident as they converted only 2 of 11 attempts on third down, falling behind by as many as 22 points before scoring a late touchdown. When asked about Rodgers” performance, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin responded curtly, “How would you? Next question.”
Rodgers” issues began early in the game. While attempting to escape pressure from Khalil Mack near the goal line, he fumbled the ball, resulting in a safety that allowed the Chargers to get on the board first. “I didn”t really see anybody open,” Rodgers reflected on the play. “I felt like when I stepped up, I saw Mack, and I didn”t realize that he had kind of lost touch with (right tackle) Troy (Fautanu).”
In the second quarter, Rodgers” overthrown pass intended for DK Metcalf was intercepted by Chargers safety RJ Mickens, leading to a touchdown from quarterback Justin Herbert to Ladd McConkey. This sequence put the Chargers ahead 12-3 at halftime.
The second half offered little improvement for Rodgers, who completed just one pass in the third quarter. As the Steelers neared the Chargers” 10-yard line in the fourth quarter, Rodgers failed to connect on three consecutive passes, including a critical fourth-down attempt to Metcalf in the end zone. “I probably should”ve thrown to the other side,” he acknowledged. “He was doubled. I was trying to throw back shoulder. I should”ve worked the other side.”
Rodgers” second interception occurred shortly thereafter, as a pass slipped through wide receiver Calvin Austin”s hands, allowing Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson to make the pick. The Steelers” inability to convert on third downs left their defense on the field for extended periods, resulting in a time of possession disadvantage: 37:35 for the Chargers compared to 22:25 for the Steelers. “Just on the grass too long,” Tomlin stated. “We didn”t convert on third downs; the time of possession was what it was. Collectives and individuals wear down when you”re not standing up.”
Rodgers” only touchdown of the game came late when he connected with Roman Wilson for a 27-yard catch-and-run, but by then, the Steelers were trailing by three possessions. With a record of 5-4, the Steelers find themselves just one game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the NFC North. “We gotta play better on offense for sure,” Rodgers concluded. “But this is part of the season; there are ebbs and flows and ups and downs. We can”t ride the wave. It starts with me.”
