Aaron Rodgers” difficulties mounted as the Pittsburgh Steelers fell 25-10 to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. After starting the season with four victories in five games, the veteran quarterback has seen his performance decline sharply, leading the Steelers to lose three of their last four outings.
Rodgers completed 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, including one touchdown, two interceptions, and a fumble. His efforts were further hampered by three sacks and a safety, culminating in a dismal passer rating of 50.6, the lowest this season. “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.”
This game marked the third consecutive week where Rodgers” passing yards and quarterback rating dropped from the previous game. The Steelers struggled significantly on third downs, converting only 2 of 11 attempts, and found themselves trailing by as many as 22 points before scoring a late touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was curt when asked to evaluate Rodgers” performance, responding, “How would you? Next (question).” The troubles for Rodgers began early in the first quarter when he fumbled the ball in his own end zone while attempting to escape pressure from Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack, resulting in a safety for Los Angeles.
Reflecting on the incident, Rodgers commented, “I didn”t really see anybody open. 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).” Later in the second quarter, a misjudged throw intended for DK Metcalf resulted in an interception caught by Chargers safety RJ Mickens. The Chargers capitalized on the turnover, with Justin Herbert connecting with Ladd McConkey for a 15-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 12-3 at halftime.
The second half offered little improvement for Rodgers and the Steelers. He completed merely one pass in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, while at the Chargers” 10-yard line and poised to score, Rodgers threw three consecutive incompletions, including a misfired fourth-down pass intended for a covered Metcalf in the end zone. “I probably should”ve thrown to the other side,” he reflected. “He was doubled. I was trying to throw back shoulder. I should”ve worked the other side.”
Rodgers” second interception occurred shortly thereafter when a pass intended for wide receiver Calvin Austin slipped through his hands, ricocheting directly to Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson. With Rodgers” turnovers and the offense”s inability to convert third downs, the Steelers” defense bore the brunt of the burden. The Chargers dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 37:35 compared to the Steelers” 22:25. “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 did manage to throw one touchdown pass, a 27-yard catch-and-run by Roman Wilson, late in the game when the Steelers were already trailing by three possessions, and the outcome was effectively decided. The Steelers now sit at 5-4, just one game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the NFC North standings. “We gotta play better on offense for sure,” Rodgers acknowledged. “But this is part of the season, there”s ebbs and flows and ups and downs. We can”t ride the wave. It starts with me.”
