The struggles of Aaron Rodgers continued as the Pittsburgh Steelers lost 25-10 to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. Rodgers, who started the season strong with four wins in five games, has seen a notable decline in his performance, having lost three of the last four games.
In this latest matchup, the 41-year-old quarterback completed 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, with one touchdown, two interceptions, and a fumble. He was sacked three times and recorded a passer rating of 50.6, the lowest of his 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.”
Rodgers has struggled consistently, with his passing yards and quarterback rating decreasing each week for the past three games. The offense struggled significantly against the Chargers, converting only 2 of 11 on third downs and falling behind by as many as 22 points before a late touchdown.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was terse when asked about Rodgers” performance, responding, “How would you? Next (question).” The troubles began early for Rodgers, who fumbled in his own end zone during the first quarter while trying to avoid pressure from linebacker Khalil Mack, resulting in a safety that put the Chargers on the board.
Later in the second quarter, an overthrown pass intended for DK Metcalf was intercepted by Chargers safety RJ Mickens. Following that turnover, the Chargers capitalized when Justin Herbert connected with Ladd McConkey for a 15-yard touchdown, giving them a 12-3 lead at halftime. The second half offered little improvement for Rodgers, who managed only one completed pass in the third quarter.
In a critical moment in the fourth quarter, with the Steelers at the Chargers” 10-yard line, Rodgers failed to complete three consecutive passes, including a fourth down attempt to a tightly covered Metcalf. “I probably should”ve thrown to the other side,” he remarked. “He was doubled. I was trying to throw back shoulder. I should”ve worked the other side.”
Rodgers” second interception occurred on the following drive, as his pass deflected off wide receiver Calvin Austin and was caught by Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson. The Steelers” defense paid the price for the offensive struggles, as the Chargers held a significant time of possession advantage, 37:35 compared to the Steelers” 22:25. “Just on the grass too long,” Tomlin explained. “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 pass, which was a 27-yard catch-and-run by Roman Wilson, came late in the game when the outcome was already decided. The Steelers now hold a 5-4 record, sitting just one game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the NFC North. “We gotta play better on offense for sure,” Rodgers emphasized. “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.”
