Aaron Rodgers” tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers started promisingly with four victories in five games. However, the situation has deteriorated significantly as the 41-year-old quarterback”s performance has declined, leading to the Steelers losing three out of their last four games. In their recent matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Rodgers completed 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, along with one touchdown, two interceptions, and one fumble, resulting in a 25-10 defeat on Sunday night.
Rodgers was sacked three times, took a safety, and ended the game with a passer rating of 50.6, which is his lowest this season. Reflecting on his play, he stated, “I didn”t play very good at all. I gotta play better. We”ve got four division games left. It”s a long season.” This marked the third consecutive week where his passing yards and quarterback rating dropped from the previous game.
With Rodgers struggling, the Steelers converted only 2 of 11 third downs and fell behind by as much as 22 points before scoring a late touchdown. When asked for his assessment of Rodgers” performance, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin curtly replied, “How would you? Next (question).”
Rodgers” difficulties began early in the game. In the first quarter, while trying to avoid pressure near the goal line, he fumbled the ball in his own end zone and fell on it for a safety after being tackled by Khalil Mack, giving the Chargers their initial points. “I didn”t really see anybody open,” Rodgers explained. “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).”
As the second quarter progressed, Rodgers overthrew DK Metcalf, resulting in an interception by Chargers safety RJ Mickens. This turnover led to a touchdown by Justin Herbert, who connected with Ladd McConkey on a 15-yard throw, allowing the Chargers to lead 12-3 at halftime.
The second half offered no respite for Rodgers, as he completed only one pass during the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, with the Steelers positioned at the Chargers” 10-yard line, he was unable to convert on three consecutive passes, including a missed opportunity on fourth down to a tightly covered Metcalf in the end zone. “I probably should”ve thrown to the other side,” he admitted. “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 and was intercepted by Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson. With Rodgers frequently turning the ball over and the offense failing to convert on third downs, the Steelers” defense suffered as a result. The Chargers dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 37 minutes and 35 seconds compared to the Steelers” 22 minutes and 25 seconds. “Just on the grass too long,” Tomlin remarked. “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 managed to throw one touchdown pass, a 27-yard catch-and-run by Roman Wilson, in the final minutes when the Steelers were already trailing by three possessions. Following this defeat, the Steelers” record stands at 5-4, leaving them 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”s ebbs and flows and ups and downs. We can”t ride the wave. It starts with me.”
