Aaron Rodgers started his journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers positively, winning four of the first five games this season. However, his performance has significantly declined, coinciding with the team losing three out of their last four matches. In a disappointing 25-10 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, Rodgers completed 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, accompanied by one touchdown, two interceptions, and a fumble. His struggles resulted in a passer rating of 50.6, marking the lowest of the 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 marked the third consecutive week where Rodgers” passing yards and quarterback rating fell from the previous game. His difficulties were evident as the Steelers converted only 2 of 11 third-down attempts, trailing by as much as 22 points before scoring a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. When questioned about Rodgers” performance, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin curtly responded, “How would you? Next question.”
Rodgers” troubles began early in the game. In the first quarter, while trying to escape pressure in the end zone, he fumbled the ball and, in the process of being tackled by Khalil Mack, fell on it for a safety, giving the Chargers their initial points. “I didn”t really see anybody open,” he 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).”
Later in the second quarter, he overthrew DK Metcalf, resulting in an interception caught by Chargers safety RJ Mickens. Just two minutes later, the Chargers capitalized on the turnover, with Justin Herbert connecting with Ladd McConkey for a 15-yard touchdown, sending the Chargers into halftime with a 12-3 lead.
The second half offered little improvement for the Steelers. In the third quarter, Rodgers managed to complete just one pass. When the Steelers reached the Chargers” 10-yard line in the fourth quarter, Rodgers threw three consecutive incompletions, including an ill-advised fourth down throw intended for a tightly covered Metcalf. “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 came on the next drive when his pass slipped through the hands of wide receiver Calvin Austin and was intercepted by Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson. As Rodgers struggled with turnovers and the offense failed to convert crucial third downs, the Steelers” defense bore the brunt of the pressure. The Chargers controlled the game with a time of possession of 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 finally connected on a touchdown pass in the closing minutes of the game, a 27-yard catch-and-run by Roman Wilson, but it came too late as the Steelers were trailing by three possessions. With the loss, the Steelers now hold a record of 5-4, only 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.”
