Inglewood, California (AP) — The initial phase of Aaron Rodgers” tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers started brightly, featuring four victories in the first five games of the season. However, things have taken a downturn for the 41-year-old quarterback, as he has seen his performance decline significantly during a stretch where the Steelers have lost three of their last four games.
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 one fumble. He was sacked three times, suffered a safety, and concluded the game with 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.”
This game marked the third consecutive week in which Rodgers” passing yards and quarterback rating have dipped from the previous outing. The Steelers struggled offensively, converting only 2 of 11 third downs, and found themselves trailing by as many as 22 points before scoring a late touchdown in the fourth quarter.
When asked about Rodgers” performance, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin gave a terse response, saying, “How would you? Next question.” Rodgers” difficulties surfaced early in the first quarter when he fumbled near the goal line while attempting to evade pressure. He ended up falling on the ball in the end zone, resulting in a safety that gave 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).”
Rodgers” night took another hit late in the second quarter when an overthrow intended for DK Metcalf resulted in an interception caught by Chargers safety RJ Mickens. The Chargers capitalized on this turnover, with Justin Herbert finding Ladd McConkey for a 15-yard touchdown, pushing their lead to 12-3 at halftime.
The second half offered little respite for Rodgers, who managed to complete only one pass in the third quarter. As the Steelers approached 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, who was tightly covered in the corner of the end zone.
“I probably should”ve thrown to the other side,” Rodgers noted. “He was doubled. I was trying to throw back shoulder. I should”ve worked the other side.”
Rodgers” second interception came shortly after on the next drive when his pass deflected off wide receiver Calvin Austin“s hands, landing in the arms of Donte Jackson of the Chargers. With the Steelers” offense failing to convert on critical third downs, the defense bore the brunt of the burden, as 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 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 did manage to throw his only touchdown pass in the final minutes, a 27-yard completion to Roman Wilson, but by then, the game was already decided, with the Steelers down by three possessions. With their record now standing at 5-4, the Steelers are just one game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens for the top spot in the NFC North.
“We gotta play better on offense for sure,” Rodgers stated. “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.”
