Aaron Rodgers’ Week 1 box score for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a 24-of-40 performance for 221 yards and a touchdown in their 20-13 win against the Atlanta Falcons, absolutely does not do him justice. The 42-year-old quarterback was slinging the pill all over Acrisure Stadium, and while they got the victory to kick off his farewell season, it should have been a much more dominant statement. Rodgers was dealing, but his receivers left a ton of meat on the bone, and it’s gotta be frustrating for everyone in the black and gold.
The Missed Connections That Cost Pittsburgh Big
Seriously, you almost can’t believe how many big plays just slipped away! It’s enough to make any fan throw their Terrible Towel at the TV. One potential touchdown was a massive 44-yard bomb to Roman Wilson. He fought through contact, jumped high, had the ball firmly in his hands, but frustratingly, it popped out as he came to the ground. That’s a touchdown just erased, plain and simple. Then there’s DK Metcalf. It was an especially forgettable day for him, pulling in just four receptions for 40 yards on a whopping 10 targets. His day included a 19-yard gain that got called back due to his second offensive pass interference penalty of the day. He also couldn’t drag his feet on a beautifully thrown Rodgers ball down the sideline that would have been a 21-yard gain. And get this: Metcalf even dropped Rodgers’ best throw of the entire day, a pass threaded perfectly between two Falcons defenders that would have gained a solid 20 yards. When you add it all up, those crucial plays collectively kept an astounding 104 yards and a full touchdown off the scoreboard for Rodgers and the Steelers. Had those simply been caught, we’d be talking about a 28-of-40, 325-yard masterpiece from the four-time MVP, leading to a much stronger 27-point opening outing. Imagine the momentum difference!
Rodgers Isn’t Worried Yet, But The Stakes Are High
You gotta admire Rodgers, though. He didn’t seem too bothered, even noting that the explosive plays were there. “I think we did a lot of good things,” Rodgers told Pam Oliver after the game. “We had a chance to be really, really explosive. We had a couple drops, couple off-targets, couple non-calls that looked like penalties. So that changes the stats. We had a 40-yard PI that could have been a touchdown. We had a couple other ones that could have been big plays… it’s good to be out of here 1-0, though.” He made sure to shout out his teammates, Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt, praising their “unbelievable” and “outstanding” performances. Rodgers called Heyward “the epitome of a Pittsburgh Steeler” and expressed how special it was to share the leadership opportunity in his last year. “I’m so proud of him [and] I love the way he leads,” Rodgers said of Watt. He added, “I’m just so thankful to just be back out here and play the game I love with guys I really respect and love as well.”
Despite the frustrations of the missed opportunities, getting out to a 1-0 start is always key. Rodgers and the Steelers are clearly going to be launching the ball more in 2026, which is a refreshing development for this “farewell season.” Let’s hope those hands tighten up for what promises to be an explosive Week 2.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
Leave a Reply