Aaron Rodgers is out here making serious moves in his farewell season, pushing the Steelers to a 3-2 start after they crushed the Colts 34-22. But it wasn’t just about the W on Sunday, man, Rodgers etched his name all over the NFL record books, leapfrogging two absolute legends: Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.
Rodgers Takes The No. 3 Spot For Touchdowns, And He Knows It
This dude connected with Jaylen Warren on a ridiculous 80-yard score in the first quarter, and that wasn’t just any play. That bomb officially moved Rodgers past Peyton Manning for the No. 3 spot on the career touchdown pass list. Before Sunday, they were tied at 579, but now Rodgers owns 580 and is looking up at only Tom Brady (737) and Drew Brees (608). Seriously, Manning played from 1998-15 and still only has one more league MVP than Rodgers, five to four. That’s elite company right there.
After the game, when CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson hit him up about passing Manning, Rodgers didn’t shy away. He said, “Anytime you’re in the same sentence as Peyton [Manning], that definitely does mean a lot to me.” And get this, he added with a smile that he totally “earned that one” because he took a shot on the pass. You gotta respect that confidence, especially on such a historic play.
Steelers’ Offense Catches Fire With Rodgers At The Helm
But wait, there’s more! Rodgers wasn’t done making history. He also passed Roethlisberger with his 166th regular-season win as a starting NFL quarterback. That puts him in sole possession of fifth all-time, behind Brady (251), former teammate Brett Favre (186), Peyton Manning (186), and Brees (172). The man is just a winning machine!
What’s even wilder is that Sunday was probably his best game of the season so far. And he did it with three of his receivers out due to injury! Rodgers threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns, going 22-of-31 on his passes. He’s the first Steelers quarterback since the GOAT Terry Bradshaw to throw three touchdowns in three consecutive games. That’s a legacy move right there.
He got huge help from Jaylen Warren, who not only snagged that 80-yard touchdown but also ran for 101 yards on 15 carries and racked up 87 yards on six catches. This guy is having his best season yet, and he’s the first player since Herschel Walker back in 1986 to have both an 80-yard touchdown catch and a 50-yard touchdown run in a game. Tight end Pat Freiermuth grabbed two touchdown passes, and rookie wideout Germie Bernard stepped up big, setting a season-high with 80 yards on six receptions. This offense, man, it’s gelling even with key guys out.
The Steelers are now 3-2, and Rodgers is clearly finding his rhythm, delivering standout performances even with a banged-up receiving corps. This farewell tour is shaping up to be legendary. What kind of numbers will he put up next week? We’ll be watching to see how many more records he can snatch before it’s all said and done!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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