"So Now He Can Play": Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Gets Pessimistic Remark From Jets Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers walked into MetLife Stadium on Sunday and walked out with a 34-32 victory. The game was expected to be a low-scoring affair dominated by defense, but New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields and the Steelers' new quarterback Aaron Rodgers both lit it up through the air. Rodgers finished the game completing 22 of his 30 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. He didn’t throw any interceptions, and his arm talent won Pittsburgh this game pretty clearly. After the win, the national media wasted no time praising Rodgers, pointing to his ability to play at a high level even at this stage of his career.

The Jets, led by Fields, refused to go away quietly. Fields threw for 218 passing yards and added two rushing touchdowns of his own, keeping New York alive until the final drive. The Steelers’ defense, usually the backbone of the team, struggled to contain Fields’ mobility and explosive plays downfield. But when it mattered most, Pittsburgh’s defense came through. It wasn’t the defensive slugfest many fans predicted, but rather an offensive showcase led by two quarterbacks with plenty to prove.

On Monday morning, the conversation around the league centered squarely on Rodgers. On Good Morning Football, Kyle Brandt went on an animated rant about how this Steelers team looks dangerous with Rodgers under center. He pointed out that Rodgers’ poise, accuracy, and leadership could make Pittsburgh a legitimate contender in the AFC if this performance wasn’t just a one-week flash. 

"Most importantly, media, Aaron Glenn, revenge, whatever," Brandt said while speaking on Good Morning Football. "Rodgers looked excellent. He was fresh, his arm looked live, he was making great throws on the run. I tell you guys this all the time, the Steelers are going to make the playoffs, they are going to. The question is: will they win a game when they get there?"

The New York Post had been critical of Rodgers during the 2024 season, frustrated that he won just five games with the organization. After he dominated the very team that moved on from him, the paper ran a headline that read, “So now he can play.” 

Rodgers was thrilled to get a win over the Jets, later admitting the game was personal for him.

"Rodgers looks good and that is all that matters," Brandt said. "There is no one who thought he was gonna look as good as he did against the Jets… he was excellent."

For a franchise that has been searching for stability at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, this was the kind of start fans dreamed of. Steeler Nation now has every reason to believe Rodgers can turn back the clock and lead this team deep into January. 

Steelers' Biggest Offensive Concern

However, the biggest concern is keeping Rodgers upright. The offensive line play wasn’t great in Week 1, but Rodgers managed to get the ball out of his hands quickly to limit the damage. He was sacked four times in Week 1 against the Jets.

If the Steelers want to end their playoff drought and make a deep run in meaningful football, they’ll need this offensive line to continue improving. A big part of that will be Broderick Jones stepping up and playing at a higher level. Protecting the blindside is critical, and the left tackle position becomes even more important when you’re talking about keeping a 41-year-old quarterback healthy over the course of a long season. All eyes are on this offensive line as Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks approaches.

What are your expectations for the Steelers' offense in 2025 after seeing what Aaron Rodgers is capable of in Week 1? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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