Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Explains Who Was Really At Fault For Weak Offensive Line Play

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers is going to need some elite offensive line play if this team wants to win meaningful football games. During the Steelers’ 34-32 win over the New York Jets in Week 1, the offensive line was certainly a major point of concern. Rodgers was sacked four times and faced pressure on numerous other throws, highlighting potential weaknesses up front. Yet, despite the challenges, the unit managed to create enough opportunities for the offense to put up 34 points, a testament to some strong execution in key moments.

Still, as former Steelers lineman Trai Essex pointed out, putting up that kind of point total doesn’t happen without the offensive line getting a lot of things right. The line struggled to open running lanes for the backs, and give Rodgers some clean pockets on important downs. However, they did allow the team to sustain drives that ultimately made the difference in a one-score game. While the sacks and pressures were noticeable, the line also provided enough stability to help the offense stay competitive throughout the contest.

Rodgers spoke with ESPN’s Brooke Pryor about the game, taking some personal responsibility for a couple of the sacks he took. He noted that a few plays broke down not because of missed blocks, but because he held onto the ball too long or made decisions that put himself in vulnerable positions. 

"I don’t think I was moving that well," Rodgers said while speaking to Pryor and the media on Wednesday. "I think I ran kind of into at least one or two sacks. I gotta do a better job using my legs. I might be old, but I still feel like I can move around pretty good, and I wasn't moving the way I usually like to move."

His acknowledgment reinforces that while the offensive line is crucial, a quarterback’s timing and decision-making also play a role in how a game unfolds. However, it’s clear that Rodgers is demonstrating true leadership here, even if he isn’t telling the full story. 

While he may share a small portion of the blame for the sacks, Rodgers was consistently getting the ball out quickly throughout the game. Many Steelers fans know exactly where the blame lies for most of the struggles on Sunday.

"I thought the protection was good for most of the game," Rodgers said. "There is a couple of fundamental things to clean up, but Pat [Meyer] will take care of those guys. I just gotta get the ball out… I was a little tight."

Steelers' Broderick Jones Has To Improve Quickly

Broderick Jones allowed three of those sacks, yet Rodgers didn’t throw him under the bus. Instead, he accepted responsibility in the way a seasoned veteran leader would, showing accountability and setting an example for the team. 

Many Steelers fans thought Rodgers might be a poor teammate, but so far he’s been the complete opposite. Rodgers admitted he felt a little tight at the start of the game, which contributed to the four sacks he took. Regardless, Jones still needs to improve quickly, as the left tackle’s primary responsibility is keeping Rodgers safe in the pocket.

How concerned are you about Broderick Jones and this Steelers offensive line going forward? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

#SteelerNation