The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get the job done on the offensive side of the football against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns throughout the matchup and the veteran looked excellent against an elite Browns defense. Pittsburgh will face the Cincinnati Bengals on a short week Thursday night as Rodgers and the offense will look to pick up right where they left off against Cleveland.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to throw downfield vs the Seattle Seahawks.
The Steelers' offensive line played a crucial role in the victory on Sunday. Rodgers looked much more comfortable with additional time in the pocket and Broderick Jones was able to do an exceptional job in stopping superstar defensive lineman Myles Garrett. The offensive line will be tasked with a major role once again on Thursday as Jones and the rest of the unit will go up against Trey Hendrickson and the rest of Cincinnati's defensive line.
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Steelers' Week 7 opponent Trey Hendrickson speaks to TJ Watt.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently took a moment to share his thoughts on Rodgers' stellar performance against Cleveland, as Kaboly credited Rodgers for playing great, despite being in his 21st NFL season.
"You're not going to get a lot of 'Jaxson Dart' rushing yards from Aaron Rodgers, but he's pretty elite," Kaboly stated. "Moving in the pocket, buying some time, getting outside and throwing on the run."
Kaboly continued to say that Rodgers' throwing on the run reminds him of a younger Ben Roethlisberger.
"Almost reminds me of younger Ben throwing on the run. I think he moves well enough, it's not like he's a statue."
Rodgers can still move well enough despite being 41 years old according to Kaboly. The veteran quarterback tore his Achilles in the 2023 season during his time with the New York Jets, but Rodgers has proven to still have a fair amount of mobility. Rodgers and the offensive line will look to continue playing at a high level against Cincinnati on Thursday.
Rodgers has quietly put together some very solid numbers to begin the 2025 season. The veteran quarterback has taken full advantage of his connection with DK Metcalf recently and Metcalf has led the team in receiving yards for two consecutive weeks as a result. Rodgers will have an excellent opportunity to play at a high level once again on Thursday as the Bengals' defense has struggled immensely over the first month of play.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Could Target Various Playmakers On Sunday
It's no secret that Metcalf has been Rodgers' go-to target to begin the 2025 season. Calvin Austin lll has received a solid amount of targets as well, but the talented receiver suffered an injury in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings and his status for Thursday night is currently up in the air. Rodgers could turn to a number of different playmakers to make up for Austin's absence if the receiver is sidelined and Jonnu Smith could quickly emerge as a top option.
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Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith gets some work in as the team participates in a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Smith had a career year with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 and was widely regarded as a top tight end in all of football last season. The veteran has not seen many targets since his arrival in Pittsburgh, but the playmaker can easily emerge as a top tight end once again should Rodgers continue to target him. Smith could quickly become a top target at Rodgers' disposal and the veteran may see an increase in targets if Austin is sidelined.
Rodgers will have another opportunity for a big game on Thursday night. Smith could be a consistent target if Austin remains out. The Steelers find themselves in a crucial matchup with a division rival and Pittsburgh will have an excellent chance to gain additional ground in the AFC North.
How do you think Rodgers has played in 2025? Is he destined for another big game on Thursday night? Comment below!
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