Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Is Confused Why Aaron Rodgers Gets Praise For What He Once Got Hate For

The Pittsburgh Steelers took down the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 at Acrisure Stadium. Now in Week 7, they'll be traveling to face the Cincinnati Bengals, where they will go up against Joe Flacco, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. After their win over Cleveland, Pittsburgh will look to carry momentum into a tough matchup on the road against one of the AFC’s top offenses.

One of the notable takeaways from the Week 6 contest was how well the Steelers’ offensive line performed in keeping Aaron Rodgers protected. Myles Garrett, who is typically a disruptive force, made little impact in the game, thanks in large part to Broderick Jones gaining momentum and helping slow him down. The offensive line’s performance gave the Steelers’ offense more time to make decisions and helped stabilize the passing game, which has been a focus all season.

During a new episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's co-host brought up how Rodgers has been getting the ball out quickly. Roethlisberger joked about how he used to get hate for doing the same thing, highlighting the shift in perception for quarterbacks who excel at quick releases. 

"I got bashed for that," Roethlisberger said. "'Why’d you get rid of the ball so fast? Why are you?' Ok."

One of the main differences here is that Rodgers is now 41 years old, and he has always kind of played this way. Throughout his career, Rodgers has been known for his quick release and ability to make decisions under pressure, but age has changed some of the dynamics of his game. As his mobility has naturally declined over the years, Rodgers has had to rely even more on getting the ball out quickly. 

What used to be a choice for him has now become a necessity. His ability to read defenses and make rapid throws has allowed him to remain highly effective even as he loses some of the athleticism that once defined him. In today’s NFL, that quick-release style is often praised because it reduces sacks, keeps drives alive, and maximizes the effectiveness of the passing game. It is considered a smart, efficient approach, one that younger quarterbacks now emulate.

For Roethlisberger, however, the perception at the time was different. Many critics believed he should have held the ball a little longer to allow his wide receivers more time to get open down the field. In hindsight, those critiques now seem somewhat misplaced. Roethlisberger’s offenses consistently moved the ball and produced results. 

Steelers' Offense Was Elite Under Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger did not prevent Pittsburgh from finding success or completing long drives. Fans and analysts alike often debated his timing, but the results on the field speak for themselves. The offense functioned well, and Roethlisberger’s ability to make reads, extend plays, and deliver under pressure was a hallmark of his career.

Still, the story provides a humorous and insightful look into how Roethlisberger is viewing the modern era in Pittsburgh. Hearing him reflect on how he 'used to get hate' for what is now considered good quarterback play shows his perspective on the changing nature of the game. It is a reminder that the NFL evolves constantly, and what was once criticized can quickly become admired. 

For Steelers fans, it is both a funny anecdote and a thoughtful lens into how the franchise’s greatest quarterback sees the league today. Roethlisberger’s reflections offer context for how the city, the team, and even former players are adapting to this new style of football, highlighting the contrast between eras and celebrating the continued intelligence and skill required to succeed at the highest level.

What do you expect to see from Aaron Rodgers in Week 7 against the Bengals? 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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