The Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced a nice resurgence in their offense thanks to the likes of 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers coming to town. Rodgers has the team sitting at 4-2 and has passed for 1,270 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions through six games. While the Steelers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, that was no fault of Rodgers, who continues to show why he is one of the greatest to ever play the position. His decision-making, leadership, and ability to elevate the play of those around him have been key in helping Pittsburgh’s offense find consistency for the first time in years.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers throws to DK Metcalf during a win over the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
Now, Rodgers will be looking to get back on track in Week 8 with a highly anticipated matchup against his former team, the Green Bay Packers. This game will mark the first time Rodgers faces the franchise where he spent 18 seasons, won four MVP awards, and brought home a Super Bowl title. While it is just one game in the standings, there is no denying the emotions surrounding facing his former team. The storyline writes itself, with a legendary quarterback facing the team that helped define his career, and Rodgers will certainly be motivated to put on a show.
His former head coach, Matt LaFleur, spoke to the media on Monday about the upcoming matchup and downplayed the significance of facing Rodgers, calling it just another game. LaFleur’s calm approach is understandable, as he is focused on preparing his young team for a tough opponent, but it is hard to believe this one does not carry extra weight.
"We're playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, who happen to have Aaron Rodgers," LaFleur told reporters on Monday. "It's as simple as that. That is for you guys to talk about."
LaFleur has zero interest in talking about the budding storyline surrounding this game. For Rodgers, this game is personal. After how things ended in Green Bay, he will be eager to remind the Packers what they lost and prove that, even at 41, he is still capable of leading a contender.
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Former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates with receivers Randall Cobb and James Jones (89) in the third quarter. Rodgers threw five touchdowns, three to Cobb.
The Steelers’ locker room knows how much this one means to their quarterback, and they will be looking to rally behind him in what could be one of the most emotional games of the season. While the Packers won't be interested in the storylines, it was important for LaFleur to make sure he highlighted the level of respect he has for his former quarterback.
"Granted, we've got a lot of respect and love for Aaron," LaFleur said. "What he's done here, I mean he's a Hall of Famer. I know our past together, we had a lot of great moments, but this game is not about that. It's about going to Pittsburgh, Sunday Night Football, our guys will be jacked up, their guys will be jacked up. It's about the Green Bay Packers versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. That's for you guys to talk about, all those other storylines."
Steelers' Defense Aims To Redeem Itself Against Green Bay In Week 8
The Steelers' defense struggled in Week 7, giving up 470 yards to the Bengals' offense in a disappointing performance. After allowing that much production, the unit is focused on redemption in Week 8.
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Steelers' 41 year old quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws the ball during a practice ahead of a Week 6 matchup with the Cleveland Browns in 2025.
They will face a talented Packers offense led by quarterback Jordan Love, making this a crucial test. Pittsburgh’s defense knows they need to step up and set the tone if the team wants a chance to win.
What do you expect the outcome of the Steelers versus Packers contest to be? 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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