The call to start Aaron Rodgers with a damaged wrist really created a problematic situation that everyone inside the building understood. It demanded a balance between risk, opportunity and the belief that a veteran leader could steady the team in a critical moment.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA.
The 26-7 loss to the Bills really revealed just how heavy that decision became once the game began. Buffalo’s defense controlled the tempo from the opening drive and Rodgers’ wrist clearly shaped what the Steelers could reasonably run on offense.
A Calculated Risk vs. The Division Race
Every fan certainly knows how tight the AFC North can get this late in the season. The coaching staff understood that reality and accepted the risk because the stakes demanded action. Each game matters and each snap carries weight.
The Steelers produced only 166 total yards. Buffalo dictated the pace, the movement and the flow of the entire afternoon. You can understand why the staff leaned on Rodgers, hoping his leadership could stabilize a team entering a crucial part of its schedule.
When margins get thin, people lean on what they trust. It is similar to how some sports fans look for any slight advantage they can find, such as using a bet365 bonus code for Missouri sports when their own odds feel narrow.
The team chased every possible edge. Starting Rodgers was the largest one available.
He suited up only one week after fracturing his left wrist. Everyone could see the injury influenced his mechanics, his grip and the stability of his base. Even with those barriers, his presence carried emotional weight inside the locker room, which is why he dressed despite the discomfort.
Formation Changes and Offensive Constraints
Once the game started, the changes were evident. To ensure that Rodgers was protected, the team removed all under-center snaps. Rodgers was required to operate from the pistol, which ensured that he did not need to twist, extend or brace himself under additional pressure from the injured wrist.
However, this defensive configuration came with a cost. Pittsburgh was left with fewer misdirection looks and disguises, allowing the Bills to choose to run or pass more confidently.
They jammed interior spaces, which thwarted their limited pass-themed menu, always landing the Steelers in predictable places. With fewer wrinkles to threaten them, the play-action aspect of their playbook remained stifled.
Such limitations were reflected in every drive. They tried to fall into a rhythm, but they were not able to provide Buffalo with enough variety.
Mitigating the Ground Game Impact
The rushing attack faced a different challenge from the pistol. Running the ball out of this formation is less powerful. It takes away some of the backs' downhill momentum. The team recorded low yardage totals against a powerful Bills front.
The final rushing numbers reflected the defensive pressure. The offense managed just 166 total yards overall. The Bills' defense limited the effectiveness of the run game. The team needed Jaylen Warren to have an elite day. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry through Week 12. The offense struggled to maintain long drives throughout the game.
- The team converted only 39.7% of third downs (14th overall).
- The offense ran a total of only 667 plays (fewest in the league).
- Buffalo maintained a decided lead in time of possession.
- The running game was unable to open up the deep passing game consistently.
Navigating Mechanical Limitations
The injury understandably altered Aaron Rodgers' mechanics. The non-throwing side of the body helps with balance. A compromised wrist affects the grip and the release point. This led to occasional misfires that disrupted the timing of otherwise well-designed plays.
Deep passes occasionally lacked optimal velocity. Short throws were not always precisely placed. Those subtle inaccuracies stalled several drives that should have extended into scoring opportunities. A late turnover also came under heavy pressure, where the injury made it difficult to secure the football.
The veteran quarterback displayed immense toughness in the pocket. However, his performance reflected limitations imposed by the injury. The conservative approach that followed was not just a coaching choice but a necessary adjustment to protect both the player and the ball.
Focus on the Path to Contention
The loss dropped the team's record to 6-6. This keeps the AFC North race highly competitive. The team remains squarely in contention for the division title. The path forward remains clear and highly achievable. The team’s fate remains entirely in its own hands.
The only clear avenue to the playoffs is to win the division. This means the team must perform strongly in the final games. The schedule includes two matchups with the Ravens. Winning both of those rivalry games secures the title. The goal remains capturing the AFC North crown.
The coaching staff must now prioritize his full health for the next game. The situation demanded a difficult choice against the Bills. The focus must now shift to consistency and execution. The team must put the recent setback behind it immediately. The time to deliver championship-level results is now. The organization expects nothing less than total focus.
