Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Takes Vicious Shot From Patriots Defender After Poor Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the New England Patriots on Sunday by a score of 20-3 in Week 2. The contest could have actually been much worse, but the defense for Pittsburgh has been playing well and was able to force two turnovers during the game against New England. The offense for the Steelers has been the clear issue for the team throughout the first two weeks of the season, however. The group has managed to score just one touchdown on the season thus far, and the unit has not passed the eye test in the slightest. Yards are hard to come by on the ground and through the air, and changes need to be made.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn't played horribly in the sense that he is throwing excessive interceptions or missing wide-open touchdowns, but he doesn't look comfortable when he drops back to pass. The offensive line has been shaky, and the quarterback's connection with some of his wide receivers has seemed off. He's completing under 60 percent of his passes through two weeks, which is just not sustainable in the slightest. 

Rodgers turned in a bad performance against the Patriots, although it all wasn't on him. Those around him struggled as well, but Patriots defensive tackle Cory Durden still decided to take a shot at the veteran quarterback with a post to X.

Durden wished Rodgers a happy retirement with some pictures from the game, with the first picture being Durden pressuring the quarterback. Many would argue that this is a fine post and a good way to talk trash, and every player on the Patriots roster deserves to have something to say after the game played out the way it did.

Durden recorded two total tackles in the game, but he was a part of the defense that kept Pittsburgh's offense completely at bay. The group couldn't get anything going, and Durden was a part of that. Maybe there was an exchange between the quarterback and Durden on the field that led to this post, but it wasn't too vulgar. It is definitely a shot at Rodgers, but he probably should be expecting some posts like this throughout his final season after announcing his retirement prior to the season.

Durden is a relatively unknown player in the NFL. He was undrafted in 2023, and he is currently in his second season with the Patriots. He has also played for the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants.

Rodgers finished the game against New England by completing just 59 percent of his passes and throwing for 187 yards and a pick. His production has not been good through two games, and that is evident from the fact that the Steelers have only scored one offensive touchdown. For reference, Rodgers threw for four touchdowns in Week 1 of the 2025 season alone. The group has taken a considerable step back in 2026.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Should Expect A Lot More Trash Talk

Rodgers has always been a fairly polarizing figure in the NFL. He has always been in headlines due to being outspoken about certain things going on in the world, and this often makes him a target when it comes to trash talk and things like this post from Durden. He is one of the best players to ever take the field in the NFL, so he is always going to have a target on his back, even in his final season.

The four-time league MVP has also dealt with a ton of national criticism from some of the most famous people in the world, so a post like this from a rotational defensive lineman probably doesn't move him all that much. Plus, Durden technically didn't say anything rude or wrong in his post.

What do you think about this post from Durden? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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