Steelers Legend Ben Roethlisberger Calls Out CBS Over Unbelievable Aaron Rodgers Coverage

The Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced the enormous attention that comes with having Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Rodgers helped Pittsburgh earn a 30-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but CBS cameras also found him during moments of frustration. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger noticed it, and he believes the broadcast's focus on Rodgers is anything but accidental.

Rodgers has always been one of the NFL's most closely watched players, and that hasn't changed during his final season in Pittsburgh. That was evident against Cincinnati when Rodgers was visibly frustrated despite finishing with 292 passing yards and three touchdowns in the victory. Even during a strong performance, his reactions on the sideline became part of the conversation surrounding the game.

Roethlisberger discussed the situation Tuesday on his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast. He wasn't criticizing Rodgers for showing emotion. Instead, he turned his attention toward CBS and suggested the network understands exactly what it is doing whenever it repeatedly cuts to Pittsburgh's quarterback.

"Aaron always seems angry at somebody or something," Roethlisberger said. "It is unbelievable. They show him. Obviously, they know what they're doing on purpose. They show no other quarterback as much as they show him."

That is an interesting observation from someone who spent 18 seasons playing quarterback in Pittsburgh and understands how television broadcasts can shape the conversation around a player. Rodgers is an emotional competitor, and nobody needs a television camera to manufacture that part of his personality. However, Roethlisberger clearly believes CBS knows those reactions create conversation, giving the broadcast an incentive to keep returning to Rodgers whenever something goes wrong.

That was particularly noticeable Sunday because the Steelers ultimately played their best offensive game of the season. Pittsburgh generated 411 total yards. Rodgers threw three touchdown passes and Jaylen Warren produced 176 yards from scrimmage. There were still mistakes, but Pittsburgh's offense finally looked capable of consistently moving the football.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Continues To Draw Attention

Roethlisberger's comments also raise a fair question about perception. If a broadcast repeatedly shows Rodgers looking upset while another quarterback's sideline reactions receive less attention, viewers could naturally walk away believing Rodgers spent the entire afternoon angry. A handful of reaction shots can become a storyline even when the quarterback is simultaneously playing winning football.

That doesn't mean CBS shouldn't show Rodgers. He is a four-time NFL MVP, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks ever and a major storyline in what he has said will be his final NFL season. Cameras are naturally going to follow him closely because viewers want to see how he reacts to important moments.

Roethlisberger's issue appears to be the frequency and the type of moments being selected. His claim that CBS shows "no other quarterback as much" is his own assessment, but it captures something Steelers fans may have noticed. Rodgers doesn't need to throw an interception or touchdown to become part of the broadcast. Sometimes all it takes is one look toward the sideline.

There is also an interesting dynamic in hearing Roethlisberger defend Rodgers from that kind of coverage. Pittsburgh spent years watching every Roethlisberger reaction during his own career, and now the franchise's longtime quarterback is watching another future Hall of Famer deal with an enormous spotlight.

Ultimately, Rodgers probably isn't going to suddenly become emotionless because cameras are watching him. Pittsburgh would likely rather have its quarterback demanding more from the offense than appearing indifferent when something goes wrong. 

As long as those emotions aren't damaging communication with teammates or coaches, the Steelers have bigger concerns than whether Rodgers looks angry on television. Roethlisberger, however, will apparently be watching the broadcast almost as closely as the football. He makes a fair point, but such is life in the NFL.

Steelers fans, do you agree with Ben Roethlisberger that broadcasts focus too much on Aaron Rodgers' sideline reactions? Let us know what you think, and follow Anthony G. Halkias II on X @anthonyghalkias for more Pittsburgh Steelers news and analysis. 

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