Protecting Aaron Rodgers is a priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers this year. While Rodgers still looks like a good player, there’s no reason to test his 41-year-old body’s durability. The Steelers have invested a lot into their offensive line in recent years, so there was hope they’d take a step forward this season. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case yet. They’ve struggled in the run and pass game, and analyst Gregg Rosenthal thinks that could spell trouble for Rodgers this week against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I am worried, if I’m Aaron Rodgers, going up against this Vikings defense because they will test the offensive line protection schemes,” Rosenthal said recently on his NFL Daily podcast. “It’s a young group, and I have not been impressed with their young offensive line. I think the route to them being good this year is this young group.”
“Two first-round picks on the outside, [Troy] Fautanu and Broderick Jones, and young players in the middle, too, growing up together and being an asset. Instead, they have really struggled blocking in terms of the running game. Rodgers doesn’t hold the ball too often, but when he does, he tends to get hit.”
Through the first three weeks of play, the Vikings have the sixth-best total defense in the league. They have the fourth-most sacks by a team, with nine. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has assembled a powerful, respectable unit.
Rodgers faced that group last year, also in an overseas game. Minnesota beat him and the Jets soundly. He threw for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, including a pick-six. The Vikings sacked Rodgers three times in that game. Flores’ unit dominated Rodgers, guiding Minnesota to a victory.
Rodgers is with a new team this year, but could be in for similar struggles. The Steelers’ offense has shown flashes, but they haven’t developed consistency overall. Last week, their offensive line protected Rodgers better, not allowing a sack. However, he didn’t hold the ball much. Most of his passes came out quickly, which might help explain why he faced less pressure.
Despite not getting any sacks, New England delivered big hits to Aaron Rodgers last week. The Steelers’ offensive line is still trying to find its footing. That could leave the Vikings’ pass rush licking its chops.
The Vikings are likely planning to rattle Rodgers early and often. Their defensive line is an intimidating group, including former Steeler Javon Hargrave. If the Steelers don’t win the battle up front, their offense could be hard-pressed to get anything going.
