Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers debut was explosive. He’s 41 years old, so there were a lot of doubts that he could continue playing at a high level. However, against the New York Jets in Week 1, Rodgers showed that he’s got gas left in the tank. He threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. He was a big reason why the Steelers beat the Jets, 34-32. Pete Prisco believes Rodgers’ performance bodes well for the Steelers this season.
“When he got healthy at the end of last year, he looked like Aaron Rodgers,” Prisco said after the game on CBS Sports HQ. “He threw the ball like Aaron Rodgers, he put up good numbers like Aaron Rodgers, and it’s carried over to this team right now. He looked great, and if he plays like that for the Pittsburgh Steelers, they’re going to be in the playoff race.”
While many analysts questioned the Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers, Prisco has expressed belief in the veteran quarterback. He has stated that he thinks Rodgers can still be productive. In Week 1, he showed that he can be that and then some.
The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. And quarterback has been one of the biggest holes on their roster since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. They are hoping that Rodgers, despite his age, can finally change that, and at least in Week 1, he delivered.
However, the Steelers shouldn’t continue to ask Rodgers to be their hero. While he played well, there’s no telling if he can consistently play at that level. Also, he took a lot of punishment against the Jets. He’s staving off Father Time for now, but it’s risky to ask him to continue to absorb big hits. The Steelers’ offensive line needs to better support Rodgers.
The Steelers’ defense needs to get back on track, too. If they’ve finally found a quarterback who can elevate their offense, it won’t matter if their defense continues to get pushed around. They let the Jets bully them on the ground. Against some of the better AFC teams, like the Baltimore Ravens, Rodgers might not be able to do enough for the Steelers to overcome porous run defense.
We’ll see if Week 1 was just a fluke, or if Rodgers really has turned back the clock. Reports throughout training camp raved about his arm talent, and he backed that up in the first game. The Steelers might finally have the pieces to be a playoff threat. They just need to put them together.
