Aaron Rodgers I didn’t like the question
After the December 15 win, Rodgers listed Kenneth Gainwell, Connor Heyward, Adam Thielen, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling as “untouchables” helping the team. Pittsburgh Steelers.
Naturally, a reporter asked Rodgers if he considered himself among that group.
“No, I’m not an outcast,” Rodgers replied matter-of-factly.
Whatever the name, it is Airplanes He made the decision to move on from Rodgers last winter. And now Rodgers has the Steelers on the brink of the playoffs.
The Steelers (9-6) lead the AFC North by two games over the Baltimore Ravens (7-8) and could clinch the division this weekend.
A loss by the Ravens in Green Bay on Saturday would make the Steelers the division champions. Even if the Ravens win, the Steelers will clinch the AFC North title with a win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
While the stats aren’t gaudy, the 42-year-old Rodgers has been the driving force behind the Steelers’ three-game winning streak over the Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.
Sunday’s 29-24 overall win in Detroit marked the third straight game in which Rodgers threw for at least 220 yards, completed more than 65% of his passes and had no interceptions.
The winning streak follows Rodgers’ return from multiple fractures in his left wrist, which caused him to miss the Nov. 23 loss to the Chicago Bears and limited him during the Nov. 30 defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
“It’s been a playoff game for us the last three weeks,” Rodgers said Sunday.
The Jets thought they were a far-fetched quarterback when they acquired Rodgers, a former Super Bowl champion and four-time NFL MVP, from the Green Bay Packers before the 2023 season. But the Jets, mired in a championship drought that spanned more than five decades, really needed Rodgers to be their savior.
That didn’t happen, as Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury with four strikeouts in the 2023 season opener, then went 5-12 last year.
But while Rodgers had his share of controversies with the Jets — including missing a mandatory minicamp in 2024 — his play improved as last season went on. He finished with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions — and threw four TDs in the season finale.
The new regime of Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Moje opted for a clean slate and released Rodgers, making him travel across the country to inform him of his release.
Moving on from Rodgers also meant parting ways with his favorite wide receiver, Davante Adams, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams and leads the NFL with 14 receptions.
But with head coach Mike Tomlin and a steady Steelers team, Rodgers didn’t need to be the savior. He simply needs to run an offense that likes to run the ball and complement an unbreakable crouch defense that has been among the best in the NFL at forcing turnovers.
“I was proud of our guys,” Rodgers said after the win over the Lions. “Some games, the defense just stands on its head and gives us a chance, and we did that a few times [on offense]. Tonight was one of those times where we kept answering.
For the season, Rodgers passed for 2,860 yards and 23 touchdowns against seven interceptions in 14 games. That included a classic four-touchdown performance in a Week 1 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Jets are in the midst of a frustrating 3-12 campaign in which their quarterback play has been a major flaw.
Former Steelers QB Justin Fields, whom the Jets signed to replace Rodgers, was benched after a Nov. 13 loss at New England.
The Jets are 1-3 in games started by veteran Tyrod Taylor.
Sunday’s 29-6 loss in New Orleans was the second straight game started by Brady Cook, an undrafted rookie who threw one touchdown pass to six interceptions.
With five first-round picks over the next two years, the Jets have enough ammunition to land an elite quarterback, whether it’s through the draft or by trading for a veteran.
But while the Jets are playing out another losing season, Rodgers and the Steelers continue to find ways to win.
“It says a lot about the players we have,” Rodgers said Sunday. “It says a lot about the leadership, organization and players.”