Steelers Slide Continues, and Aaron Rodgers Isn’t Holding Back
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a clear path in the AFC North just a few weeks ago. With the Ravens stumbling out of the gate, Joe Burrow once again sidelined in Cincinnati, and the Browns still searching for consistency, Pittsburgh looked like the team to beat. But fast forward to Week 13, and the Steelers are no longer in the driver’s seat-they’re just trying to hold on.
After dropping three of their last four and five of their last seven, the Steelers are now locked in a 6-6 tie with the Ravens atop the division. That sets the stage for a massive showdown this Sunday, but the mood around Pittsburgh is anything but confident after a rough 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The offense sputtered, the defense couldn’t get off the field, and the team as a whole looked out of sync. And Aaron Rodgers, in his return from injury, didn’t shy away from voicing his frustrations.
Rodgers Returns, But Struggles
After missing Week 12 with a fractured left wrist suffered in a gritty win over the Bengals, Rodgers was back under center against Buffalo. But his return didn’t go as planned. The veteran QB completed just 10 of 21 passes for 117 yards-his lowest yardage total in a game where he attempted at least 20 passes.
It wasn’t just rust. The offense looked disconnected, and Rodgers, who briefly exited after taking a shot to the head, made it clear that the issues weren’t just on him.
Calling Out the Miscommunication
In his postgame press conference, Rodgers addressed the struggles head-on. When asked about his performance, he pointed to a lack of chemistry-and accountability-on the offensive side of the ball.
“When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up,” Rodgers said, with a bit of a smirk. “And when I check to a route, you do the right route.
Jonnu and I just weren’t on the same page. I checked to his in-breaker, and he ran an out-breaker.”
That breakdown in communication stalled a key drive, and while Rodgers was quick to praise Smith as a “true professional,” the implication was clear: some guys aren’t doing their homework.
Rodgers didn’t name names beyond Smith, but the message was unmistakable-this offense isn’t locked in, and some of that starts in the film room. For a quarterback who’s built a career on precision and timing, that kind of disconnect is a red flag.
A Familiar Tune from No. 12
If this all sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Rodgers has never been shy about holding teammates accountable in public. During his final season with the Packers in 2022, he famously said players “who are making too many mistakes shouldn’t be playing,” and even suggested that head coach Matt LaFleur should start “cutting some reps.”
Last season with the Jets, he called out receiver Mike Williams for running the wrong route on a play that ended in an interception-ironically, also against the Bills. Williams was traded a few weeks later… to the Steelers.
So when Rodgers speaks like this, it tends to mean something. Whether it’s a wake-up call or a sign of deeper issues, it’s clear he’s not satisfied with where this offense is right now.
A Crucial Week Ahead
Now the Steelers head into a pivotal matchup with Baltimore, tied atop the division but trending in the wrong direction. The defense has been inconsistent, the offense is sputtering, and the locker room-at least from the outside-feels a little tense.
Rodgers knows what it takes to win in December. But he also knows that championship-level football doesn’t happen without preparation, communication, and trust. If those things aren’t there, especially heading into a game with massive playoff implications, the Steelers could find themselves on the outside looking in.
Sunday’s game against the Ravens isn’t just another AFC North battle-it could be the moment that defines the Steelers’ season. And if things don’t go well, you can bet Rodgers will have more to say.