Aaron Rodgers is heating up at just the right time, but not everyone’s ready to jump on the hype train - especially not LeSean McCoy.
After a rocky stretch earlier this season, the 42-year-old quarterback delivered a vintage performance on Monday night, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins. Rodgers threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns, completing a jaw-dropping 85.2% of his passes - his highest single-game completion rate since 2014. It was the kind of efficient, surgical outing that reminded fans why Rodgers is a four-time MVP, even if he's now doing it in black and gold instead of green and gold.
But while plenty of analysts were quick to praise Rodgers’ resurgence - including former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho - McCoy wasn’t buying the buzz. The former All-Pro running back made his skepticism loud and clear during a spirited exchange with Acho on Speakeasy late Monday night.
McCoy didn’t hold back, challenging the notion that Rodgers is suddenly back among the league’s elite. He asked pointedly:
“So, all this experience, is he playing the quarterback position better than Josh Allen? Is he playing the quarterback position better than Drake Maye?”
Acho conceded that Rodgers wasn’t outperforming either of the younger quarterbacks, but reminded McCoy that “it’s a different season,” hinting that context matters - especially when it comes to Rodgers’ leadership and timing in a playoff push.
McCoy wasn’t having it. When Acho praised Rodgers for carving up the Dolphins defense, McCoy fired back with a jab that had the studio buzzing:
“Oh my God! He played the Dolphins.
I could come out of retirement right now and go 50 yards. Right now.
Yeah, against the Dolphins? And I’m out of shape.”
Whether you agree with McCoy or not, it’s clear Rodgers’ performance has reignited the conversation around the Steelers - and their postseason chances.
What Rodgers’ Big Night Means for Pittsburgh
Monday’s win was more than just a stat-padding performance. It pushed the Steelers one step closer to clinching their first playoff berth in four years.
Rodgers' last trip to the postseason came in a 13-10 loss to the 49ers with Green Bay - a frustrating exit that still lingers for many Packers fans. Now, with Pittsburgh holding a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, the path to a division title is suddenly in sight.
Rodgers made his intentions clear after the game, speaking with conviction about why he chose to join the Steelers in the first place:
“If we can take care of business, then we’re going to be hosting a game right here.
That’s why I wanted to come back, to be part of something special. It’s a great organization; we’re playing meaningful games.
We’re up by a game in the division. A lot left to play for.”
And he’s not wrong. The Steelers are playing meaningful football in December, and Rodgers is doing what he’s done for years - finding ways to win when it matters most.
What’s Next
The Steelers will look to keep that momentum rolling when they face the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 21. With Rodgers gaining rhythm and confidence - and the division lead on the line - Pittsburgh is entering the final stretch of the season with something they haven’t had in a while: belief.
Whether or not Rodgers is playing better than Josh Allen or Drake Maye is up for debate. But what’s not in question is this - if Rodgers keeps playing like he did on Monday, the Steelers are going to be a problem come January.