The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills wasn’t just a loss-it was a gut punch. A 26-7 defeat at home, where the Steelers have historically prided themselves on physicality and discipline, felt like a team unraveling at the seams.
And at the center of that unraveling? Aaron Rodgers.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one bad game. This is about a stretch of football where the Steelers look less like a playoff contender and more like a team searching for an identity. And Rodgers, brought in to be the steady veteran presence under center, is struggling to deliver that stability.
A Culture Clash in Pittsburgh
Former NFL defensive end Chris Canty didn’t hold back when he weighed in on the situation during Monday’s UnSportsmanlike Radio. His take?
The Rodgers experiment in Pittsburgh is veering into disaster territory. And for a franchise that’s long been praised for its no-nonsense culture and organizational consistency, that’s a serious red flag.
"This is a franchise that we always lauded for being buttoned up," Canty said, pointing to the Steelers’ long-standing reputation under head coach Mike Tomlin. But after Sunday’s performance, Canty said he’s “past that point” with this version of the Steelers.
The concern isn’t just about wins and losses-it’s about the atmosphere around the team. Canty compared the current situation to the late-stage drama Rodgers left behind in Green Bay and the brief, turbulent stint with the Jets. In his eyes, the Steelers are starting to feel like the third act of a familiar play.
Rodgers’ Rough Day
Rodgers’ stat line against Buffalo tells part of the story: 10-of-21 passing, 117 yards, no touchdowns. He was pulled in the third quarter after taking a sack from Joey Bosa that left him with a bloody nose and a shaken look on the sideline. That moment-Rodgers getting up slowly, visibly frustrated-seemed to sum up the entire afternoon.
Canty didn’t mince words: “They faded last year. They seem like they're fading this year, but it's going to be faster because you have a quarterback that's a week away from turning 42 years old, and he's not going to be good enough in order to right the ship.”
That’s a harsh assessment, but it’s rooted in what we’re seeing on the field. Rodgers hasn’t looked like the savior Pittsburgh hoped for. Whether it’s age, rust, or a lack of chemistry with the offense, the results haven’t matched the expectations.
Accountability or Finger-Pointing?
Postgame, Rodgers didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s issues-but his comments raised eyebrows. Instead of focusing solely on his own performance, he called out his receivers, specifically tight end Jonnu Smith, for a miscommunication on a key red-zone play in the fourth quarter.
“When there's film sessions, everybody shows up. And when I check to a route, you do the right route,” Rodgers said.
“Jonnu and I weren't on the same page. I checked to his in-breaker and he ran an out-breaker.”
He added that Smith is a “true professional” and expressed confidence the mistake wouldn’t happen again. Still, it’s worth noting that Rodgers chose to air that frustration publicly. For a team already under the microscope, comments like that can either serve as a wake-up call-or deepen the divide.
Where Do the Steelers Go From Here?
The Steelers’ next test doesn’t get any easier. They’ll face division rival Baltimore on Sunday, and with the AFC playoff picture tightening, every game matters. But beyond the standings, this team needs to figure out who it is-and fast.
Is Rodgers still the guy who can elevate a roster? Or is his presence starting to do more harm than good?
The Steelers brought him in to win now. But right now, they’re losing-and losing themselves in the process.
There’s still time to turn it around, but the clock is ticking. And with a 42nd birthday around the corner, Rodgers may not have many more chances to prove he’s still the difference-maker Pittsburgh hoped he’d be.