The Pittsburgh Steelers walked into Monday night’s matchup with the Buffalo Bills looking to make a statement-and for a half, they did. Up 7-3 at the break, the Steelers defense looked sharp, and the offense did just enough to keep the momentum on their side. But then the second half happened.
Buffalo came out of the tunnel and took over, racking up 23 unanswered points and steamrolling Pittsburgh’s defense for a staggering 249 rushing yards. That’s not a typo-249 on the ground in just two quarters. For a franchise that prides itself on defensive grit, that kind of collapse raises eyebrows.
But the postgame headlines weren’t just about the scoreboard or the defensive unraveling. They zeroed in on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who didn’t hold back when asked about the offensive struggles. While he didn’t name names, Rodgers made it clear he wasn’t thrilled with how his receivers executed.
“When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up,” Rodgers said. “And when I check to a route, you do the right route.
We have our meetings every week. We have other opportunities outside of the facility, and I look forward to seeing all the boys there.”
Translation: the details matter, and some guys aren’t locking in.
Rodgers’ comments came after a night where the offense struggled to find rhythm. In the first quarter, a pass intended for Roman Wilson fell incomplete-one of several missed connections. Later, in the red zone during the fourth quarter, tight end Jonnu Smith broke off his route to the outside while Rodgers was expecting him to cut inside.
“Jonnu and I just weren’t on the same page,” Rodgers explained. “I checked to his in-breaker, and he ran an out-breaker. Jonnu is a true professional, so I’m sure he’s sick about that.”
It’s a subtle but telling moment. Rodgers, who’s known for his precision and high expectations, clearly saw a breakdown in execution. And while he wasn’t throwing anyone under the bus directly, it’s clear he’s holding his teammates accountable for miscues that stalled drives and killed momentum.
But accountability is a two-way street, and Rodgers’ postgame tone sparked some pushback. The conversation quickly spilled into the national media spotlight, with some questioning whether the veteran QB should’ve taken more of the blame himself. Regardless of that debate, what’s undeniable is that the Steelers’ offense is still searching for consistency-and time is running out.
The loss drops Pittsburgh deeper into the AFC playoff picture, and with a defense that just gave up nearly 250 yards on the ground in one half, there are questions to answer on both sides of the ball. But this team still has talent, and in a league where things can turn quickly, the key will be whether Rodgers and his receivers can get on the same page-and stay there.
Because if they don’t, nights like Monday could become the rule, not the exception.