Tom Brady believes the Steelers have taken control of the AFC North, and he’s putting a big chunk of that on Aaron Rodgers.
Pittsburgh heads into its bye at 6-2 and alone in first place in the division, with the run game and the defense both driving the surge. Since Week 3, the Steelers lead the NFL in EPA per rush, and Jaylen Warren is third in the league in scrimmage yards. On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh’s defense has been just as sharp during its four-game winning streak, ranking third in the league in defensive success rate while giving up only 14.2 points per game.
But Brady made it clear he thinks Rodgers has been a major reason the Steelers are sitting where they are.
”Aaron’s always been a very aggressive passer,” Brady said. “If something was open down the field, he’d cut it loose.
I’ve been really impressed with Aaron this year because he was a very mobile quarterback for a long time. He could move in the pocket and buy a bunch of time.
He doesn’t quite have that same elusiveness, and he’s really transitioned to becoming more of a pocket passer.“
Brady said Rodgers’ command of the offense has stood out, and he doesn’t see the Steelers being caught in the division.
“He’s always been an incredible passer of the football, but now that he’s playing from the pocket, he’s totally in control. I think he’s got six interceptions this year, and five of them have been off the hands of his receivers or a Hail Mary.
He’s making incredible decisions. He has always made great decisions, and that’s why that team’s first place in the AFC North, and I don’t see anyone stopping them in that division, either.”
Pittsburgh’s next game comes in Week 10 on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, who will be coming back from Madrid after facing the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9.
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