The latest drama involving Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers unfolded during Sunday Night Football.
With the Steelers comfortably ahead of the Chargers, 22-3, and under nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, Rodgers attempted to connect with wide receiver Calvin Austin III on what would have been a simple 10-yard gain. However, the pass went awry; Austin failed to hold onto the ball, leading to an interception by Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson—a moment that nearly sealed the game for coach Mike Tomlin’s squad, who were having a lackluster performance.
After the error, cameras captured Rodgers, and a lip reader suggested that he expressed his frustration with an expletive directed at Austin, apparently saying something along the lines of “King Austin drops it again.”
Even Cris Collinsworth, the NBC Sports color commentator, had his thoughts on the situation. He remarked immediately after the interception that the team not only needed a third receiver but also a strong second. Rodgers is apparently keen on players like Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson, but it seems they are still trying to establish that crucial second option. Collinsworth hinted that maybe the team’s heavy use of two-end and three-tight-end setups could be attributed to this need.
The Steelers did manage to score a late touchdown, concluding the game at 25-10 and bringing their record down to 5-4, just one game behind the Ravens.
Rodgers, at 41, had a performance to forget, completing 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions along with a disappointing passer rating of 50.6.
After the game, Rodgers acknowledged his struggles, stating, “I didn’t play well at all. We have to play better… There are still games left in the fourth division. It’s a long season.”
Next week, the Steelers will head back to Pittsburgh to face the Bengals before traveling to Baltimore to take on the Ravens on December 7.
