Rodgers: Steelers Winning, But Still a Work in Progress
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledges the Pittsburgh Steelers' 5-2 record but emphasizes the need for improvement as the team aims for a Super Bowl.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, recognizes the characteristics of a playoff team. He believes the Pittsburgh Steelers, currently 5-2 and tied atop the AFC North after a 16-10 victory over New Orleans, are still developing.
"We’re a 5-2 team, but we’re not playing as well as we can at this point,” Rodgers said following Pittsburgh's third consecutive win. He cited issues such as too many field goals, insufficient touchdowns, excessive penalties, and a lack of significant plays.
Rodgers returned to the NFL with the singular goal of winning another Super Bowl. While the AFC landscape lacks a dominant team, with concerns surrounding Buffalo's defense and Kansas City's recent struggles, Rodgers asserts that Pittsburgh must demonstrate its potential on the field, not just on paper.
"It was a gutsy effort," Rodgers commented. "But we’ve got to go back, get healthy, play better.”
Signs of progress were evident against the Saints, particularly from running back Rico Dowdle, who recorded 86 yards of total offense in his strongest performance of the season. Coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism that Dowdle and starter Jaylen Warren could provide a consistent ground game.
Rodgers himself contributed with his legs, scrambling for a crucial first down late in the fourth quarter. "I looked over as I cleared the pocket and knew I had to probably not be able to slide on that one," Rodgers recalled. "And sometimes you’ve got to suck it up and make a play for your guys.”
Defensively, linebacker Payton Wilson intercepted a pass in the third quarter, thwarting a Saints scoring opportunity. The Steelers' defense also forced three fumbles against New Orleans, though the Saints recovered all of them.
Pittsburgh's victories have predominantly been close contests, with all five wins coming in games decided by one score entering the final quarter. The team's previous opponents have included quarterbacks such as Tyler Shough, Cooper Rush, and Jalon Daniels, along with Daniel Jones, who has been prone to turnovers. An impressive win against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals is also on their resume, though Burrow and the Bengals have shown recent improvement.
Despite their winning record, the Steelers are still seeking a complete performance. Linebacker Patrick Queen, responding to criticism, delivered a strong game against the Saints with 10 tackles and a sack.
Rodgers noted the challenges of playing an international game on a short week and expressed hope for earlier arrival times for teams participating in future international NFL contests. The game proceeded despite civil unrest in Paris and other French cities.
Safety DeShon Elliott saw increased playing time in his return from a knee injury and is expected to play more going forward.
Against the Saints, Pittsburgh's run defense was particularly stout, allowing only 1.1 yards per carry, the lowest single-game average since 2015.
The Steelers' next challenge is a home game against the Cleveland Browns. The team aims to rebound from a previous close loss to the Browns earlier in the season.