Aaron Rodgers is likely one of the most embellished quarterbacks in NFL historical past. With the Inexperienced Bay Packers, he was named league MVP 4 instances, and likewise received a Tremendous Bowl, being named MVP of that recreation as effectively. Nevertheless, since leaving the Packers, his profession hasn’t been as nice. His time with the New York Jets was ugly, however that might largely be blamed on accidents. Now, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has an opportunity to show that he’s nonetheless an amazing participant. Nevertheless, CBS Sports activities analyst Mike Renner isn’t certain what at degree Rodgers can nonetheless play.
“In final yr’s offense, with Nathaniel Hackett, and not using a operating recreation, I believed, for what he was given, he was superior,” Renner stated Monday on his Pushing the Pile podcast. “However he’s additionally, at 41 years outdated, going to a totally new offense with Arthur Smith. There are such a lot of unknowns. His physique may fully degrade at this level in his profession.
“You’re extra vulnerable to harm at that time. Accidents don’t get better the identical manner, even minor accidents. It’s simply laborious to understate how terrible that state of affairs was final yr, how unbelievably dangerous that offense was schemed in comparison with the remainder of the NFL, and simply how dangerous his receivers had been. He had the best drop price from his broad receivers, 9.6 %, of any quarterback since 2019.”
Contemplating that he was coming off an Achilles tear, Rodgers wasn’t as dangerous as he may’ve been final yr. At 40 years outdated, he threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. In comparison with what he was, that isn’t nice. Nevertheless, given the circumstances he was working beneath, it’s a high-quality season.
Rodgers’ first few video games final yr had been tough, however the Jets’ struggles weren’t all his fault. Take their recreation in opposition to the Steelers for instance. It was an unsightly recreation for New York, dropping 37-15. Rodgers’ stat line wasn’t fairly, both. He had 276 passing yards, one landing, and two interceptions.
Nevertheless, the second interception he threw actually wasn’t his fault. He threw an excellent to Garrett Wilson, however it bounced proper off of his chest, touchdown in Beanie Bishop Jr.’s arms. That play helped the Steelers begin to draw back from the Jets.
That’s to not absolve Rodgers of all duty for his workforce’s points. He didn’t assist when issues had been going poorly. Nevertheless, in a extra steady state of affairs with the Steelers, he is perhaps higher positioned to succeed.
Smith’s run-heavy offense ought to higher assist Rodgers, not forcing him to hold Pittsburgh’s workforce on his again. Together with his age and harm historical past, it could be sensible to take among the stress off his shoulders. That appeared to be a difficulty with the Jets.
Whereas the Steelers don’t have the very best group of playmakers on offense, they nonetheless have proficient gamers. It’s unclear at what degree Rodgers can nonetheless play, but when he’s obtained something left within the tank, the Steelers ought to be capable to draw it out.
