Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made an eye-opening statement after Sunday’s embarrassing 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Rodgers was asked how to get more production in the passing game. He replied, “When there’s film sessions. Everyone shows up. When I check to a route. Run the right route. Jonnu [Smith] and I weren’t on the same page. 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.”
Rodgers and the receivers were not on the same page on Sunday night, and haven’t been for several weeks. The four-time NFL MVP’s statement suggests that there’s been a lack of commitment by some in the receivers room.
Rodgers also said it was a terrible practice week.
“I thought we had a better preparation week and a poor practice week… I’m not sure if it was cold weather or what it was, but it wasn’t our best week of practice,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers admitted that he threw a bad pass on a go route to Roman Wilson that fell incomplete in the first quarter. He knows he has to play better, as well. Everyone needs to be accountable.
“I believe in the coaching staff. I believe in Mike Tomlin. That’s why I came here,” Rodgers said. “Players need to take accountability. Myself included. I will. And I will continue to. I’ve got to play better.”
Rodgers completed 10 of 21 passes for 117 yards (47.6%), no touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 65.0 in Sunday’s loss to Buffalo. Rodgers’ completion percentage was a season low. His 117 yards were also the lowest in a game this season that he played in all four quarters.
The Steelers led at halftime, but had one of the worst quarters of football in recent memory in the third period, yielding 13 points and all the momentum in what became a 26-7 Bills victory.
The disaster started on the first offensive play of the second quarter, when Rodgers ran a play-action pass, and was sacked by Joey Bosa. Rodgers fumbled, Buffalo cornerback Christian Benford recovered and returned it for a touchdown.
Rodgers left the game and went into the medical tent on the Pittsburgh sideline, while being treated for a cut across his nose. Mason Rudolph replaced him for a series, which ended in a Rudolph INT.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers Puts Steelers Receivers on Notice after Loss to Bills: ‘Everyone Shows Up’
