Steelers Now
Out of all people, Colin Cowherd of FS1 actually defended Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers over Pro Football Focus’ head-scratching grade on the four-time NFL MVP. Despite a 3-1 start, PFF has Rodgers as the lowest-rated quarterback in the NFL through four weeks.
“Not to be obnoxious to PFF, but I’m gonna go with no. He’s not the worst,” Cowherd said. “He may win the division because currently, in the AFC North, the starters are Jake Browning, Dillon Gabriel, and Cooper Rush.”
In four games, Rodgers has completed 74 of 108 passes (68.5%) for 786 yards, with eight touchdowns and three interceptions for a 102.6 passer rating. His eight TDs are tied for third in the NFL. How is he ranked behind the likes of Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson, Jake Browning, Cam Ward, Geno Smith etc.?
“I think you have to be careful about PFF grading,” Cowherd said. “I’ve watched Geno Smith every snap this year. Aaron’s the better quarterback.”
"I’ve watched Geno Smith every snap this year, Aaron’s been the better quarterback."@colincowherd reacts to Aaron Rodgers being lowest-graded QB in the NFL pic.twitter.com/LlxaAmJRHw
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) October 1, 2025
Rodgers has the lowest time to throw in the NFL (2.52) and the lowest average depth of target (5.2 yards) this season. That’s where PFF has knocked the 41-year-old quarterback the most. They also have Rodgers tabbed with only “three big-time” throws this season.
According to Next Gen Stats, Rodgers recorded an average time to throw of 2.17 seconds in the Steelers’ Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings, his quickest average time to throw in a game since at least 2016. On quick throws (under 2.5 seconds), he completed 13 of 16 pass attempts for 174 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown was an 80-yarder to DK Metcalf. Metcalf leads all NFL WRs in yards after the catch this season with 199, per Next Gen Stats.
Cowherd compared Rodgers to being a point guard in basketball. He’s distributing the ball to his playmakers.
“He’s Chris Paul. He’s not Steph Curry on this team. He’s Chris Paul,” Cowherd said. “Occasionally go hit DK Metcalf on a back-shoulder throw… He’s new here. He has a good enough defense to win.
Cowherd also credited Rodgers’ cerebral approach to the game.
“Aaron in Dublin started looking at that offensive line with the Vikings,” Cowherd said. “(He) started looking at Kevin O’Connell’s inability to adapt or change. He couldn’t because of personnel. He looked at the pressure on Carson Wentz. Aaron’s a smart guy. He’s watching in real time what’s happening and is like, ‘I don’t need to take any risks. I don’t need to throw the ball down the field.’”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Colin Cowherd Blasts PFF over Aaron Rodgers’ Ridiculous Low Grade
