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Rodgers is providing Steelers exactly what they've been missing 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Reuters via Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers is providing Steelers exactly what they've been missing 

When the Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers, they did so thinking he still had something left in the tank and would be an upgrade at a position they've failed to stabilize since Ben Roethlisberger retired. 

So far as Pittsburgh heads into a bye week sitting at 3-1, Rodgers has held up his end of the bargain. The future Hall of Famer has provided the Steelers exactly what they've been missing the past five years — smart quarterback play. 

Aaron Rodgers has given Pittsburgh Steelers offense a boost

Rodgers, 41, may not be close to the level that saw him named league MVP four times, but he's been efficient and played mostly clean football. Thanks to Rodgers, the Steelers are coming off back-to-back wins and are leading the AFC North through the first quarter of the season. 

To this point, Rodgers has completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 786 yards. He also has eight touchdown passes with only three picks through four games. 

Against Minnesota, Rodgers posted a completion percentage of 81.8, going 18-of-22 for exactly 200 yards and a score. Rodgers even completed an 80-yarder to DK Metcalf, granted the veteran receiver did most of the work to get that pass into the end zone.

And while Rodgers has yet to put up the monster numbers he was used to in his prime, which is why he's high up on multiple career lists for quarterbacks, he's already proving to be the steady force the Steelers have been looking for. Rodgers is making fewer mistakes and putting more points on the board than the position has produced in recent seasons for the Steelers. 

He's already ahead of the pace set by former Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson last year, who threw 16 touchdown passes in 11 games played. Justin Fields had a total of 10 in 10 games, with five through the air and five on the ground. But Fields and Wilson also combined to throw six interceptions and lose six fumbles.  

In 2023, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett posted a lackluster spread of seven total touchdowns with four picks and a fumble. That was actually an improvement of sorts from the 10 total touchdowns, nine interceptions and three fumbles from 2022. 

Those who felt the inconsistency under center held the Steelers back have to be pleased with Rodgers' play so far, although it remains to be seen if he can do this all year. And even if he does, he will need more from the team as a whole, most notably on defense, for Pittsburgh to enjoy enough success to make this one year with an aging veteran worthwhile. 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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