Aaron Rodgers Delivers Blunt Truth After Steelers Beat Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings had an opportunity to sign Aaron Rodgers this offseason, going so far as to make contact with the 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time MVP before the campaign opened, but passed in favor of letting J.J. McCarthy operate as QB1 virtually unopposed.
Rodgers, who is friends with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, has not forgotten.
The former Green Bay Packers star did not delve too deeply into his communications with the Vikings before the season. He was similarly revealing about beating them in Week 4.
Aaron Rodgers: Beating Vikings ‘Definitely’ Means More
GettyAaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on after beating the Minnesota Vikings.
Rodgers’ interest in the Vikings was well-documented, with the veteran securing his release from the New York Jets and leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers in limbo as Minnesota’s situation played out over the summer.
Reporters asked Rodgers directly if the Steelers’ 24-21 win was “extra special” since it came against the Vikings.
“Yes, definitely,” Rodgers told reporters on September 28. “Just leave it at that. Yes.”
Rodgers completed 81.8% of his passes for 200 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions against the Vikings. He was also sacked twice in the international affair that took place in Dublin, Ireland.
His comments are very much in alignment with his sentiments about discussing the Vikings’ before the game.
“Kevin and I have been friends since 2008. We used to work out together at a little place called Fitness Quest 10 out in North County, San Diego,” Rodgers said during his media availability on September 24. “I’ve known him forever. We’ve been friends forever, and we keep in touch. He’s one of the guys I keep in touch with. Things never progressed … farther than catch-up conversations, and I’ll just leave it at that.”
Faith in J.J. McCarthy Blocked Aaron Rodgers’ Path to Vikings
GettyMinnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers is now 18-12-1 against the Vikings in his career, but he would have followed the path of fellow former Packer and Jet, Brett Favre, to Minnesota. Instead, he got the cold truth from his friend, O’Connell.
“Aaron and I have known each other since he lived in San Diego at the time when I was playing the NFL. We’d work out together in the offseasons, built a friendship, rapport … We’ve kept in touch throughout seasons. So, there was an opportunity when him and I connected this offseason, just to kind of talk about, ‘Hey, what would that look like?’ We had a lot of great dialogue about it,” O’Connell said on KFAN in June.
“It always was centered around what was best, not only for the present in the Minnesota Vikings organization, but the future. And I was very honest about my feelings towards J.J., my obligation that I felt like we’re going to give him the best possible situation to begin and thrive on this NFL journey, and let’s see where it goes.”
McCarthy will run the scout team in London ahead of the Vikings’ Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. That is, if he is healthy enough.
The Vikings started Carson Wentz (350-2-2, 65.25% completion, 6 sacks) in Week 4.
Whether the Vikings would have emerged victorious with Rodgers instead of Wentz – or even McCarthy – under center will linger. That is especially true if both teams continue on their current trajectories throughout the rest of the regular season.
Packers’ Late-Game Collapse Raises Super Bowl Questions: Is LaFleur to Blame?
Packers’ Bizarre Tie Raises Serious Questions About Their Super Bowl Hopes
Green Bay Packers’ performance in their 40-40 tie against the Dallas Cowboys left fans and experts alike scratching their heads. What should have been a chance to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns turned into another head-scratcher for the Packers.
The game ended with the Packers taking a conservative approach in overtime, choosing to run out the clock rather than aggressively drive for the win. With just one second left on the clock, Jordan Love’s final pass was incomplete, saving Green Bay from a second consecutive loss but leaving them with more questions than answers.
Many experts have raised concerns about head coach Matt LaFleur's decisions, particularly his reluctance to trust Love in a critical moment. LaFleur’s play-calling at the end of the game, focused on draining the clock, was met with widespread criticism. As NFL analyst Benjamin Solak put it, “Playing for the tie is poor. They should have gone for the win.”
Former Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert did not hold back, saying, “Handcuffing your $55 million QB in overtime was a choice. Especially after he’s gotten you 37 points.” It was clear that many felt Love had proven himself capable of taking charge, but LaFleur’s conservative tactics hindered his chances.
On the defensive side, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s unit showed cracks. After being one of the league’s top-ranked defenses, they struggled against Dallas, allowing critical plays and failing to close out the game. Their inability to get the job done when it mattered most has raised doubts about whether the Packers have the defense to compete in the playoffs.
Despite Love’s strong individual performance, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, the Packers’ inability to seal the win has caused widespread concern. With a tie on the record, it feels like a missed opportunity for Green Bay to assert themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. As they look ahead, LaFleur and his team will need to address these critical issues if they want to keep their championship hopes alive.
