Aaron Rodgers Sends Strong Message to Steelers: ‘Focus and Execute for the Playoffs’
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a massive game this weekend, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is hoping to see them play “the right way.”
Rodgers issued a strong statement toward his team ahead of their huge home game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
Pittsburgh (6-5) has dropped four of its past six games after it started 4-1 and has fallen into a first-place tie with the rival Baltimore Ravens (6-5). The Ravens have the tiebreaker by virtue of their 2-0 divisional record — the Steelers‘ record against AFC North opponents is 2-1.
But the Steelers can claim the tiebreaker against the Bills (7-4), who are a game ahead of the Steelers and currently occupy the final AFC wild-card spot with six games to play.
Aaron Rodgers Wants To See The Steelers ‘Tighten Up’ Against The Bills
The Steelers have shown flashes of greatness over the past six weeks. Their defense scored twice in their 34-12 beatdown of the Cincinnati Bengals two weeks ago, and they held Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor and the NFL’s No. 1 offense, the Indianapolis Colts, in check in their upset, seven-point win Nov. 2.
But Rodgers wants to see the Steelers get consistent this weekend, especially on offense.
“We need to start playing the right way this time of year,” Rodgers said. “We’ve got to be on the details. There’s too many times where we haven’t been able to survive downs, is the best way to put it, where there’s a missed assignment or a mental error and we’re not able to survive the down.
“We’ve got to do a better job of [surviving downs].”
Rodgers did not play in Pittsburgh’s 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, which dropped it out of first place. His status for the Bills game is very much up in the air as of Wednesday, though Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has exhibited confidence the veteran will play Sunday.
Aaron Rodgers Thinks ‘It’s All Right In Front Of’ The Steelers
The Steelers have just a plus-11 point differential through 11 games, and have struggled on both offense and defense at points this season. Still, they are very much alive in the race for the playoff race with about 30 percent of the season to go.
Rodgers alluded to the Steelers’ tough closing slate, which includes the Bills, two games against the Ravens and a road game against the Detroit Lions.
“We’ve got good opponents on the schedule in the last six [games]. We have three division games,” Rodgers said. “It’s all right in front of us.”
Pittsburgh also needs to avoid getting caught up in a potential trap game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 — the Steelers lost in Cleveland last year — between its Week 16 game vs Detroit and season-ending home date against Baltimore.
The Browns are 2-2 at home — they’ll take on the San Francisco 49ers this weekend — but have played four one-possession games at Huntington Bank Field, including a one-point loss to the Bengals and a three-point win over the Green Bay Packers.
You can bet Cleveland, and especially NFL sacks leader and Defensive Player of the Year favorite Myles Garrett will be chomping at the bit to knock Pittsburgh out of playoff contention if given the chance.
Ben Johnson Confident in Ozzy Trapilo: ‘Determination Will Prove He Belongs in This League’
As the Chicago Bears prepare for a crucial stretch in their season, all eyes are on rookie offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo, who has earned the confidence of his coaches and teammates alike. After working tirelessly behind the scenes, Trapilo is now getting his moment in the spotlight, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson believes that his determination, more than just his talent, will be what sets him apart in the NFL.
“Ozzy’s worked hard for this moment, and now it’s his time to shine. It’s not just about talent; it’s about determination,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “I have no doubt he’ll rise to the challenge and prove why he belongs in this league.”
Trapilo, who was drafted by the Bears in the later rounds, has quietly made a name for himself in training camp and practice. While there were doubts about his readiness for the NFL, his dedication and relentless work ethic have earned him a key role on the offensive line. Johnson, known for his strategic mindset and belief in developing young players, has been quick to highlight that Trapilo’s success isn’t a result of chance — it’s the product of sheer willpower.
“It’s easy to talk about talent, but what truly makes a player stand out is their drive to push through adversity, to get better every single day, and to rise above the challenges they face,” Johnson continued. “Ozzy has that drive. He’s shown it every step of the way. He’s more than just a talented player — he’s a determined one, and that’s what we need to succeed.”
Trapilo’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been filled with growth. As a rookie, he faced the typical hurdles of adjusting to the speed of the game and the physicality of the NFL. However, what set him apart was his ability to learn quickly and apply those lessons on the field. His dedication to his craft has impressed not only Johnson but also his fellow teammates, who have seen first-hand the effort he’s put in to be ready for every opportunity.
With the Bears' offensive line dealing with injuries and fluctuations in performance, Trapilo’s emergence comes at a pivotal time. Johnson has emphasized that the team’s success hinges on every player stepping up, and Trapilo is a prime example of someone who has embraced that responsibility. His determination to prove himself is something that Johnson believes will be critical as the Bears look to make a playoff push.
“We’re going to need every guy on this team to step up, especially along the offensive line,” Johnson said. “Ozzy’s not just here to fill a spot — he’s here to make an impact. And I have every confidence that he will.”
As the Bears face some of their toughest matchups ahead, including a critical game against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, Trapilo’s development will be crucial to the success of the offensive line. His commitment to proving himself, coupled with Johnson’s confidence in his abilities, sets the stage for a breakout moment that could be a defining chapter in his young career.
With his eyes set firmly on the future, Ozzy Trapilo is determined to make his mark on the NFL, and with the unwavering support of Ben Johnson and his teammates, it seems like that moment is fast approaching.
