Aaron Rodgers Sparks Steelers Revival, But Experts Say: Don’t Bet on a Ring
Considered one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, current Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller Aaron Rodgers has just one Super Bowl ring to his name. But he hopes to change that this season.
Then again, Rodgers hoped to change that many times during his years with the Green Bay Packers after winning his first title back in 2010. Instead, he and the Packers reached the NFC Championship Game four times but never made it back to the Super Bowl.
Rodgers also hoped to finally break the long-standing curse hanging over the New York Jets. But just a few snaps into his first game, he tore his Achilles tendon. The following season, he returned, but the Jets could only muster a 5-12 record. General manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh were fired midseason.
So, what’s different now for the 41-year-old Rodgers? Well, at least he’s far removed from the Jets—though still in the AFC—with the Steelers. And he’s off to his best start since leaving Green Bay, with Pittsburgh sitting at 4-2 and leading the AFC North.
But is this team really a Super Bowl contender? That’s been said before about a lot of Rodgers-led teams, including those with the Jets. Is it even a realistic expectation this time?
Steelers, Aaron Rodgers Could Be Just a Beneficial Relationship
The Steelers and Aaron Rodgers needed one another this season. That’s why head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan were so patient during the offseason, waiting on the quarterback as long as they did.
Pittsburgh has been in desperate pursuit of a reliable starting quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired in what feels like ages ago. Rodgers didn’t even sign with the team until June 10 — the first day of mandatory minicamp.
Likewise, Rodgers may have needed this swan song of a season to patch up what parts of his legacy were infected with the gang green of the Jets the past two years.
It’s for those reasons the Steelers and Rodgers entered into this mutualistic partnership. But winning a Super Bowl, as The Athletic’s Jeff Howe writes, may be “unrealistic.”
“It feels unrealistic to expect a Super Bowl during Rodgers’ fling with the Steelers, however long it lasts. Would it be enough for both sides if Rodgers saves face after two forgettable seasons in New York, while the Steelers increase their competitiveness and bide their time before the next swing at QB?” Howe wrote.
“Perhaps expectations must remain flexible. For now, Rodgers and the Steelers have to feel at least intrigued about where they’re heading.”
Steelers Face Tough Schedule Ahead
Losing to AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 was considered a huge upset on Pittsburgh’s part. Nevertheless, at 4-2, the season is still off to a promising start, and Rodgers looks comfortable behind center again.
“Rodgers can still spin it,” a rival team executive told The Athletic. “He can still win at the line of scrimmage. The mobility isn’t what it was, but the Steelers help him with the running game. They’re going to keep winning games. He’s exactly what they needed there. If they can keep him upright and healthy, they’ll continue to get better.”
The concerning part for Rodgers and the Steelers is that they’re about to enter one of the toughest stretches of the season over the next three weeks. In a reunion of sorts, Pittsburgh will welcome the Packers, giving Rodgers a chance to add beating every team in the NFL to his résumé. Then, in another home matchup, the Indianapolis Colts come to town, followed by a road trip to face the Los Angeles Chargers.
Brandon Graham Speaks Out on His Early Return to Eagles, Shocking Fans with Sooner-than-Expected Comeback
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham has stunned fans and teammates alike with his announcement that he will return to the field much earlier than originally anticipated. After initially being expected to miss a significant portion of the season, Graham confirmed that he is now ready to rejoin the team far ahead of schedule.
"I’ve worked hard during my recovery, and I’m feeling great," Graham said in a statement. "I’m excited to get back out there and help the team as soon as possible. The plan was always to come back strong, but I’m ready to contribute sooner than we thought."
Graham’s early return is a major boost for the Eagles' defense, which will benefit from his leadership, experience, and playmaking ability. His recovery has progressed quicker than expected, and the veteran pass rusher is eager to make an immediate impact as the Eagles look to strengthen their position in the NFC.
With Graham’s surprising comeback, the Eagles now have an additional weapon to bolster their defensive line and add depth as they push for a playoff spot. Fans are thrilled to see the defensive leader back on the field ahead of schedule, and the team is optimistic about the added strength Graham brings to their defense.
