Steelers learning harsh truth about Aaron Rodgers that Jets already knew
New York Jets fans have seen this story before, and they're probably shaking their heads with a mix of vindication and sympathy after watching Aaron Rodgers' latest receiver callout.
Following the Pittsburgh Steelers' 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, Rodgers couldn't resist publicly detailing exactly what his wide receiver, Calvin Austin III, did wrong on his game-sealing goal-line interception.
Rodgers praised the young receiver, calling him "the best kid ever" while simultaneously explaining how he messed up the route. It was a textbook example of the demanding, criticism-heavy leadership style that defined Rodgers' tumultuous tenure in New York.
Rodgers was seen pointing and screaming at his young wideout after the play, publicly berating him on the field. What Steelers fans witnessed was just the opening act of a pattern that Jets fans know leads nowhere good.
"Cal [Austin III] is the best kid ever, but he probably should have just stayed in the flat there. He knows it. Or he was kind of stealing it from Pat or just catch it, put it away, score a touchdown."
Aaron Rodgers
Jets fans have seen this Aaron Rodgers story before
Jets fans know this Rodgers tale all too well because they watched their former quarterback perfect this art of public receiver criticism throughout the 2024 season.
The most infamous example came after a Monday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills, when Rodgers threw a late-game interception and immediately blamed Mike Williams in his post-game press conference.
Rodgers explained in technical detail how Williams was supposed to run his route along the "red line" — a practice field stripe roughly five yards from the sideline that helps receivers maintain proper positioning — but instead ran an "in-breaker" that disrupted the play.
That public callout violated what most consider basic quarterback etiquette, as these types of mistakes are typically handled privately rather than aired out in front of cameras.
But this is Rodgers we're talking about. The future Hall of Famer has made a career out of disregarding basic etiquette.
Within 24 hours, the Jets traded for Davante Adams, effectively making Williams expendable. Williams missed practice for "personal reasons" immediately after the criticism and played just three more games in New York before being shipped to Pittsburgh, where he immediately caught a game-winning touchdown in his debut.
After his trade, Williams took a subtle shot at his former quarterback with an Instagram post featuring the hashtag "#RedLine" alongside a snake emoji, perfectly capturing how the ex-Jets receiver felt about Rodgers' public blame game.
The Calvin Austin situation obviously isn't a death sentence for the young receiver. After all, Rodgers did heap praise on him personally, and the criticism was relatively gentle compared to the Williams incident.
But Steelers fans should recognize this as the opening chapter of a familiar playbook. Jets fans watched this exact pattern unfold repeatedly during Rodgers' time in Florham Park, starting with seemingly harmless public corrections that gradually escalated into team-altering dysfunction.
There's a certain poetic justice for Jets fans in seeing their former quarterback's patterns play out in Pittsburgh. They tried to warn everyone, but sometimes you have to learn these lessons the hard way.
Rams HC Sean McVay Confirms ‘Big Loss’ After Week 2 Win Over Titans
The Los Angeles Rams’ big win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 did not come without a significant cost, as starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was knocked from the contest early, and head coach Sean McVay confirmed it is a multi-week injury.
Witherspoon is in his third season with the Rams. He re-signed on a one-year, $1.2 million contract in free agency this past offseason.
A starter in his first season and a reserve last year, he drew his second start of 2025 in Week 2.
Sean McVay: Ahkello Witherspoon Suffers Broken Clavicle vs Titans
GettyAhkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams during the NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Witherspoon, 30, was a third-round pick (No. 66 overall) by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 draft, and he has also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Pro Football Reference, Witherspoon allowed 1 catch for 4 yards on an 81% snap share in the season-opener against the Houston Texans.
McVay called Witherspoon a “big loss.”
“He broke his clavicle. So, it’s unfortunate,” McVay told reporters on September 14 about the ninth-year veteran after the Rams’ 33-19 victory. “I feel terrible for Ahkello. Love him. It’s such a bummer.”
McVay espoused significant confidence in the Rams’ remaining healthy corners in light of Witherspoon’s injury, which typically takes anywhere from six to 12 weeks to recover from.
Rams Turn to Super Bowl Champion After Ahkelllo Witherspoon Injury
GettyDarious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a win against the Tennessee Titans.
McVay was disappointed for Witherspoon, but he was optimistic about the rest of the Rams’ CB options, including one player from their 2021 Super Bowl team. He even reiterated that the Rams believe they have “four starting corners.”
“I thought Darious Williams came in and made – what a clutch break up that he had on the third down to get us off the grass. [Emmanuel] Forbes and Decobie [Durant] continue to take steps in the right direction. I was really pleased with our defense. I thought it was awesome for D Will to be ready,” McVay said.
“You do feel fortunate to have the depth, where a guy like D Will can step up to be able to supplement both Decobie and Forbes.”
Williams started 11 of 12 games played for the Rams last season, and 37 of 55 in his LA tenure.
An undrafted free agent out of UAB in 2018, Williams, who began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, is on his second stint with the Rams after a two-year run with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 and 2023.
Rams’ CB Situation Takes Unfortunate Turn
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the Tennessee Titans.
Durant was a fourth-round selection by the Rams in 2022. Forbes was a first-rounder of the Washington Commanders in 2023.
The Rams have a trio of undrafted free agents – Josh Wallace on the active roster and A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin on the practice squad – for additional depth on game day until Witherspoon returns.
However, Witherspoon’s injury could put McVay and the Rams’ resolve to the test.
The Rams faced questions about their top-line corners and depth before the injury. Those questions will only resurface, possibly even louder, until they play again and prove otherwise.
The Rams still have several potential options available in free agency. They include former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. However, the Rams may stay in wait-and-see mode before going outside the organization to fill the void left by Witherspoon.
The Los Angeles Rams’ big win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 did not come without a significant cost, as starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was knocked from the contest early, and head coach Sean McVay confirmed it is a multi-week injury.
Witherspoon is in his third season with the Rams. He re-signed on a one-year, $1.2 million contract in free agency this past offseason.
A starter in his first season and a reserve last year, he drew his second start of 2025 in Week 2.
Sean McVay: Ahkello Witherspoon Suffers Broken Clavicle vs Titans
GettyAhkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams during the NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Witherspoon, 30, was a third-round pick (No. 66 overall) by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 draft, and he has also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Pro Football Reference, Witherspoon allowed 1 catch for 4 yards on an 81% snap share in the season-opener against the Houston Texans.
McVay called Witherspoon a “big loss.”
“He broke his clavicle. So, it’s unfortunate,” McVay told reporters on September 14 about the ninth-year veteran after the Rams’ 33-19 victory. “I feel terrible for Ahkello. Love him. It’s such a bummer.”
McVay espoused significant confidence in the Rams’ remaining healthy corners in light of Witherspoon’s injury, which typically takes anywhere from six to 12 weeks to recover from.
Rams Turn to Super Bowl Champion After Ahkelllo Witherspoon Injury
GettyDarious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a win against the Tennessee Titans.
McVay was disappointed for Witherspoon, but he was optimistic about the rest of the Rams’ CB options, including one player from their 2021 Super Bowl team. He even reiterated that the Rams believe they have “four starting corners.”
“I thought Darious Williams came in and made – what a clutch break up that he had on the third down to get us off the grass. [Emmanuel] Forbes and Decobie [Durant] continue to take steps in the right direction. I was really pleased with our defense. I thought it was awesome for D Will to be ready,” McVay said.
“You do feel fortunate to have the depth, where a guy like D Will can step up to be able to supplement both Decobie and Forbes.”
Williams started 11 of 12 games played for the Rams last season, and 37 of 55 in his LA tenure.
An undrafted free agent out of UAB in 2018, Williams, who began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, is on his second stint with the Rams after a two-year run with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 and 2023.
Rams’ CB Situation Takes Unfortunate Turn
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the Tennessee Titans.
Durant was a fourth-round selection by the Rams in 2022. Forbes was a first-rounder of the Washington Commanders in 2023.
The Rams have a trio of undrafted free agents – Josh Wallace on the active roster and A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin on the practice squad – for additional depth on game day until Witherspoon returns.
However, Witherspoon’s injury could put McVay and the Rams’ resolve to the test.
The Rams faced questions about their top-line corners and depth before the injury. Those questions will only resurface, possibly even louder, until they play again and prove otherwise.
The Rams still have several potential options available in free agency. They include former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. However, the Rams may stay in wait-and-see mode before going outside the organization to fill the void left by Witherspoon.
