Inside look from Steelers writer shows the truth about Aaron Rodgers and what the Packers will face on ‘Sunday Night Football’
It’s a monster week for the Packers and Steelers, with Aaron Rodgers being the center of a game full of intriguing storylines.
It’s a special week for Green Bay Packers fans. For the first time ever, the team will face quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a true legend who spent his first 17 NFL seasons in Green Bay. After two years with the New York Jets, Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason, and now both traditional franchises will face off on “Sunday Night Football.”
Because this is such a compelling storyline, we invited our Pittsburgh Steelers writer at A to Z Sports, Rob Gregson, to discuss his initial impressions of Rodgers and how this matchup could unfold.
Aaron Rodgers’ regular stats indicate he’s played well. Advanced stats tell a different story. How would you classify his performance for the Steelers so far?
Rodgers’ advanced metrics are a classic case of numbers vs. the eye test. I think the numbers reflect some truth to his play in Pittsburgh. No one is watching Rodgers play and saying, “Man, that looks like the player who won back-to-back MVPs a few years ago,” but he’s essentially a point guard for the offense. He’s Chris Paul on grass, and he’s performing well.
All things considered, do you think the Steelers upgraded at QB compared to what they had in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields last year?
Through six games, there is a night-and-day difference between Russell Wilson, Rodgers, and Justin Fields. With Fields and Wilson, Arthur Smith couldn’t fully integrate his scheme last year.
Those two players are immune to throwing over the middle of the field. Rodgers excels there and still has the touch to layer throws along the sideline. Add in the accountability and standard he is holding his line and pass catchers to, and it’s clear the Steelers have upgraded.
The Steelers’ defense has been up and down for the most part. How can the Packers exploit it, and what do they need extra attention about?
If you’re the Packers and you have Josh Jacobs back there, you no doubt come into this game and target the Steelers’ rushing defense. They are coming off a game where they let the worst rushing offense in the league go for over 140 yards.
On the flip side, Green Bay can’t become one-dimensional. They don’t exactly run quick game in their passing offense, which could play into the hands of the Steelers’ pass rushers.
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