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Prime Aaron Rodgers?
Aaron Rodgers on Sunday looked like his vintage self vs the New York Jets, throwing for 244 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. While a stat line doesn’t show pictures or videos, Rodgers looked very comfortable in Arthur Smith’s offense. Rodgers was very happy to beat the team who he was with the past two years saying, “I was happy to beat everybody associated with the Jets.” Assuming that this is Rodgers final year in the NFL, he will hopefully give Steelers fans some excitement for the rest of the season.
Aaron Rodgers celebrating his first touchdown as a Steeler with number 15 Ben Skowronek.
Highest Paid Defense for What?
With the Steelers defense being paid nearly 158 million dollars in total, you’d expect them to be the reason for this win, right? Wrong! This Steelers defense who went out this offseason and paid both Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt some big money very much underperfomered to what was expected from them. But there were some players who stepped up big in this one like Jalen Ramsey. With 3 total tackles including the game sealing hit on Garrett Wilson that stemmed from a lot of trash talking during the game. Both Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith recorded 5 solo tackles a piece, even including a sack for Highsmith.
Wizard of Boz
Having a 56 yard field goal is impressive enough to have, following that up with a 60 yard field goal take the lead with just over a minute left in the game is unbelievable. But as a steeler fan this is what we expect from Chris Boswell. For 10 years the Steelers have had one of the best kickers in the NFL. Even with him having some rocky season due to injury, he’s still consistently ranked as one of the best if not the best kicker in the NFL today. But to not give all of the spotlight not Chris Boswell the special teams had a very good game as well. Coughing up a fumble on the kickoff after a 3 yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Warren. Danny Smith the special teams coach has been cooking things up because this special teams unit has been one of the best for many years.
New Guys making a big splash
Outside of Aaron Rodgers the Steelers this offseason made many big moves and changes to their roster. They traded 5 time pro bowler and one time all pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for 7 time pro bowler and 3 time all pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. Both who made a big impact on the outcome of the game. Jonnu Smith with a big touchdown in the second quarter and Jalen Ramsey on defense who made the game winning tackle. Then the big move this offseason was trading a second round pick and a six and seventh round pick swap for former Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf and signing him to a 5 year $150 million dollar deal. He also had a solid game including 4 receptions for 83 yards, leading the team in receiving yards.
Other Non-Steeler News
The last few thing to take away from this game was the new CBS Scorebug at the bottom of the screen – better for mobile viewers?
On a different note this game was the announcer debut of legendary defensive end JJ Watt, brother of Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt. Last year JJ Watt was in studio for CBS during their NFL gameday segments but has now gone into the booth with longtime announcer Ian Eagle for games this year.
