Aaron Rodgers Indirectly Pins the Blame of Loss Against Patriots on Steelers Coaches

Aaron Rodgers has never shied away from bluntly calling out the coaches, especially after a defeat. After Sunday’s defeat against the New York Patriots, Rodgers subtly blamed the play-calling.

The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled to move the ball during their 20-3 loss to last season’s Super Bowl finalists. Rodgers looked rugged. He overthrew teammates, committed two turnovers, and failed to lead his team to a touchdown, sending them to 1-1 record.

Speaking to the media after the game, Rodgers criticized the Steelers’ offensive scheme.

It’s not that big of a sample size, but I thought we didn’t execute very well at all. The plays were fine. We had opportunities, and we’ve got to dig into the details on some of this stuff. If there’s too much stuff in the plan, we’ve got to cut it back.

Aaron Rodgers said

Rodgers completed 23 of 39 passes for 187 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, and one lost fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, the Steelers were 2 of 12 on third downs and struggled to run the ball. Jaylen Warren averaged 3.9 yards on 11 rushes. Rookie Germie Bernard caught 4 passes for 35 yards; all came in the same drive. DK Metcalf once again had a disappointing game, finishing with 27 yards on 4 receptions.

Can’t feel sorry for ourselves. Can’t point fingers. We’ve all got to play better.

Aaron Rodgers said

The Steelers began their season with a win over the Atlanta Falcons. Rodgers threw 24 of 40 completions for 221 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Pat Freiermuth caught 5 passes for 46 yards and one touchdown.

The Steelers got a lucky break. Before kickoff, the Falcons declared summer veteran backup Cooper Kupp would deputize instead of fielding summer signing Tua Tagovailoa. Kupp threw 2 interceptions and had 144 yards. They lost by just 7 points, 20-13.

Rodgers signed with the Steelers for the first time in 2025. In 16 games, he threw 327 completions for 3323 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. The Steelers went 10-6 and won the AFC North. In the playoffs, the Houston Texans sacked Rodgers four times, forcing a fumble on one of the sacks, which was returned for a touchdown. Rodgers threw a pick-6 on his final play. The Steelers crashed out of the playoffs.

Rodgers contemplated retirement. He agreed to come back for one more year after the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as head coach. He signed a $20 million contract extension.

Mike McCarthy promises changes to protect Aaron Rodgers better in Week 3

Rodgers had to climb out of the pocket on a few occasions to attempt a pass. The 42-year-old was constantly under duress from start to finish.

In Week 3, the Steelers have a rivalry game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals, who have had a questionable defense in the last few years, have performed at a very high level this year. They already have 8 sacks in just two games.

We’ve got to give Aaron better platforms to throw off of… I don’t want to dink and dunk all day.

Mike McCarthy said

#Steelers HC Mike McCarthy heads to the locker room after an ugly 20-3 loss to the Patriots: pic.twitter.com/wDLXEKT8T8

— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) September 20, 2026

If the offensive line is concerned, then the Steelers must fix the right side of the line. Left tackle Troy Fautanu, left guard Mason McCormick, and center Zach Frazier are locked in, even though they struggled against the Patriots’ pass rush. Guard Spencer Anderson and right tackle Dylan Cook really struggled. Perhaps Steelers fans will finally see rookie phenom Gennings Dunker or tackle Max Iheanachor.

Aaron Rodgers is 3-3 against the Bengals in his career. He has thrown 134 completions for 1527 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

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