They say that revenge is a dish that is best served cold, and there was certainly nothing warm or friendly about Aaron Rodgers’ Week 1 victory against his former team. After being told that he was a hindrance to the New York Jets’ franchise, the debuting Pittsburgh Steeler was able to redeem himself with a 34-32 victory on opening weekend.
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The former Green Bay Packer was able to complete 73.3% of his throws for a total of 244 passing yards and four touchdowns, nearly outscoring the Jets by himself. As far as 41-year-old quarterbacks are concerned, Rodgers was able to record one of the most productive campaigns that we have seen in recent history.
According to the former host of Fox Sports’ Undisputed, Skip Bayless, Rodgers’ ability to operate in such a cut-throat manner is rather similar to the recent business dealings of the Packers’ newest pass rusher. “Yesterday, Aaron Rodgers went Micah Parsons,” Bayless exclaimed. “Right place, perfect time. He was exactly where he needed to be.”
Ironically enough, the two shared more commonalities in Week 1 than some fans may realize, as it has since been reported that Rodgers was contending with ‘back tightness’ prior to the start of the contest, which is eerily similar to the pre-game reports that plagued Parsons prior to his debut in Green Bay.
Thankfully, the 21-year veteran isn’t contending with a L4/L5 facet joint sprain the way in which the former Dallas Cowboy is. “I don’t think I was moving that well,” Rodgers admitted after the contest was over.
“I think I ran, kind of, into at least one or two sacks. So I’ve gotta do a better job of using my legs. I might be old, but I still feel like I can move around pretty good and I wasn’t moving the way I usually like to move.”
After enduring a battle with one of the better and also younger defensive units in the league, Rodgers should see a slight dip in competition throughout the next few weeks. In Week 2, his Steelers will celebrate their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, who just allowed Brock Purdy to complete 26 passes for a total of 277 passing yards and two touchdowns.
From there, the Steelers will take the short trip over to Foxborough, Massachusetts, to take one a New England Patriots defense that was slaughtered by Geno Smith at home in the season opener. When accounting for their opponent’s 2024 win percentages, Pittsburgh is currently boasting the 10th easiest strength of schedule in the league.
Considering that both Rodgers and the franchise itself are both determined to return to the post season, they’ve certainly managed to set themselves up for success early on this season.
