ExtremeRavens Posted 15 hours ago Posted 15 hours ago As Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers walked off the field, he was embraced with a hug from coach Mike Tomlin. It was a touching moment, symbolic of Pittsburgh’s hard-fought 27-22 victory against the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The victory gave the Steelers (7-6) a one-game lead over Baltimore (6-7) in the AFC North, but more importantly, it showed why Tomlin and the organization signed Rogers to a one-year, $13.65 million contract during the offseason. After several recent failures in the postseason, Pittsburgh needed to figure out how to win, and Rodgers led the way Sunday. He completed 23 of 34 passes for 284 yards and one for a touchdown and then ran for another score, a 1-yard scamper on a great play fake midway through the first quarter. This wasn’t all about his performance, but his snarky attitude. After the Steelers lost to Buffalo last week, Rodgers had all the receivers over and talked to them about making adjustments and corrections. Rodgers, who turned 42 on Tuesday, always has to prove that he is the smartest guy in the room. When it comes to football, he just might be. Are you listening, Lamar Jackson? When asked about the win Sunday, Rodgers replied to the media: “It means maybe you guys will shut the hell up for the week.” Typical Rodgers. He screamed at running back Kenneth Gainwell when he didn’t stop and Rodgers misfired on a 10-yard pass that resulted in a 28-yard field goal by Chris Boswell in the third quarter. He complained to officials about a pass that they ruled was intercepted by Ravens rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan in the fourth quarter before being overturned on replay review as a catch by Rodgers on the deflection. At one point, Rodgers just strolled back on the field to take possession. “I did,” Tomlin said of seeing Rodgers taking control. “But again, we knew what was on the line today. That’s why do we business with a guy like Aaron. Thick days, like today, he’s been there, done that. Beyond the experience of it, he relishes it.” It was absolutely brilliant, but that’s also what separates Rodgers from other quarterbacks as he eventually heads into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He oozes with confidence, and he isn’t afraid to call out his teammates. Tight end Isaiah Likely caught what was initially ruled a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jackson with 2:47 left in the game that might have sealed the win for Baltimore. Likely appeared to take three steps, but he didn’t tuck the ball away before it was broken up, and it was ruled incomplete on replay. I could see Rodgers giving Likely an earful, especially after he had a similar fumble on the goal line against Cincinnati on Thanksgiving night. That’s what great quarterbacks do. They don’t care, and it’s their team. Rodgers was in full control Sunday. Not only did he work the officials, but he also chewed out his offensive linemen when he got hit. It didn’t faze him. At one point, he was jawing with Ravens coach John Harbaugh after Harbaugh called a timeout in the first half. That’s leadership, and the Steelers seemed unfazed. It probably got some of them pumped up playing against their top contender in the division. As for Rodgers play, he was pretty impressive, the best I’ve seen him in recent weeks. The Steelers rolled him to his right several times. When the Ravens got pressure on Rodgers, he escaped, much like he did when he was the starting quarterback in Green Bay after backing up Brett Favre for the first three years of his career. Rodgers was expected to throw a lot of short passes against the Ravens, but he had completions of 52, 38 and 31 yards. Also, can the Ravens please find someone to fill in for cornerback Marlon Humphrey when he has to play on the outside? Receiver DK Metcalf had seven caches for 148 yards, averaging 21.1 yards per reception. Meanwhile, Rodgers controlled the game, yapping, growling, consoling and at times cussing out folks. It was a great day, and he continues to cap off a Hall of Fame career that includes a Super Bowl title and four NFL Most Valuable Player Awards. He seems to be in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, it’s Pittsburgh. “I think we were in an aggressive posture all day,” Tomlin said. “I just think that’s how we got out of bed this morning. That’s what is required when you’re playing these guys in their venue.” Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article Quote
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