Mike Tomlin Blames Steelers 1st-Round Pick Who Made Aaron Rodgers Struggle in Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers confused many when they signed Aaron Rodgers. Of course, the 41-year-old QB, coming off a dismal performance with the New York Jets, was no longer in his prime. If anything, he wasn’t even as mobile and versatile as he once was. But that’s where HC Mike Tomlin’s strategy comes in– Rodgers doesn’t need to carry the team if Pittsburgh can support him with a reliable running game and a dominant defense. The opener against the Jets, though, was a different story.

In Sunday’s 34-32 win, Rodgers pushed the Steelers, completing over 73% passes for 4 TDs for 244 yards despite a lingering back tightness. But the pass protection failed as he was sacked three times and hit a total of seven times. According to Tomlin, the blame goes to one player– Broderick Jones. Reporter Gerry Dulac shared Tomlin’s pointed comments in the postgame presser on X: “He could be better. Our quarterback got hit too much and he was a component of that.”

Jones, a third-year left tackle, is going to be important this season with Rodgers under the center. However, his struggles after his position was changed to left tackle after two years on the right were visible on Sunday. Jones allowed three sacks and four QB pressures and was easily the weakest link of the five-man unit protecting Aaron Rodgers. At least two of the QB’s four sacks came from Jones’ side of the line, exposing the 41-year-old quarterback to unnecessary punishment.

During the third quarter, when the Jets led 17-19, Will McDonald IV seemed to fly around him on the inside despite being on Jones’ outer shoulder. At other times, he was simply bull rushed into the backfield. Overall, the 2023 first-round pick suffered from inconsistencies that he shouldn’t have. And he critiqued his game more strictly than anyone else.

Talking to the media on Wednesday, he agreed, “I’ve got to be better. I’ve just got to continue to focus. I can’t put that on tape. I know that. Everybody knows that. I felt like I prepared the right way. My mind was in it the whole time. Just a bad game, honestly. Just have to grow from there.” But he wasn’t the only player on the O-line.

Troy Fautanu’s display against the Jets wasn’t as good either. The second-year tackle, after missing most of his rookie season due to a dislocated kneecap and ligament damage, played his second game in the NFL on Sunday. However, he couldn’t protect Rodgers as well either. Tomlin commented, “Just like Broderick. I thought he had some good moments. I thought he certainly could be better. As I mentioned, as a collective, we got our quarterback hit too often for my liking. And so, we’re back to the lab.” And when it comes to the QB in question, he did not let all the blame go to his teammates.

On Wednesday, Rodgers shared the responsibility, saying, “I thought the protection was pretty good for most of the game. There’s a couple fundamental things to clean up. Pat [Meyer]’s gonna take care of those guys. I’ve just gotta get the ball out. … I really like Brod. I’ve gotten to know him during training camp. I like what he’s about. I like his attitude. He’s a genuinely positive guy. I’ve got a lot of confidence in him watching my back.”

Conclusively, in Sunday’s game, the entire O-line struggled. Their rushing wasn’t as good, nor was their pass protection. Certainly, they cannot be dependent on a 41-year-old QB to throw for four TDs in every game, especially if he is taking hits and getting sacked like he did against the Jets. So, working on the loopholes will be the focus for Pittsburgh if they do want to taste a playoff victory this season. For one, Rodgers systematically dismantled every criticism thrown his way.

Aaron Rodgers silences critics after masterful Steelers debut

Aaron Rodgers didn’t just beat the Jets on Sunday — he obliterated every narrative about his declining abilities. The 41-year-old quarterback orchestrated a vintage comeback performance in the back-and-forth game that reminded everyone why he’s a future Hall of Famer. His chemistry with Arthur Smith was seamless despite offseason speculation about the quarterback’s tendency to be audible at the line would clash with Smith’s structured approach. Instead, the duo worked in perfect harmony during the Steelers’ first 30-point game since 2016.

“There’s a lot of garbage being talked about myself or Arthur out there. How are we going to co-exist? We got a great relationship, and he called a really good game. I’ve got to play a lot better in spots, but happy to be 1-0.” His connection with DK Metcalf was particularly impressive, as the receiver hauled in four catches for 83 yards.

Rodgers even had a jab at the Jets’, Aaron Glenn and Co., as he confessed on Wednesday, “I was happy to beat everybody associated with the Jets.” Rodgers proved he’s still capable of elite quarterback play when properly supported. His Week 1 performance was better than anything Pittsburgh has seen in a long time, but the surrounding cast must improve to maximize his remaining prime years and championship potential.