Story by
Former NFL QB Makes Aaron Rodgers Admission Amid Steelers Playoff Battle
- Story by
- Former NFL QB Makes Aaron Rodgers Admission Amid Steelers Playoff Battle
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Dan Orlovsky believes Aaron Rodgers deserves more credit during the Pittsburgh Steelers ' late-season surge.
The Steelers hold a 93 percent chance to win the AFC North. They are 9-6 and riding a three-game winning streak. Their recent success has followed a rough midseason stretch.
Advertisement
Speaking on NFL Live, Orlovsky said critics should reconsider earlier doubts about Rodgers and the roster.
"Yeah, no wasted reps, no wasted opportunities," Orlovsky said. "Maybe we owe Omar Khan, their general manager, and maybe Aaron Rodgers a little bit of an apology. A lot of the pieces that they have brought in — take full advantage of every single time they have the chance to impact. Adam Thielen , DK Metcalf , every game catches, like, two or three balls down the sideline one-on-one."
Orlovsky pointed to balance as the key. Pittsburgh threw for 266 yards and rushed for 230 yards against Detroit . Orlovsky also mentioned other offseason additions that continue to deliver. Kenneth Gainwell has become a key chess piece. Jonnu Smith adds flexibility.
Advertisement
"You watch that game, you go, every time that the ball goes to somebody different, they take advantage of that ball coming their way and do something good with it," Orlovsky said. "And with a quarterback that obviously knows everything that's going on from a defensive perspective."
Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards in the win. He threw one touchdown and avoided turnovers. He also rushed twice for nine yards. Pittsburgh leaned on the pass more than usual.
Rodgers' longest play was a 45-yard touchdown to Gainwell. The play came from Gainwell's effort after the catch. Rodgers only completed two throws over 20 yards. The performance was efficient, not flashy.
Advertisement
Pointing to the team's chemistry, Orlovsky said, "I go back to the Chargers game, walking out of that game going, 'Oh my goodness, that Pittsburgh Steelers offense is in trouble cause it's DK and nobody else.' I don't feel that way anymore, because they continue to prove me wrong when it comes to that other person capitalizing on the opportunity."
Rodgers, himself, has been steady recently. He has topped 220 passing yards in three straight games. He accounted for five touchdowns during that span and no turnovers.
"It's been playoff-type football for us the last three weeks," Rodgers said.
Advertisement
Pittsburgh faces Cleveland next week. Despite injuries, the Steelers remain in control of their division race.
Related: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers' Postgame Interaction With Rasul Douglas Draws Attention
Related: NFL Reacts to Matthew Stafford's Postgame Interaction With Cooper Kupp
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
