As the game wore on, it seemed like the odds increased for the Steelers offense. When Rodgers looked to extend plays to find open targets, there was nothing to be had. Facing his best chance to find the end zone, Rodgers threw a line drive to DK Metcalf on fourth-and-goal from the Chargers’ 10-yard line, a pass that had a 43.3 percent completion chance, according to Next Generation Stats, but was broken up by cornerback Cam Hart, who blanketed Metcalf through the whistle.
Rodgers admitted afterward that he noticed that Metcalf was double-crossed and that he probably should have targeted the other side of the field. Such an attempt would have required additional review time before the snap, though, and Rodgers already found out he wasn’t afforded that luxury when he was sacked in his own end zone for a safety in the first quarter.
“I didn’t really see anyone open and I felt like when I stepped up, I saw Mack and I didn’t realize he had lost contact with Troy.” [Fautanu]” Rodgers said of the safety. “I should have thrown the ball at somebody’s feet there.”
Rodgers wasn’t shy about throwing to teammates when necessary on a night that saw him post his worst completion percentage (51.6) in a game since Week 17 of the 2019 season. Mike Tomlin didn’t shy away from delivering an honest assessment of the offense’s performance as a whole, either.
“We as an offensive group were off today and certainly he’s a part of that,” Tomlin said. “I’ll let him speak for himself, but we definitely have to be better. I didn’t think they did anything unexpected, but they certainly outplayed us, especially on the ball.”
Sunday night’s loss was the Steelers’ third loss in their last four games, dropping them to 5-4. With Baltimore reeling off three straight, the Steelers’ once comfortable lead in the AFC North has dwindled to just one game with two games against Baltimore still to come.
Both Tomlin and Rodgers understand there is little time to dwell on their latest defeat and plenty left to accomplish. They will only achieve their goals if they can realize their offense.
“I don’t lack confidence,” Tomlin said. “I don’t need a pat on the back. We lost it tonight. We’ll be back.”