The comparison between the 2014 Packers and 2025 Steelers ends with their combined .500 record. Then Rodgers was 31 years old and in his prime, posting his second NFL MVP season while propelling the Packers to a highly successful campaign.
Now Rodgers is 42 years old and looks like him. Even worse, his Steelers don’t have the same talent as these Packers. After a 4-1 start, many are not even in the AFC playoffs.
In order to turn things around in their final five weeks, Rodgers believes the Steelers need to lean into the challenge in front of them instead of crumbling. As he said, “we are always closer than we think and we are also not as great as we think we are.”
“You kind of wait and hope for that run that you can continue to be able to play the right way in December,” the Pittsburgh QB added. “But I think from a fundamental point of view, playing meaningful games in December is special and we need to take that.”
Like many others, Rodgers is battling his own challenges. He suffered a left wrist injury that cost him a start in Week 12 and has forced him to play while wearing a brace, a discomfort that shouldn’t be a hindrance.
Rodgers turned to a classic tone after Pittsburgh’s latest loss, calling for every member of the Steelers — himself included — to take more responsibility for their actions and dedicate themselves to their craft for the rest of the season. He also received veteran receiver Adam Thielen after the Steelers claimed the former Vikings star on waivers this week.
Thielen’s arrival won’t serve as a panacea for the Steelers’ woes. Maybe nothing will happen. But Rodgers plans to keep trying as long as there are opportunities.
With five guaranteed such chances remaining, including Sunday against the rival Ravens, there’s no time to relax.