Aaron Rodgers has strongly hinted that his ensuing season with the Pittsburgh Steelers likely marks the closing chapter of his professional football tenure, a sentiment echoed by many pundits. Rodgers’ stint with the New York Jets yielded less than impressive results – an Achilles tear wiping out his first season and a mere five win run in his second in 2024.
Indeed, his 2024 run didn’t only disrupt the 20-year trajectory of his career but also put a spotlight on his waning potential as a once-coveted top-10 choice. Rodgers, an alumnus of the Green Bay Packers, accrued 3,897 passing yards during the last season, marking his third lowest total when participating in 16 or more games per season.
Yet, this statistic is nonetheless remarkable when juxtaposed with the performance of Josh Allen, the regular season MVP, and Jalen Hurts, the defending Super Bowl MVP. Allen, the crowning gem of the Buffalo Bills, recorded 3,731 passing yards in his exceptional season while Super Bowl Champion Hurts logged a mere 2,903 passing yards.
The comparison holds true for passing touchdowns as well. Rodgers, predicted to be a future Hall of Famer, scored 28 passing touchdowns in 2024, equating to the seventh most recorded in the league – a number also scored by Allen. Hurts, given the running-focused strategy of the Eagles, could only contribute 18 passing touchdowns.
But in the area of Quarterback Rating (QBR), both Allen and Hurts surpassed Rodgers. While Allen managed a commendable 77.3 QBR and Hurts a satisfactory 65.6, Rodgers only managed to gather a 48.0 QBR. Recorded as the second-lowest rating of his career, the 41-year-old quarterback’s score only surpasses his final season’s 41.3 rating at Green Bay.
Despite these metrics, Rodgers would likely trade these statistical accolades for the post-season triumphs encountered by Allen and Hurts. Indeed, Allen repeatly led his team to playoff victories – a feat that Rodgers hasn’t accomplished since the 2016 postseason.
Hurts, while not boasting the same caliber of arm skill as his contemporaries, did secure victory on the Super Bowl podium, thanks largely to the support of Saquon Barkley and teammates. Rodgers’ aspirations for the 2025 Steelers’ season would be satisfied with even a part of Hurts’ success.
Pittsburgh has been long been seeking its first playoff win since January 2017. Similarly, Rodgers is looking to land a personal first since January 2021. Their respective dry spells may seem daunting, but their joint venture could prove to be a much-needed catalyst.
There remains scepticism about how fruitful this partnership can be. Despite this, there is still a lot of optimism surrounding the venture. Rodgers may no longer be the top-10 powerhouse he once was, but he’s managing to produce commendable numbers.
In the eyes of the Steelers, that may be enough to propel both the team and Rodgers into the long-desired divisional round spot. As the renowned quarterback heads into the twilight phase of his career, both Pittsburgh and Rodgers remain hopeful about their prospects.
Life after the Jets has directed Rodgers on a path towards Pittsburgh, in what looks to be the concluding period of his professional career. There remains a wealth of unknowns in this upcoming chapter, particularly around the productivity of the newly formed partnership.
Breaking their respective playoff droughts won’t only benefit the professional records of these two entities individually, but also works to affirm their union as successfully tactical. The Steelers are betting that Rodgers’ still impressive performances can drive them to coveted playoff successes.
In the game of football though, predictions often leave us surprised. The outcome of Rodgers and the Steelers’ venture can follow many paths. Their hope is that the struggle of previous seasons provide a launchpad for success in the upcoming year.
Marks left by previous injuries still persist, raising questions about Rodgers’ potential. Yet, the superior performances of the past score him high optimism for the future. The Steelers remain confident and look forward to adding a productive chapter to their rich history.
As the anticipation for the 2025 season fill the air, only time will tell if the joining of Rodgers and the Steelers will see a fruitful era of football. Success may look different for either party, but the ultimate goal of landing a place in that divisional round spot, remains unwavering.
The post Aaron Rodgers’ Final Season with Steelers: End of an Era appeared first on Real News Now.
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