Rodgers Criticizes Receivers After Loss: “We Need to Improve”

Rodgers and the Steelers: Seeking Solutions After the Defeat

Following the 26-7 defeat against the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has pointed out the need for urgent improvements in the connection with his receivers, with five weeks remaining until the end of the regular season.

When there are video sessions, everyone should attend, and when a route changes, the correct route should be taken.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers, who played with protection on his fractured left wrist, completed only 10 of 21 attempts for 117 yards, his third-lowest total in a game where he threw at least 20 passes. His 10 completed passes were also his lowest in a game with 20 attempts. The quarterback, who turns 42 on Tuesday, also suffered a sack in the first play of the third quarter, while waiting for a receiver to get open. The lack of connection between Rodgers and his receivers on long and medium-range passes was evident throughout the game. On a third-and-four play in the first quarter, Rodgers attempted to connect with receiver Roman Wilson on a deep route, but the pass was inaccurate.

I threw a ball that I thought would be affected by the wind, and it was four yards over Roman’s head, so it was a shitty throw. I have to make that throw.

Aaron Rodgers

In the last quarter, Rodgers tried to connect with tight end Jonnu Smith in the end zone. However, Smith ran outwards while Rodgers threw inwards, resulting in an incomplete pass.

Jonnu and I weren’t on the same page. I changed to his inside route, and he ran an outside route. Jonnu is a true professional, so I’m sure he’s upset about that.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers completed only two of six attempts of 10 yards or more and ended up averaging 4.8 air yards per attempt. At one point in the third quarter, Rodgers was averaging -0.8 air yards per completion. The conservative passing strategy frustrated the fans, who responded with boos. Rodgers understood the fans’ frustration.

I totally understand the frustration. I’ve been booed on offense, even in Green Bay over the years. It was a performance worthy of boos.

Aaron Rodgers

Wide receiver Calvin Austin III also shared his quarterback’s opinion, after the offense recorded only 166 yards, the third-lowest total in coach Tomlin’s tenure.

We are not meeting the standard. This team has a standard that when it goes out on the field, the fans expect to see something and it is our duty to provide it. It’s that simple. As fans, they come here to cheer us on, but we are not giving them anything to cheer for.

Calvin Austin III

In the final quarter, fans directed their frustration at coach Mike Tomlin, chanting “Fire Tomlin” so loudly that it was heard on the CBS broadcast.

I share your frustration tonight. We didn’t do enough and that’s the reality. I know how restless and frustrated I was, and I guess you were in the same state we were in.

Mike Tomlin

Despite the team’s problems and the fans’ discontent, Rodgers expressed his support for Tomlin, whose historic streak of almost two decades without a losing season is in danger, as the Steelers fell to 6-6.

I believe in the coaching staff. I believe in Mike Tomlin. That’s why I came here. The players have to take responsibility, including myself, and I will, and I will continue to do so. I have to play better, but there are 11 starters on offense, 11 on defense, plus the personnel formations we use. We’re going to have a Monday through Saturday that we can be really proud of, our best Monday through Saturday, and go out and play our best game and take control of the division.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers’ desire for a solid preparation week comes after a week of work below expectations, according to the quarterback.

I’m not sure if it was the cold weather or what, but it wasn’t our best practice week. That doesn’t always translate into negative performance. We need to practice better in the elements and execution, again, it just wasn’t where it needed to be. A lot has to do with the energy of practice and the pace. We talked about that, and I thought Friday was better, but I thought Thursday wasn’t a great execution and pace practice for us on offense.

Aaron Rodgers

Defensive end T.J. Watt said the feeling spread to the defensive side, as he felt his unit also came out “flat” on Sunday, allowing 249 rushing yards.