Rodgers with mobility issues: "Tight" back affected Steelers debut

Rodgers Evaluates His Steelers Debut: “A Little Tight”

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers experienced a complicated day in his debut with the Steelers, suffering four sacks in the game against the Jets. Rodgers, after the game, revealed that his back felt “a little tight”, which limited his mobility and contributed to the failures in pass protection. Despite not having been on the injured reserve list before the game, Rodgers admitted that his mobility was not ideal.

“I don’t think I was moving that well, so I think I ran into at least one or two sacks,” Rodgers commented. “I need to improve the use of my legs. I may be old, but I still feel like I can move pretty well and I wasn’t moving like I usually like.”
Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers also highlighted the need to improve protection, although he acknowledged the work of the offensive line. Offensive line coach Pat Meyer is working to correct the errors, and Rodgers is focusing on improving the ball release. The start of the game was not promising for Rodgers, being sacked on the first play. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams beat left tackle Broderick Jones, resulting in the quarterback’s fall.

“That’s probably the most stressful thing for us, and to start the game like that,” Fautanu said. “Obviously, if you start a game like that, it can’t get any worse… I felt like we did a better job as the game went on.”
Fautanu

Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the importance of protecting Rodgers in the upcoming home game against the Seattle Seahawks.

“I would like us to do a better job of protecting Aaron, particularly in the passing game,” Tomlin said. “You assume some risk in executing the passing game in an effort to gain chunks of yards, but that risk shouldn’t manifest itself in the form of multiple sacks as it did when you’re prepared and in good shape. As a staff and as a collective, we have to be a little better in that space.”
Mike Tomlin

Broderick Jones, who allowed three sacks in his first game as a starting left tackle, received support from Rodgers, who expressed confidence in the player.

“I really like Brod,” Rodgers said. “I’ve gotten to know him during training camp and I like what he’s about. I like his attitude. He’s a genuinely positive guy and I have a lot of confidence in him to have my back.”
Aaron Rodgers

Jones, for his part, acknowledged the need to improve his performance.

“I have to be better,” he said. “I just have to stay focused. I can’t put that on video. I know it. Everyone knows it. We just can’t have that performance again.”
Broderick Jones

For Jones and the entire offensive line, protecting Rodgers implies an adjustment and additional pressure. Unlike his previous seasons, where he played with more mobile quarterbacks, such as Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson, he must now adapt to a player with a different style. Rodgers, at 41 years old, presents a different challenge for the offensive line. Jones joked about Rodgers’ mobility and the need to keep him protected.

“He’s really not a mobile threat to anyone,” Jones said with a smile. “Although he could still run someday, you just have to be prepared. But he’s an older quarterback. He’s experienced in the game. We just have to keep trying to keep him upright, give him enough time to make his reads and put the ball where it needs to be.”
Broderick Jones

In the next game, Rodgers will seek to connect with wide receiver DK Metcalf, who will face the team that drafted him in 2019. Metcalf, however, downplays this confrontation.