Aaron Rodgers’ rushing touchdown on Sunday was far from ordinary. Facing third-and-1 from the 1-yard line, the Pittsburgh Steelers initially planned a play-action pass. Tight end Jonnu Smith was positioned to draw defenders and sneak out for a catch.
But Rodgers noticed the left side of the offensive line had “caved in” and scrambled. Facing two larger defenders, the 42-year-old quarterback ran in a touchdown, his first rushing score since 2022 and first since a September 2023 Achilles injury. Wide receiver DK Metcalf admitted he thought the play was broken, but Rodgers’ quick thinking made it a success.
The touchdown helped the Steelers win 27-22 over the Baltimore Ravens, a key division rivalry game. The victory moved Pittsburgh to 7-6 and put them in control of the AFC North. Just a week after fans chanted “Fire Tomlin” at home, the win boosted playoff hopes to 68%, according to Next Gen Stats.
“It’s going to create momentum,” linebacker Patrick Queen said. “We all understand how everything went this week.”
Rodgers also became the eighth quarterback in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass at age 42, completing 67.6% of passes for 284 yards and a touchdown. His mobility, aided by a healing wrist injury, allowed him to throw deep passes effectively. DK Metcalf caught five explosive passes, including 52- and 41-yard bombs down the right sideline.
The Steelers’ passing game improved dramatically from last week’s loss to the Bills, when Rodgers completed just 47.6% of passes. Veteran additions Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling contributed to the chemistry, helping Rodgers regain rhythm and confidence.
The team celebrated Rodgers’ birthday earlier in the week with cake and balloons, adding to the positive energy. Metcalf noted that team practices felt different, and their connection translated into seven receptions for a season-best 148 yards in the game.
Despite some struggles in the fourth quarter, including no Pittsburgh points, the defense made key stops. Alex Highsmith’s game-sealing sack and the red-zone defense ensured the Steelers held off a late Ravens rally.
The win also eased speculation about head coach Mike Tomlin’s future. Tomlin, in his 19th season, has yet to have a losing year and has led Pittsburgh to 12 playoff appearances. While he has not won a playoff game since 2016, the team’s strong performance against the Ravens highlighted his leadership.
Players praised Tomlin in the locker room. DK Metcalf called him a “great leader” who takes responsibility for the team. Adam Thielen noted Tomlin’s intentionality, and Ben Skowronek described him as the “best leader of men” he has encountered in his NFL career.
Tomlin avoided discussing the “Fire Tomlin” chants directly but celebrated the win. Rodgers added humorously in the locker room, “Maybe you guys will shut the hell up for a week,” referencing the ongoing chatter about his coach.
The victory over the Ravens marked a turning point in the Steelers’ season. Rodgers’ performance, combined with Tomlin’s coaching and key defensive stops, positioned Pittsburgh for a potential playoff run and reinforced confidence in the team’s leadership.
