bv. Aaron Rodgers Directly Blasts Steelers Star TE for Not Following the Game Plan and Contributing to the Loss to the Bills
Aaron Rodgers publicly criticized tight end Jonnu Smith and several offensive teammates after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, revealing internal issues that contributed to the team’s offensive collapse.
During the post-game press conference, the veteran quarterback admitted that he and Smith were not “on the same page” on multiple plays, including what should have been a touchdown opportunity. Rodgers emphasized that some players are not mentally locked in, even when physically present during film study.
Rodgers’ frustration became evident as he described the miscommunication:
“When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up,” Rodgers said. “And when I check to a route, you do the right route. Jonnu and I weren’t on the same page. I checked to his in-breaker and he ran an out-breaker.”
He also implied that certain players attend meetings but do not retain the information needed to execute on Sundays:
“Some guys are there physically, but mentally, they’re just not locked in. And that’s killing drives for us.”
Despite the criticism, Rodgers later softened his tone toward Smith, praising his professionalism:
“Jonnu is a true professional, so I’m sure he’s sick about that. … We have our meetings every week, we have our opportunities outside of the facility. And I look forward to seeing all the boys there.”
In the fourth quarter, during a second-and-10 play, Rodgers lofted a deep pass intended for Smith. The tight end ran the wrong route again, resulting in another incompletion on a potential touchdown play.
Rodgers finished the night completing just 10 of 21 passes for 117 yards and no touchdowns.
The Steelers’ only points came on a first-quarter rushing TD from Jaylen Warren.
After the defeat, Pittsburgh fell to 6-6, remaining behind the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North standings.
The night only worsened for Pittsburgh when Rodgers suffered a painful hit in the third quarter.
Bills defensive end Joey Bosa sacked Rodgers, causing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Christian Benford.
As Rodgers walked off the field, cameras showed blood dripping from his nose.
Mike Tomlin made the decision to remove him from the game and replace him with backup Mason Rudolph.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Rodgers provided an update on his condition:
“I hope it’s not broken but yeah, just had to stop the bleeding. It was bleeding all over the place,” Rodgers said, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
Rudolph finished the game but was unable to spark the offense, throwing an interception and failing to convert on several key drives.
