RK HOLD UP — Aaron Rodgers Just Dropped a BOMBSHELL After Steelers’ Upset Win Over Ravens

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn’t afraid to tell it like it is during postgame press conferences. He did exactly that when asked about what the team’s 27-22 victory against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday meant.

“It means that maybe you guys will shut the hell up for a week,” said Rodgers.

The quarterback finished the answer with a slight shoulder shrug, eyebrow raise and smirk on his face.

Rodgers experienced one of his best games as a member of the Steelers in his first-ever Pittsburgh-Baltimore rivalry showdown on December 7. The quarterback, who celebrated his 42nd birthday last week, completed 23 of 34 passes for 284 yards with a touchdown.

Rodgers also ran for a score, which was his first of the season. He averaged 8.4 yards per pass while the Steelers only gained 34 rushing yards.

With the five-point win, the Steelers moved back into sole possession of first place in the AFC North with a 7-6 record.

QB Aaron Rodgers Suggests Steelers Silenced Doubters for a Week

The answer Rodgers provided to the question about the meaning of Sunday’s victory epitomized the veteran quarterback. But it probably will strike a chord with a lot of Steelers fans too.

Not because the fan base has any problem with the media or the criticism the team received last week after losing 26-7 to the Buffalo Bills. But because Rodgers and the Steelers really only silenced their doubters for the time being.

Rodgers and the team should celebrate Sunday’s win. Without it, Pittsburgh’s season would definitely be slipping away.

However, there’s a lot of football remaining. The Steelers still have to play the Ravens again in Week 18. That matchup could ultimately decide the AFC North winner.

The loser probably won’t be going to the playoffs. After Sunday’s defeat, the Ravens fell to 10th place in the AFC.

The Steelers have the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns remaining on the schedule as well.

Steelers Still Have Work to Do to Win AFC North

Winning Sunday could greatly influence where the Steelers will finish the 2025 season. But despite the great day from Rodgers, the Steelers still needed several key calls to go their way to knocked off Baltimore.

D.K. Metcalf had a nice day playing opposite more veteran receivers — Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling — versus the Ravens. But few other players stepped up on offense.

The Steelers averaged only two yards per carry. The Pittsburgh run defense was exposed for a second straight week as well. Baltimore rushed for 217 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

Both Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell had more than 75 rushing yards.

The Steelers did enough to win Sunday. But to truly silence doubters, the team, particularly Tomlin, needs to win in January. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since January 2017.

After beating the Ravens, there likely won’t be as much chatter about the Steelers moving on from Tomlin after this season. But to end all doubt, the team needs to edge the Ravens in the final standings and then advance in the postseason.

Rodgers may not have meant to suggest that with his answer about the media shutting up. But he seemed to indirectly recognize that fact.

Vikings’ Harrison Smith Has Emotional Reaction After Historic Game

Facing what is likely the final full month of his NFL career, Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith was rightfully emotional after a special day for the 14th-year veteran.

The NFL’s active leader in interceptions, Smith closed down on a route and snared his 38th career interception in the third quarter of a 31-0 shutout of the Washington Commanders on Sunday, December 7.

It’s been a long time coming for Smith, who turns 37 in February. It was his first interception of the season for a Vikings defense that has not been advantageous, ranking 25th in takeaways entering Week 14.

Smith acknowledged that the 2025 season, the final year of his contract, hasn’t lived up to expectations with the Vikings virtually eliminated from the postseason.

No matter.

The elder statesman of the Vikings defense found plenty to play for on Sunday — as did his teammates, who together notched the franchise’s third shutout win since 1993.

“You can look at the standings and the reality of things,” Smith said in a postgame locker room interview. “But [Kevin O’Connell’s] message was basically, ‘What would your high school version of yourself think about just playing today?’

“I think that hit home for a lot of guys. Getting a chance to play in the NFL is-,” Smith paused, “Fun. So make it fun. This is what we do.”

Smith was asked about the extra emotions for what was just another December football game.

“Umm, I’ve played football a long time,” he nodded with a smirk.

Harrison Smith gets emotional after the game today, talking about Kevin O’Connell’s message to the team to tap into their high school self and just have fun playing football today. @kare11 #Vikings

Harrison Smith Reflects on Vikings Past After Securing Interception With Anthony Barr in Attendance

This week was nostalgic for Smith, who saw longtime teammate Anthony Barr sound the Gjallarhorn before Sunday’s game.

With Barr in attendance, Smith had a feeling he would recapture some of his former glory.

“That’s my guy. Those were – playing with him [was] some of the best times,” Smith said, per Vikings.com. “I actually thought I was going to get a pick.

“It’s been a while, so just getting your hands on the ball, no matter what the situation is, it’s just fun,” Smith added.

Harrison Smith Praises JJ McCarthy After Turnaround Performance

After a troubling start to J.J. McCarthy’s career, the young quarterback put forth a performance that could be a stepping stone for his career.

McCarthy showed command of the offense in a game manager role, completing 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns for a career-high 129.2 passer rating.

“He did a great job, just standing in there, delivering throws, making things happen with his feet,” Smith said. “You could tell, he looked – in my opinion – he looked his most comfortable of the year. It’s definitely a big step in the right direction.”

How Does Harrison Smith Rank in Vikings History?

Smith’s 38th interception was monumental for the future Hall of Fame candidate as he moved into fourth place in franchise history.

Smith paid respect to Joey Browner after surpassing the Vikings legend on Sunday.

“He was a guy who helped define what it is to be a safety,” Smith said of Browner. “We probably had, kind of, similar games – pretty physical guys, but also could turn the ball over well. Been fortunate enough to talk to him. Just an honor to be mentioned amongst him.”

Smith has four more games left on the season and has a chance to surpass Ed Sharockman’s record of 40 interceptions, which ranks third in franchise history.

Paul Krause (1968-79) and Bobby Bryant (1968-80) lead the way with 53 and 51 interceptions, respectively.