Aaron Rodgers opened what is expected to be his final NFL season with a victory, but the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback made it clear afterward that he believed his team left several opportunities on the field.
The Steelers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 on Sunday, giving new head coach Mike McCarthy a winning start with his hometown team.
Rodgers, however, pointed to missed opportunities by his receivers and what he believed were several missed penalties by officials.
Speaking to Fox Sports sideline reporter Pam Oliver after the game, Rodgers said Pittsburgh had the potential to produce a much bigger offensive performance.
“I think we did a lot of good things out there,” Rodgers said.
“We had a chance to be really, really explosive.”
He then highlighted several plays that he felt prevented the offense from reaching its potential.
Rodgers Takes Aim at Missed Penalties
Rodgers specifically complained about what he believed was an uncalled pass interference penalty involving Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell.
“We had a 40-yard uncalled pass interference penalty against Falcons star cornerback A.J. Terrell,” Rodgers said.
“It could have been a touchdown.”
The veteran quarterback said there were other plays where penalties could have created opportunities for Pittsburgh.
“We had a couple other ones — could have been big plays,” he added.
“So, you know, we were just a little bit off. But they got a good scheme.”
Rodgers’ comments could attract attention from NFL officials, particularly given his willingness to openly criticize officiating immediately after a victory.
Steelers Offense Shows Rust
The 42-year-old quarterback completed enough plays to guide Pittsburgh to the win, finishing with 221 passing yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth.
But the performance was far from flawless.
DK Metcalf was unable to hold onto multiple passes, while Pittsburgh’s running game struggled to consistently relieve pressure from Rodgers.
The veteran passer acknowledged that his receivers and the offense as a whole had room for improvement.
The Steelers nevertheless found a way to control the game when it mattered most.
Rodgers Delivers When Pittsburgh Needed Him
With the Steelers protecting their lead late in the fourth quarter, Rodgers helped engineer a decisive possession that consumed the final 4:16 of the contest.
He completed three passes on the drive, connecting with Metcalf, Michael Pittman and Darnell Washington before Pittsburgh eventually took a knee to secure the victory.
Freiermuth praised the quarterback’s composure in closing out the game.
“Being able to end the game on our terms, with Aaron on the ball, taking a knee, you know you can’t take that for granted,” he said.
Watt Produces Game-Changing Moment
While Rodgers attracted attention with his postgame remarks, T.J. Watt delivered the play that ultimately swung the game in Pittsburgh’s favor.
The Steelers edge rusher intercepted Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush in the fourth quarter and returned the turnover for a touchdown, giving Pittsburgh the cushion it needed.
Watt also recorded two sacks as the Steelers defense repeatedly disrupted Atlanta’s offense.
Pittsburgh finished with four sacks and six passes defended, preventing Rush from settling into a rhythm.
Longtime teammate Alex Highsmith summed up Watt’s performance bluntly.
“That’s what he does,” Highsmith said. “He’s the best in the world.”
Watt Bounces Back in Style
The performance was an encouraging start for Watt after a disappointing campaign by his usual standards.
The four-time All-Pro recorded only seven sacks last season, tying the second-lowest total of his career.
He also missed several games late in the season after suffering an unusual injury connected to dry needling.
Against Atlanta, however, Watt immediately looked like the disruptive force Pittsburgh has come to expect.
His interception touchdown was particularly memorable.
Watt anticipated a short pass intended for Robinson, reached out and grabbed the football almost immediately after Rush released it.
He then stumbled while attempting to accelerate downfield before regaining his footing and continuing toward the end zone.
“I had no bearing at all,” Watt said. “I’m sure the fall didn’t look too graceful but glad someone told me to get up and keep running.”
McCarthy Wins His Pittsburgh Homecoming
The victory also marked an important personal moment for McCarthy, who grew up only a few miles from downtown Pittsburgh.
His first regular-season game as the Steelers’ head coach did not produce a polished offensive display, but the result gave him the start he wanted.
Rodgers, who previously played under McCarthy in Green Bay, handed his former coach the game ball following the win.
McCarthy described the gesture as a “special moment” as the pair began a new chapter together after their successful years in Green Bay, which included a Super Bowl victory.
“It’s time to move on and get team victories from here on,” McCarthy said.
“I’m not one for attention. So the homecoming has been great. Just glad to get this one under our belt.”
Porter Jr. Sits Out Season Opener
Pittsburgh also entered the game without cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who missed much of training camp because of a back problem.
Porter returned to practice during the week, but McCarthy said his absence against Atlanta was related to his health rather than stalled contract negotiations.
Despite the absence, Pittsburgh’s defense managed to contain Atlanta and provide enough support for Rodgers and the offense to secure the opening-day victory.
