Aaron Rodgers has hopes of leading the Pittsburgh Steelers on a deep playoff run in 2025.
But if the first weeks of training camp are anything to go by, that might be more of a distant dream than a realistic expectation.
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Rodgers has struggled in the opening weeks of Steelers training campCredit: Getty
The veteran NFL quarterback, 41, has struggled in practice — and Sunday’s session was particularly alarming.
When the Steelers put the pads on for just the third time, the defense stifled the offense in a brutal Seven Shots drill to begin the day, securing a 6-1 win.
Rodgers, who has spent time on the golf course this summer, was 0-for-3 during that period, with one of those attempts being a missed connection with receiver Ben Skowronek.
Another was a play where there were no receivers open, and on the third, the QB would have been sacked in a game, but rolled out and threw the ball away instead.
There were also seven plays in the practice finale, and the defense got the better of the offense throughout that goal-line drill, too.
Rodgers threw one touchdown when he connected with Darnell Washington, but the D — complete with a new $84 million Swiss Army knife star — won 6-1 again.
To make matters worse, a video from Steelers practice has gone viral in recent days, which shows the four-time MVP moving around at a ponderous pace.
Rodgers practice performance slammed by rival fans
The footage was posted by a fan of Pittsburgh’s rival in the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens, and was captioned: “This is what we’re supposed to be terrified of?”
Naturally, other fans were quick to rip into the QB for his sluggish movement.
“Somebody get this man a wheelchair please,” one responded.
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Rodgers appeared sluggish in viral footage from training campCredit: X: @RealmRavens
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The veteran QB has been struggling against Pittsburgh’s defenseCredit: X: @RealmRavens
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Rival fans were quick to poke fun at the 41-year-old veteran’s movementCredit: X: @RealmRavens
“He’s too old for the AFC North. Ask Russ (Wilson), he didn’t have much fun,” another said.
“Watching this, I think I can suit up and start in Pittsburgh. Wow,” a third wrote.
“Oooof, that actually looks terrible. I’m not a Rodgers hater either,” a fourth suggested.
While the veteran might be catching heat on social media, and has seen his passing game stifled in early practice sessions, there’s still plenty of time to work before the regular season begins.
Rodgers will return to MetLife Stadium in Week 1, where he spent the last two years, to lead the Steelers against the New York Jets on September 7.
He also had his best day of practice on Tuesday, as the offense won in Seven Shots and moved the ball as competently as they have to date.
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Rodgers and the offense recently bounced back from their tough weekend practiceCredit: GETTY
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He is preparing to lead the Steelers out in Week 1 against the JetsCredit: Getty/X: @RealmRavensSteelers defense backed to make difference
While the playmakers will hope to make their mark in the coming days and weeks, Pittsburgh’s dominant defense will also get a run out for their first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night.
It’s no secret that big things are expected this season, and new receiver DK Metcalf has offered some incredibly high praise after working against the D for a couple of weeks.
“Man, you don’t want my opinion because I think they are the best defense I’ve ever seen,” he said during an interview with NFL Network.
“They’re some dogs on the field and I tip my hat to them because they come to work every day.
Aaron Rodgers causes Pittsburgh Steelers fans to erupt in curse-laden chant as raucous Pat McAfee appearance spills over
“We don’t have any choice but to get better.”
If Rodgers and the offense can step up as Metcalf hopes, then being paired with that scary D could be a recipe for success for the Steelers in 2025.
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