After Sunday night’s ugly loss to the Chargers, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was in no mood to discuss quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ performance at SoFi Stadium.
When asked how he would rate Rodgers’ performance, Tomlin replied: “How would you do it? Next question.
During his press conference on Tuesday, Tomlin was asked if Rodgers’ lackluster effort in the team’s third straight prime-time loss was the product of a bad night or if there were bigger problems.
“I wouldn’t put it down to an off night,” Tomlin said, “but there are no long-term concerns.”
He was then asked to explain the discrepancy between explaining that it was not an “off night” and not having any long-term concerns.
“I’m just not going to allow your words to be my words,” Tomlin said, smiling. “That’s it… Sunday night was what it was, but I have no long-term reservations about his ability to play that position and play it at a high level for us.”
Rodgers will speak to reporters on Wednesday. He will surely be asked similar questions.
Regardless of what anyone says, there has been a noticeable change in Rodgers’ attitude. Against the Bengals in Week 7, Rodgers appeared irritated throughout the game. Sunday night against the Chargers, it was less frustration and more resignation coming from Rodgers.
Was he accepting the fact that it just wasn’t his night? Is he coming to terms with the very real possibility that this just isn’t his year?
Or is he slowly coming to terms with the fact that it’s time to move on, even if it means not undoing his two-year detour to the Jets with a playoff appearance?
Regardless, the Steelers are sinking quickly. From 4-1 to 5-4, with the rise of the Ravens and the threat of the Bengals. A loss to Cincinnati on Sunday would drop the Steelers to third place in a division they controlled not long ago.
