Watt reveals surprise over Aaron Rodgers’ brutal hits as “unconventional” recovery methods become talking point J.J.
Aaron Rodgers took several hard hits during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots, but he kept playing. Watt, who said he could not understand how the 42-year-old quarterback got back up so quickly after one especially hard hit. Watt discussed Rodgers’ performance during the September 23 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, after watching the Steelers struggle against New England. The hit knocked the ball loose, and the Steelers lost 36 yards on the play after the fumble was recovered. He explained his surprise on The Pat McAfee Show, saying, “I have no idea how 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers got up from this hit. During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take on September 23, Jordan asked for patience with the Steelers’ offense after its slow start. Jordan said he believed some of Pittsburgh’s problems in Week 1 were caused by dropped passes and missed calls rather than poor throws from Aaron. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Because of either a non-call or a drop down the field were on the money, the throws that were not completed. Boston.com reported that New England finished the game with four sacks and seven additional hits on Rodgers. Boston.com reported that the Patriots’ defense also forced another Rodgers fumble later in the game, which was returned for a touchdown.
Watt also mentioned Rodgers’ “unconventional methods” for recovery, while Rodgers’ brother Jordan later defended his play on ESPN’s First Take. Watt, who was watching the game from the broadcast booth, said the hit looked far worse than Rodgers’ reaction suggested. He said, “Rodgers was actually very accurate down the field. He also said Aaron and Steelers coach Mike McCarthy are still working through their new relationship in Pittsburgh.
That caught the attention of former NFL star J.J. The former defensive end was especially surprised by a second-quarter hit that forced Rodgers to fumble. With Pittsburgh inside New England territory, Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss came through unblocked and hit Rodgers from behind as another defender closed in from the front. It was violent. It was explosive, and he got it from the front and the back, and he just popped right up, and he kept playing. Watt then pointed to another moment when Rodgers took a knee to the side of his head while making a tackle. He added, “He also made a tackle later in the game where he took a knee straight to the side of the head. So I know he uses some unconventional methods, let’s say, for recovery or whatever things, whatever they are, they’re working. The comments came after a difficult afternoon for Rodgers, as Pittsburgh struggled to move the ball and was held to three points. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines While Watt was talking about Rodgers’ ability to take punishment, his younger brother Jordan Rodgers was focused on the quarterback’s play. Not trying to be a homer. Jordan’s comments came after the brothers recently repaired their relationship following years of distance. The Steelers will now turn their attention to the Cincinnati Bengals, giving Rodgers and the offense another chance to respond after the loss to New England. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.