Tom Brady believes Aaron Rodgers remains a major reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers are leading the AFC North at 6-2. (Getty Images)
Tom Brady believes Aaron Rodgers has found a way to remain dangerous at 42, even as his ability to escape pressure has declined. Pittsburgh enters its bye week with a 6-2 record and four straight wins, giving Brady plenty of reason to believe in the veteran quarterback. Brady believes that version of Rodgers has changed, but the quarterback has not lost the instincts that made him one of the NFL’s best passers.
“Aaron’s always been a very aggressive passer,” Brady said. The former New England Patriots quarterback has praised Rodgers’ decision-making and backed the Pittsburgh Steelers to maintain their grip on the AFC North. His assessment also points to a change in Rodgers’ game. The Steelers quarterback is relying less on mobility and more on control from the pocket, a shift Brady knows well. Aaron Rodgers built much of his reputation in Green Bay by extending plays and making difficult throws look routine. He could move around the pocket, buy time and attack defenses when a passing lane opened. “If something was open down the field, he’d cut it loose.
Jaylen Warren ranks among the league’s leading players in scrimmage yards, while the Steelers defense has allowed just 14.2 points per game during their four-game winning streak. Pittsburgh’s 27-6 win over Cleveland on November 1 offered a clear example. “He’s always been an incredible passer of the football, but now that he’s playing from the pocket, he’s totally in control. I think he’s got six interceptions this year, and five of them have been off the hands of his receivers or a Hail Mary. He’s making incredible decisions. He has always made great decisions, and that’s why that team’s first place in the AFC North, and I don’t see anyone stopping them in that division, either. ” The running game has helped. Rodgers threw an interception, but the team still controlled the game.