After a high-scoring shootout, quarterback Aaron Rodgers managed to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 34-32 victory over the New York Jets in his team debut. But what impressed Pittsburgh the most weren't the gaudy numbers next to Rodgers' name in the box score.
Overall, the quarterback completed 22-of-30 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. He was in complete control of the offense and helped the Steelers bounce back whenever they took a blow.
The most impressive part about Rodgers' debut though, at least in Pittsburgh's eyes, is that he completed a pass to seven different pass catchers. As they continue their season, the Steelers want their quarterback to move the ball around, via Dan Graziano of ESPN.
“Fantasy football managers might not love hearing this, but the Steelers' coaching staff was thrilled with the way Aaron Rodgers spread the ball around in Sunday's victory over the Jets,” Graziano wrote. “The Steelers believe they have a collection of unselfish players on offense, and in their ideal world, they will continue to use all of them.”
Aaron Rodgers debut with Steelers
In Rodgers' first drive with his new franchise, he led the Steelers 71 yards down the field in 10 plays, capping it with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Ben Skowronek. In the first half, Pittsburgh only punted once with the team scoring on their three other drives.
Things looked a bit different come the third quarter though, as the Steelers punted on both of their drives. The Jets managed to capitalize, scoring a touchdown of their own and going up 26-17 entering the fourth quarter.
But then Rodgers came alive, throwing a pair of touchdown passes to open the quarter. One came after a costly fumble from the Jets. With a six-play 39-yard drive, the ended in a 60-yard field goal from Chris Boswell, the Steelers managed to steal a victory.
Rodgers has seen it all over his now 21 year NFL career. That's exactly why the Steelers signed him. They'll hope their offense stays potent when they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.
