Mike Tomlin: “You Go Into Business With Aaron Rodgers for Days Like Sunday”

Baltimore, Md. – After a tough Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills that left questions swirling around the future of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ ability to perform through injury, the Steelers bounced back with a gritty 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14.

The victory, sealed with a game-ending sack from edge rusher Alex Highsmith on Lamar Jackson, thrust the Steelers back into first place in the highly competitive AFC North. With the win, the Steelers are firmly back in playoff contention, but the road ahead remains challenging.

Rodgers, who had been dealing with a fractured left wrist, silenced critics with a season-high performance that provided a timely answer to questions about his health and effectiveness. The veteran quarterback’s ability to rise to the occasion was evident from the start. On the very first offensive play of the game, Rodgers connected with wide receiver DK Metcalf for a 52-yard completion, breaking a long streak without a pass thrown over 20 yards.

That was just the beginning. Rodgers also found Calvin Austin for a 31-yard gain and, perhaps most impressively, helped running back Jaylen Warren turn a short pass into a 39-yard touchdown. By the end of the game, Rodgers had completed 23 of 34 passes for 284 yards, the most he has thrown for in a single game this season.

Tomlin’s Praise for Rodgers

In his postgame press conference, Tomlin was full of praise for Rodgers, who he described as the key reason the Steelers were able to secure such a critical win. “We knew what was on the line today and that’s why you go do business with a guy like Aaron,” Tomlin said. “For days like today. He’s a been-there, done-that guy. Beyond the experience component of it, he relishes it. You can just tell. That’s the benefit of having a guy like AR.”

Rodgers, who has long been regarded as one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, delivered when it mattered most. His clutch throws, including the deep connection with Metcalf and the precise pass to Austin, helped put the Steelers in a strong position to secure the victory.

While Rodgers’ performance was key, Tomlin’s words reflected a broader strategy for the Steelers as they look to finish the season strong. With the Steelers’ playoff hopes still very much alive, Tomlin’s comments suggest they will continue to lean heavily on Rodgers’ leadership and experience in the remaining weeks of the season.

A Clutch Win Amid Playoff Push

The win over the Ravens was crucial for the Steelers, who needed a victory to stay on track in the tight AFC North race. Despite the early struggles in the season, the Steelers have rebounded with several strong performances, and their hopes of securing a playoff spot remain intact.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do, but today was a step in the right direction,” Tomlin said. “Aaron showed why we brought him in here today. And for him to do it under those circumstances, that’s the type of player we need to help lead this team moving forward.”

As the Steelers face a tough final stretch of games, the reliance on Rodgers’ playmaking abilities and leadership will be paramount. The team has already proven its resilience in the face of adversity, and with Rodgers in charge of the offense, there’s a sense that Pittsburgh can continue to surprise, even as they navigate the challenges of a difficult schedule.

Looking Ahead

With only four weeks left in the regular season, the Steelers are far from guaranteed a playoff spot, but they are in a much stronger position after their win over Baltimore. Rodgers, with his wealth of experience, will be tasked with guiding the Steelers through the final stretch, and if Week 14 is any indication, Pittsburgh’s chances of making a deep playoff run have never been more alive.

For now, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are focusing on the immediate future: continuing to ride Rodgers’ arm and leadership as they battle for playoff positioning. With Rodgers back to full form, Tomlin’s confidence in his quarterback seems well-placed, and Steelers fans are hoping that this will be the start of something special.