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The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense made it difficult for Aaron Rodgers to perform at his best as the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the AFC West squad 25-10 on Sunday night.
Rodgers was his own worst critic after the game, lamenting his 16 completions for 161 yards, one touchdown pass, two interceptions and a fumble that he recovered, albeit in his own end zone just in case. The Chargers sacked Rodgers three times.
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Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
“This was not my best performance,” he said via ESPN. “I have to play better than this for us to win. Whatever it takes … if it’s better control, if it’s better pitching, whatever it is, I have to play better. I have to. … We definitely have to play better offensively. But this is part of the season.
“There’s an ebb and flow, there’s ups and downs, and we can’t ride the wave.”
Rodgers fumbled the ball in his own end zone while trying to avoid the rush in the first quarter. He got it back, but it cost Pittsburgh two points.
“I didn’t really see anyone open,” Rodgers said. “I felt like when I stepped up I saw Mack and I didn’t realize he had kind of lost contact with (right tackle) Troy (Fautanu).”
He had difficulty making contact with wide receiver DK Metcalf. He had Metcalf open near the goal line but overthrew him. Then, in the second quarter, he overthrew Metcalf again. This time, Chargers safety RJ Mickens was there for the interception.
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) forces Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) to fumble during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
CHARGERS DISASSEMBLY STEEL TO WIN THIRD STRAIGHT GAME IN DOMINANT FASHION
Rodgers completed just one pass in the third quarter. Los Angeles was up 15-3 early in the third quarter, and Pittsburgh had a chance to get at least six on the board. But several incompletions led to turnover on the downs.
It was that kind of night.
Instead of firing Rodgers while he was down, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin put it on the offense as a collective. He dodged a question about how he would rate Rodgers’ performance.
Rodgers’ lone touchdown pass was to Roman Wilson in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
The Steelers recognized the need to play better with the NFL season in the back half.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Pittsburgh has a slight lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. The Ravens are getting back to full strength with Lamar Jackson under center.
