Rodgers Stumbles as Steelers' AFC North Lead Hangs in the Balance
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Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a rare off night in Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, casting doubt on the team's ability to maintain its slender lead in the AFC North. The 41-year-old Rodgers, who has been a stalwart for the Steelers this season, struggled with accuracy and decision-making, completing just 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions. His usually reliable pocket presence was also lacking, as he was sacked for a safety in the first quarter. Despite his best efforts, Rodgers couldn't get his offense going, and the Steelers' red-zone efficiency, which has been a key factor in their success, was nowhere to be seen. The team's inability to convert third downs, a recurring issue this season, also hurt its chances. The Steelers' loss has trimmed their lead over the resurgent Baltimore Ravens to just one game, and they face a tough test this weekend when they host the Cincinnati Bengals. To regain their footing, the Steelers need to address their issues with play execution, particularly on first and second down, and find ways to get running back Jaylen Warren more involved in the offense. The Steelers' defense, meanwhile, is dealing with a growing injury list, including the loss of cornerback Darius Slay to a concussion. With the Bengals' high-powered offense coming to town, Pittsburgh's secondary will be under intense scrutiny. Rodgers, who is on pace to threaten Ben Roethlisberger's single-season franchise record for touchdown passes, acknowledged that he was off his game on Sunday, but vowed to bounce back. 'I should have just thrown the ball at someone's feet there,' he said, referring to a missed opportunity in the first quarter. With the Steelers' season hanging in the balance, Rodgers and his teammates will need to regroup and refocus if they want to make a run at the playoffs. The question is, can they get back on track in time?
