Aaron Rodgers made his Pittsburgh Steelers debut against the New York Jets on Sunday, and there was a buzz in the FOX NFL Sunday studio from Michael Strahan about the veteran quarterback
Terry Bradshaw’s decision to look away while Michael Strahan showered Aaron Rodgers with praise spoke volumes about the broadcaster’s views. The new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback made his debut for the franchise against the New York Jets on Sunday.
And while former New York Giants icon Strahan lauded Rodgers’s influence with the Steelers on FOX NFL Sunday, Hall of Fame legend Bradshaw conspicuously turned his attention elsewhere – creating an instant that swiftly gained traction online.
Strahan said: “I do think there’s some magic left in Aaron Rodgers. Tom Brady, who is the GOAT, called Aaron Rodgers the greatest passer the league has ever seen.”
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He added: “They bring in DK Metcalf, they have a defense, this team has never had a losing season under Mike Tomlin…I do think that Aaron Rodgers can make a difference.”
However, when cameras switched to Bradshaw, the former Steelers quarterback seemed to divert his attention, possibly uneasy with such effusive praise. And it’s not the first time that Bradshaw’s opinion of Rodgers has caught traction either, reports the Mirror US.
He recently ridiculed the Steelers’ pursuit of the veteran as “a joke,” proposing Rodgers remain in California and joking that he should “chew on bark and whisper to the gods” rather than compete in Pittsburgh. Rodgers later hit back with dignity, acknowledging that Bradshaw doesn’t genuinely know him and putting Bradshaw’s views down to media spin.
He said during the NFL Network’s Back Together Weekend coverage: “Terry’s a legend. He’s an absolute legend. He won four Super Bowls. He’s had a legendary career in the media.
“But Terry, like a lot of people, doesn’t know me. So, he’s got an idea of what he thinks about me based on what I’ve done, the documentary, what I’ve said, darkness retreat, whatever the hell you want to talk about.”
On the pitch, Rodgers demonstrated he still possesses world-class ability. During his debut for the Steelers on Sunday, he orchestrated a slick opening quarter, completing 5-of-7 attempts for 93 yards and one touchdown, achieving a passer rating of 153.3.
His initial drive was particularly impressive: a 71-yard, 10-play sequence finished with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Ben Skowronek. The Steelers displayed composure and precision, exactly the sort of beginning that indicates Rodgers retains his brilliance.
His statistics demonstrate ruthless efficiency, including 93 yards from restricted involvement and one passing touchdown, despite being brought down once.
Yet the opener offered a glimpse of Pittsburgh’s aspirations with Rodgers orchestrating a well-rounded attack from the first play.
The opening drive featured powerful runs from Kenny Gainwell and accurate passes to Jonnu Smith and DK Metcalf, before a neat touchdown delivery from Rodgers to Skowronek.