Aaron Rodgers Struggled in Week 2 Loss to Patriots

The veteran quarterback recorded three turnovers during a difficult outing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing a football quarterback in black and yellow avoiding defensive pressure from an opponent in navy blue. — Aaron Rodgers recorded three turnovers during a difficult Week 2 performance as the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the New England Patriots. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Aaron Rodgers finished with 4.8 yards per attempt as the Pittsburgh Steelers faltered against the Patriots in Week 2. The performance was marred by three total turnovers throughout the contest.

Why it matters

The Steelers offense struggled to establish consistent momentum, relying on short gains while failing to generate meaningful chunk plays. The turnover-heavy performance significantly hindered the team's ability to maintain possession and field position.

Rodgers averaged 4.8 yards per attempt during the game. The offense also suffered a significant setback in the second quarter, losing 37 yards on a single fumble play.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

He is a veteran NFL quarterback currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Germie Bernard

He is a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who was involved in a fourth-quarter interception play.

The details

The offensive struggles were compounded by a second-quarter fumble that cost the Steelers 37 yards and a fourth-quarter turnover that led to a Patriots scoop-and-score. Additionally, Rodgers threw a fourth-quarter interception that occurred immediately after a bobbled catch by wide receiver Germie Bernard.

The Steelers faced the Patriots during Week 2.
The team is scheduled to play the Bengals in Week 3.

The Big Picture

This performance serves as a stark departure from the 2024 NFL passing efficiency benchmarks that define elite quarterback play. The outcome highlights the volatility inherent in the current Steelers offensive scheme and raises questions about their ability to sustain drives against high-pressure defenses.

Fantasy managers should note that Rodgers is currently projected as a QB3 for the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Bengals. This downgrade reflects the recent turnover issues and the lack of explosive plays generated by the Pittsburgh offense.

The takeaway

Quarterback consistency remains the primary driver of success in a league where turnover margins frequently dictate the outcome of close games. Implementing a more conservative approach may be necessary for the team to limit negative plays while they work to rediscover their rhythm.