Steelers Fall 20-3, Rodgers Calls for Ownership
6 sourcesUpdated Sep 21, 2026
The New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3. Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 39 passes for 187 yards, with 0 touchdowns, 1 interception and 4 sacks, a 60.5 passer rating and 4.8 yards per attempt. Pittsburgh converted 2 of 12 third downs and rushed for 91 yards, with Jaylen Warren leading at 43. On a second-quarter third-and-7, Christian Elliss and Robert Spillane hit Rodgers, who fumbled; Troy Fautanu recovered for a huge loss that forced a fourth-and-43 punt. In the fourth quarter Christian Barmore strip-sacked Rodgers and Elijah Ponder scooped the ball and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown. A Rodgers pass deflected off Germie Bernard into Gabe Jacas's hands for an interception. The Steelers defense had Patrick Queen intercept Drake Maye, Nick Herbig force a fumble recovered by Payton Wilson, and T.J. Watt record 1.5 sacks. Rodgers said players must take ownership and be accountable to each other, that if there is too much stuff in the plan they have got to cut it back, that the defense held New England to 13 points so the offense had to win, and that there would be no panic from him or Mike McCarthy. James "Deebo" Harrison posted "We are cooked!!!!!" on X.
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The fumble returned for a score and constant third down failures show the offense has deeper issues than just one game.
Rodgers has a point about needing clearer communication and a simpler plan after so many sacks and missed throws.
