Aaron Rodgers didn’t hold back when asked about Mike Tomlin‘s future following the Steelers‘ 27-22 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday as the December 7 win halted a two-game skid and returned Pittsburgh to the top of the AFC North.
The victory also allowed Pittsburgh to regain control of their division as the NFL Playoffs beckon, as the team moved to 7-6 and reinforced its position in the postseason race – and it was down to the excellent performance of their quarterback.
The 42-year-old Rodgers‘ leadership and poise played a key role, demonstrating the importance of veteran presence in critical games and he quickly shot back at reporters questioning the mentality of the team and the coaching staff.
“It means maybe you guys will shut the hell up for a week,” Rodgers said bluntly, making it clear he was unfazed by media chatter while showing support for his head coach, Mike Tomlin.
Talk around Tomlin‘s position intensified after recent struggles, even drawing opinions from Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger, who suggested a fresh start might benefit the coach personally and professionally, citing his potential as a college recruiter.
“It’s being talked about around here a lot,” Roethlisberger said. “Maybe it’s a clean-house time. Maybe it’s time.
“I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin. But maybe it’s best for him, too.
“Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best. Whether that’s in the pros, maybe go be Penn State‘s head coach.
“You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships. Because he’s a great recruiter.”
Despite the chatter, Sunday’s win shifted focus back to performance rather than speculation. Rodgers’ pointed response reflected the sentiment in Pittsburgh: results matter more than rumors when playoff positioning is on the line.
Tomlin described the victory as an “awesome team win,” highlighting collective effort rather than individual accolades, and emphasizing the importance of teamwork in maintaining momentum through a challenging season.
Players largely ignored the off-field discussion, with linebacker Patrick Queen suggesting the team had been focused solely on preparation and execution, showing unity behind Tomlin even as outside voices questioned his tenure.
The Steelers now face a crucial stretch over the final four games, relying on Rodgers to guide them through remaining playoff battles, while Tomlin’s future appears secure, at least for now, given the team’s return to first place.
Tomlin returns Rodgers’ compliment after Ravens win
The lopsided loss to the Bills in Week 13 had raised doubts about both Tomlin‘s leadership and Rodgers‘ fractured left wrist, yet their visit to Baltimore ended with a much more positive narrative and a morale-boosting victory.
Edge rusher Alex Highsmith sealed the win with a sack on Lamar Jackson on the final play, illustrating Pittsburgh’s defensive resilience while Rodgers‘ performance on offense quelled questions about both his health and readiness.
Rodgers connected early, completing a 52-yard pass to DK Metcalf on the first offensive play and following it with additional long completions, including a 31-yard connection to Calvin Austin and a 39-yard run by Jaylen Warren.
The quarterback finished 23-of-34 for a season-high 284 yards, showing the team has what it takes to beat the best, in a tangible response to critics who questioned his ability to operate effectively through injury in high-pressure situations – and Tomlin praised that experience.
“We knew what was on the line today,” Tomlin said. “And that’s why you go do business with a guy like Aaron. For thick days like today.
“He’s a been-there done-that guy. Beyond the experience component of it, he relishes it. You can just tell. That’s the benefit of having a guy like AR.”
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