Mike Tomlin has made one thing abundantly clear: don’t expect to see much-if anything-from Aaron Rodgers this preseason. But the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach’s stance hasn’t gone over well with everyone. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the 20-year veteran still has left in the tank.
The preseason began on a high note for Pittsburgh. In their opening game last week, the Steelers cruised to a 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Mason Rudolph starting and Skylar Thompson taking most of the snaps under center.
However, just one day before their second preseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tomlin disappointed fans and media by announcing that Rodgers and the team’s veteran core would remain on the bench. Among the critics was 93.7 The Fan analyst Austin Bechtold, who argued that Rodgers and company should be on the field.
“Rodgers should play in the preseason”
On a recent episode of Powler of Bowser, Bechtold voiced his frustration with Tomlin’s decision:
“I first and foremost think that Rodgers, [DK] Metcalf-really, everybody-should play this game. I want to see them get some live game reps. I understand you had joint practices with Tampa Bay and worked on some things there, but it’s not the same.”
Bechtold acknowledged that some strategic elements are better kept off tape and can be refined during joint practices. Still, he emphasized that fans and media are hungry to see Rodgers in a real game setting.
“I still want to see Aaron Rodgers in what Mike Tomlin calls an in-stadium setting-a game-time, game-day environment-to shake off the rust. People have concerns about Rodgers’ age,” Bechtold added, underscoring the growing divide over Tomlin’s approach.
Rodgers will sit the entire preseason
Despite mounting pressure, Tomlin remains firm in his decision to keep Rodgers in bubble wrap until Week 1 of the regular season. When asked whether Rodgers would participate only in joint practices, Tomlin replied curtly: “I’ll deal with it next week, next week.”
With the regular season just three weeks away, fans and analysts are left to speculate about Rodgers’ readiness. The mystery surrounding the four-time MVP looms large, as Pittsburgh hopes he still has enough firepower to lead the team to a playoff berth.
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