For the sixth-straight week, Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers offense scored 20-plus points; however, the veteran quarterback wants more.
Many doubted Pittsburgh before their Week Nine tilt against the Indianapolis Colts, but after a strong performance on both sides of the ball, the team improved to 5-3. The defensive unit had its best outing of the season, holding Indianapolis’ top-five offense to just 20 points.
Offensively, Rodgers threw for 203 yards and a touchdown. As the veteran continues his hot start in the black and gold, it is evident he wants it all.
Rodgers’ blunt response to Steelers’ 27-20 victory
It did not take long for the Steelers’ 41-year-old QB to move past their Week Nine win, as he admits they were not perfect Sunday.
During his postgame press conference, Rodgers praised the defense but said his unit underperformed.
“We gotta look in the mirror and play better on offense, cause that’s not good enough,” Rodgers said. “Any phase, me, the run game, catching the football. Defense played incredible. In a game like that, we gotta put 35-42 on the board and close the game out.”
Pittsburgh’s defense and special teams erupted for six total turnovers, stealing all momentum from the team in blue. With their backs against the wall from the second quarter on, Indianapolis was unable to pull the game back in its favor. For the Steelers’ defense, 20 points allowed poses as the fewest since their victory over Cleveland in Week Six.
Playing complementary football has been a struggle for Pittsburgh in the young 2025 season, but the win over the Colts may be the most impressive thus far. While Rodgers is not overly impressed with his offense, the quarterback may not have been at 100% himself.
During pregame warmups, the Steelers QB appeared to be mending a potential hand injury on his throwing hand, something the CBS Sports crew picked up on.
The four-time MVP remained unfazed and played the entirety of the contest against Indianapolis. Whether the alleged bump impacted him or not, Rodgers appears to be fully healthy as the Steelers look ahead to Week Ten.
Another primetime tilt awaits as Pittsburgh will travel to Los Angeles next Sunday Night to meet the Chargers.
Sean Payton Discusses What Makes Him a Master of Game Management in the Fourth Quarter
Sean Payton, head coach of the Denver Broncos, has opened up about the key factors that allow him to be a standout at managing games in the fourth quarter
. Known for his sharp decision-making and ability to control the pace of a game, Payton shared his insights into what it takes to thrive in the most critical moments of a matchup.
“I think the most important thing in the fourth quarter is staying calm and trusting your preparation,” Payton said during a recent press conference. “It’s about knowing your team inside and out — understanding what you can ask from them and how they respond in high-pressure situations. You have to stay ahead of the game mentally and be ready to adjust on the fly.”
Payton, whose career has been defined by his offensive ingenuity and ability to manage games effectively, emphasized the importance of staying composed when the game is on the line. “In the fourth quarter, emotions are high, and the stakes are even higher. That’s when your training kicks in, and you have to make sure that your team is focused on execution and not letting the pressure overwhelm them.”
He also mentioned the role of communication and adaptability in those final moments. “You have to communicate with your players and coaches constantly to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Payton explained. “And when the defense or offense shifts, you’ve got to be able to adapt and make the right call at the right time.”
One of Payton’s most notable strengths is his ability to adjust his game plan depending on the situation, which has earned him a reputation for excelling in the closing minutes of a game. Whether it’s calling the right play on offense or making the defensive adjustments needed to seal a win, Payton knows how to take control and keep the momentum on his side.
“When you’re in the fourth quarter, it’s all about making the right decisions quickly,” Payton said. “There’s no time for second-guessing. You’ve got to believe in your game plan, trust your team, and make sure they’re executing.”
As the Broncos continue to push toward playoff contention, Payton’s ability to manage games in the fourth quarter will remain a key factor in their success. His experience and calm demeanor under pressure are qualities that have made him one of the league’s best at closing out games.
