Aaron Rodgers’ last dance: After 21 seasons in the NFL, can the veteran QB still deliver?
Aaron Rodgers begins his 22nd NFL season today as the Pittsburgh Steelers open up training camp with a new coach, but the same QB and same goal.
The Pittsburgh Steelers start training camp today, and that officially begins Aaron Rodgers 22nd year in the NFL. The future Hall of Famer is likely embarking on his final season, and the burning question in the Steele City is: how much does the 42 year old have left in the tank?
Rodgers, McCarthy reunited
This is Rodgers second year in Pittsburgh, but this time things are much different. First of all, he did take his time deciding his future this summer, but not as much time as last year. Last year he missed minicamp while he was still figuring out whether he would play one more year. This year, he let his intentions be known in time to get some snaps with his teammates during minicamp and OTAs.
He comes into the first day of training camp with a familiarity already built with his teammates from last year. The Steelers went to the postseason after the AFC North last season, but went crashing out of the playoffs in the Wild Card round after losing to Houston 30-6. The regular season was a success, but they went another year without a playoff win. That stretched their playoff win drought to nine years.
That eventually led to the stepping down of long time head coach of the Steelers, Mike Tomlin. The departure opened the door for Pittsburgh to bring in someone very familiar with Aaron Rodgers. Mike McCarthy was named head coach, reuniting the offensive genius with his long time quarterback from Green Bay. McCarthy and Rodgers spent over a decade together at Lambeau, winning a Super Bowl together and building one of the most potent offenses in the league.
More weapons in Aaron’s arsenal
That is what they will be hoping for in Pittsburgh this season. Rodgers might be another year older, but he showed that he can still sling it around with the best of them. He threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions in what was a primarily run first offense.
Rodgers should see his numbers increase under McCarthy, who knows how to put his long time quarterback in positions to succeed. Last season Rodgers didn’t have a ton of options at the wide receiver position, but this season the Steelers front office went out and acquired a few more weapons for Rodgers. Veteran wideout Michale Pittman and youngster Germie Bernard were added to the WR room and that should free up DK Metcalf who was Rodgers’ top receiver last year with 850 yards.
The Steelers have made the playoffs in five of their last six seasons, but they are desperate to have a Super Bowl contender in the Steele City. This could be the last chance for Rodgers to get a second Super Bowl ring, and the Steelers seem to have put the pieces around him to succeed this year. The journey starts today. The question is, when and how will it end for Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers?
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