Aaron Rodgers is 6-2 in 2026, but he still yearns for more – his second Super Bowl title in what is expected to be the final year of his NFL career.Even with extra time to rest and regroup during the midseason bye, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is focused on areas where he can still improve.As the crucial Week 10 AFC North showdown against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals approaches, Pittsburgh’s struggles are once again resurfacing – particularly with the wide receivers, red-zone decisions, and head coach Mike McCarthy’s play-calling.
Aaron Rodgers vs Joe Burrow in AFC North clash
The 42-year-old signal-caller spoke to reporters Wednesday and acknowledged that winning can sometimes hide problems that can eventually become costly in the playoffs – particularly when the stakes are highest.“I feel like being 6-2 is really good. When you win, sometimes you can gloss over some areas that need improvement if you want to get to where you want to get to, so I think that’s the important thing that experience gives you,” Aaron Rodgers said.He hopes that his team will hold itself to a higher standard so that it can compete in championships in January and February.The upcoming matchup is particularly crucial because the Cincinnati Bengals are also entering Week 10 with a 6-2 record. Sunday’s showdown could determine who takes the lead in the AFC North. Who falls to 6-3 and who flies to 7-2!
Mike McCarthy’s overdependence on DK Metcalf
Aaron Rodgers’ team has failed to convert 50 percent of its red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. This could become a big hurdle against stronger contenders heading into the 2026 playoffs.The Pittsburgh quarterback believes execution is the primary problem. “It’s just execution. There are fixable things, so we’ll fix them and hopefully be better this week,” he said.However, according to TribLIVE News’ Tim Benz, execution is not the problem; the issue lies in head coach Mike McCarthy’s play selection. The Steelers could hand the ball to running backs Jaylen Warren or Rico Dowdle, or opt for the Pat Push.They just need to stop repeatedly calling high-arching end-zone jump balls, or “fade routes,” for veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf. They also need to stop trying to turn tight end Darnell Washington into something he is not by putting him in difficult situations.Pittsburgh’s passing game presents another challenge. Rodgers noted that the Steelers must expect a lot of man coverage and stressed the importance of receivers winning their individual matchups.“We’ve got to get open and win our one-on-ones and get the ball delivered in the proper spot,” he said.The one-time Super Bowl champion hopes Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson return sooner rather than later. He is also looking forward to seeing what Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Max Hurleman can contribute.As for the upcoming matchup vs. Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals, Rodgers praised Burrow and his two star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.“The Bengals have been playing really well lately. They’ve only lost one since we played them. Joe [Burrow] is having a great year. Those two studs they’ve got [Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins] are having Pro Bowl- or All-Pro-caliber years.So, we know we’ve got to put some points up and handle the environment,” he said. Burrow also had some compliments for the veteran quarterback.
Joe Burrow’s praise for Aaron Rodgers ahead of Steelers clash
During a Wednesday media interaction, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow spoke about Aaron Rodgers. Burrow was asked about his possibility of Week 10 being his final game vs. Rodgers because then Rodgers could retire in 2027.“He’s one of the greatest that’s ever done it,” Burrow said. “He’s 41 or 42 and still doing it at a high level. I would have trouble calling it quits when I’m still playing like that at that age.So I’ve enjoyed watching him for a long time, and this year, I think he’s playing so well. And, you know, he really played great in the last game we played.Dang! You’re perfect. And made me feel like I had to be perfect the whole time too. And, you know, he’s done that for a long time.”In the first meeting between the Bengals and Steelers this season, Rodgers’ team defeated Burrow’s side 30-27. Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns. Repeating that performance may require Pittsburgh to address its current struggles.