Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Explains Aaron Rodgers' Big Mistake In Week 17 Loss To Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense clearly missed wide receiver DK Metcalf in their 13–6 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. With Metcalf unavailable, the Steelers struggled to generate explosive plays or sustain drives, and the absence of a true game-breaking threat was evident throughout the afternoon. Of course, Metcalf couldn’t play in this game, and he will also miss the Week 18 regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. In a matchup that will decide Pittsburgh’s playoff fate in a win-or-go-home scenario, the timing of his absence could not be worse.

Metcalf’s suspension stems from an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan in Week 16, resulting in a two-game ban that has left the Steelers shorthanded at the worst possible moment. Without him on the field, the offense couldn’t score a touchdown in what turned into a stunning upset loss to Cleveland. Drives repeatedly stalled, and Pittsburgh failed to capitalize on key opportunities, allowing the Browns to control the game despite scoring just 13 points themselves.

One play in particular stood out to former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who broke it down in detail on his Footbahlin podcast Tuesday evening. Roethlisberger pointed to a critical 4th-and-1 situation with just under three minutes remaining in the second quarter, when Aaron Rodgers attempted a low-percentage throw to Scotty Miller. 

"So when we watched that play live, I kind of said something," Roethlisberger began. "I texted Merril [Hoge] and said that I wanted to see the All-22 because it looked to me like Pat Freiermuth came in short motion and did a little switch release with Adam Thielen, who runs a quick little slant route. I think he is open. I wanted to see the look… it was exactly kind of what I thought in my mind, what happened."

According to Roethlisberger, Rodgers’ decision-making and ball placement were both flawed, especially considering Adam Thielen was wide open across the middle. 

The breakdown helped Steelers fans better understand what went wrong on the play and why the offense came away empty-handed in a moment that could have changed the entire game. Roethlisberger believes it’s as simple as Rodgers not making a good throw.

"Aaron [Rodgers] pre-determined that he had one-on-one and no safety help," Roethlisberger said. "He took the shot. I don't hate it. I really didn't hate it. My thing was he didn't make a great throw, but looking back at the film, it was exactly what we thought and what the defense was trying... Adam was open on the quick slant. I think because when that happens, you have to make that decision quick... you got to pick that you are going there... the slant is there right now. He could hit it right now, it's a first down and we keep it moving. Aaron picked that side. That's what happens sometimes when you play quarterback."

Steelers Must Win In Week 18

As for the predetermined decision to go to Miller on the go route, that will largely be criticized, but this one play didn’t determine the outcome of the game. Still, it certainly would have helped if the Steelers had turned that drive into seven points right before halftime in a game they ultimately lost 13–6. 

That one play can be classified as a difference-maker, but it didn’t lose them the game on its own. Rodgers picked his spot with Miller, and it didn’t work out. Now, the Steelers must win in Week 18 to make the playoffs and capture the AFC North.

Do you agree with Ben Roethlisberger’s breakdown of the play? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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