Steelers Overcome Buccaneers in Overtime as Rodgers Ties Peyton Manning
Pittsburgh improved to 4-2 on the season after overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat Tampa Bay 26-19.
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 26-19 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, improving their record to 4-2 on the season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers played a central role in the comeback, leading the team back from a 13-point deficit to claim the franchise's first away win of the year.
During the game, the 42-year-old quarterback reached a major career milestone by throwing his 539th career regular-season touchdown pass. With this milestone, Rodgers tied Peyton Manning for third place on the NFL's all-time touchdown list.
Rodgers finished the contest with 253 passing yards and two touchdown passes. He directed four scoring drives in the fourth quarter before capping off a 12-play, 70-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass that gave Pittsburgh the lead for good with approximately four minutes remaining in overtime.
Despite the dramatic finish, the performance drew criticism from observers regarding the team's overall consistency. Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter expressed doubts about the team's level of competition, pointing out that Tampa Bay played without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Carter remarked during an appearance on the Fully Loaded Podcast that Rodgers has not proven his critics wrong, emphasizing that the Buccaneers were diminished without Mayfield and fielding a backup free agent quarterback. Carter also noted that the offensive line allowed five sacks in the first three quarters, adding that Rodgers threw an interception in the opening quarter that led to early points for Tampa Bay kicker Chase McLaughlin.
Carter further observed that the physical toll of aging is becoming apparent in Rodgers' mobility. While acknowledging his continued arm strength and throwing talent, Carter stated that Rodgers can no longer move the way he used to, describing the matchup as an ugly football game that Pittsburgh was fortunate to win.
With the overtime victory behind them, the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers now look ahead to their Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Paris.