Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is gearing up for what is expected to be his final NFL campaign. While analysts raise skepticism about his age, Miami Dolphins All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks is confident about Rodgers, crediting him for one specific trait.

Speaking on the Film Watchers YouTube channel on July 14, Brooks warned against underestimating the legendary veteran signal-caller, despite his advancing age.

"He's playing chess. You really just want to play honest,” Brooks said. “At this point in his career, he's probably not going to take it off the top like he used to. But his superpower is his knowledge of the game, so he's still effective in that way. Really gotta be on your toes."

Brooks stated in the Film Watchers podcast how lethal Rodgers' mind can be. Last season in Week 15, Rodgers carved up the Dolphins' defense in a decisive 28-15 Steelers victory, completing an incredibly efficient 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. 

Even though Brooks put up a stellar individual performance with 13 tackles and a sack, it was not enough to disrupt the quarterback's masterclass.

This was not Brooks' first encounter with the legend, either. Back in 2021, while playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Brooks faced a prime Rodgers during his MVP run. 

Though the Packers secured a 17-0 shutout, Seattle's defense held Rodgers to 292 yards and an interception, with Brooks racking up 13 tackles.

Having battled both the athletic phenom of Green Bay and the cerebral coordinator of Pittsburgh, Brooks respects the evolution of Rodgers' game. 

Rodgers' greatest strength has always been his football IQ. He has a knack for reading defenses. It helps him in adjusting protections and drawing defenders offside before the snap. These traits made him one of the league's best in that area.

While he may not be the same athlete he was a few seasons ago, Brooks believes Rodgers still has the experience and intelligence to help Pittsburgh compete for a deep playoff run.

However, doubts still loom for the Steelers quarterback.

J.J. Jansen is doubtful of Aaron Rodgers' second season with the Steelers 

J.J. Jansen, the longtime Carolina Panthers long snapper, recently shared some incredibly honest thoughts on his former Green Bay teammate Rodgers.

While Jansen still respects the star quarterback, he does not believe Rodgers can carry the Steelers to greatness. Jansen predicted a mediocre season during an appearance on the NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal podcast.

"I would certainly trust the ball in Aaron’s hand in the fourth quarter,” Jansen said. “But it’s sort of just an uninteresting 9-8, 10-7, 7-10 kind of team for me."

For years, critics have labeled the Steelers as average. Many fans hope that head coach Mike McCarthy can finally change that narrative. However, Jansen's blunt prediction shows that heavy doubts still remain.

This extra motivation might be exactly what Rodgers needs. The Steelers will face Jansen and the Panthers in Week 16. 

Will Rodgers use these comments to prove he still has plenty of elite talent? Share your thoughts.

Read more at Cincinnati Bengals Community.

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar