The confusion surrounding Aaron Rodgers' return to the Pittsburgh Steelers came to an end after the franchise signed a one-year contract. With this, the debate over Rodgers' addition was picked up again by ESPN analyst Chris Canty. However, it did not sit well with the Steelers fans.

On ESPN's Unsportsmanlike radio show, Canty questioned Pittsburgh's one-year, $25 million deal for the 42-year-old quarterback and pointed to Rodgers’ 3.7 yards per completion last year. To the analyst, the signing signals a lack of championship intent.

“I just think that for the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, one that prides itself on competing for championships, when you sign Aaron Rodgers to be your quarterback week one, what you are doing is conceding that we ain't winning a championship this year,” Canty said on May 17.

Before making this statement about Rodgers, Canty came up with some concerning statistics. He had the fastest snap-to-throw time, 2.59 seconds. That usually suggests short, quick passes instead of longer plays that take time to develop.

This was paired with his throws, which overall didn’t travel far downfield compared to other quarterbacks. Rodgers had the shortest average yards per attempt, 5.8 yards.

Canty also criticised Rodgers’ style of play, calling the short passing game “long handoffs” and highlighting concerns about his ability to handle pressure at this stage of his career.

“Aaron Rodgers is still able to compete because of what he knows, but the book is out,” Canty said. “Teams got projectors. They're watching a film. They know Aaron Rodgers ain't willing to hold onto the ball… if you're the Pittsburgh Steelers, you gotta know what you're signing up for.”

While Mike McCarthy appears comfortable viewing Rodgers as the possible game manager this season, Canty argues that the Steelers could have explored stronger options.

The discussion had now turned into a wider split, with fans defending the Steelers' move.

Steelers Fans Push Back on Chris Canty’s Aaron Rodgers Comments

A fan believed Canty's comments sounded less like football analysis and more like another shot at Rodgers.“Canty: continuing his obvious hatred for Rodgers.” The former Baltimore Ravens defensive end had to face the criticism.

Another fan brought up Canty’s past with the Baltimore Ravens, pointing to the long-standing rivalry between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. “Hmmmm . . . and Chris Canty played for . . oh yes, The Ravens,” read the comment. Pittsburgh leads the series 38-27.

In another fan's view, Rodgers still gives the Steelers a chance to compete in the AFC this season. “The Pittsburgh Steelers are most definitely in the championship discussion with Aaron Rodgers signing. They are that good,” read the comment. Rodgers played a key role in helping Pittsburgh reach the playoffs last year, prior to Mike Tomlin stepping away after a 19-year tenure as head coach.

A fan called out Canty for his take on Rodgers. “Being such a Rodgers hater must hurt,” he wrote. Though the season had its struggles, Rodgers kept Pittsburgh on track for a 10–7 record and delivered an AFC North title after a four-year gap.

While Canty questioned Pittsburgh's ceiling with the 42-year-old quarterback, many Steelers fans continue to believe the team remains competitive with Rodgers under center.

What are your thoughts? Share in the comments.

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar