The Pittsburgh Steelers offense hit rock bottom Sunday with a woeful, seven-point performance in a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. The hometown fans repeatedly vented their frustrations with Aaron Rodgers & Co., raining boos down on the offense and quarterback.
"I totally understand the frustration," Rodgers said after the 26-7 loss, via ESPN. "I've been booed on offense, even in Green Bay over the years. That was a boo-worthy performance."
Was it ever.
In eight non-end-of-half possessions, the Steelers generated more than one first down twice. They needed a James Cook fumble in their own end of the field to score a touchdown. Their second-half drives went: one play, sack-fumble for a touchdown; four plays, interception; three-and-out; turnover on downs; end of game.
Through three quarters, Pittsburgh generated a measly 90 yards and seven first downs. They finished with 166 yards and 10 first downs.
Mind you, this depressing offensive outing came against a Bills team that had allowed an average of 28.3 points per game over the past three contests. The '85 Bears they ain't.
Rodgers was bloodied on the first play of the third quarter, on a down in which the 41-year-old tried to extend the play, got sacked, lost the ball and wound up with a gash on his nose. Rodgers said after the loss he hopes it's not broken.
Rodgers went 10-of-21 for 117 passing yards and a 65.0 passer rating on Sunday -- replaced by Mason Rudolph for one drive in the third quarter and the final possession (Rudolph: 0-3, 1 INT).
The four-time NFL MVP, who looked like a shell of himself late and can't stretch the field with this passing attack, suggested two ways to get everyone on the same page to smooth out the defensive issues.
"When there's film sessions, everybody shows up, and when I check to a route, you do the right route," Rodgers said. "We have our meetings every week. We have other opportunities outside of the facility, and [I] look forward to seeing all the boys there."
The seven points scored were the fewest for the Steelers in a game since a 22-6 loss in Week 4, 2023, to the Houston Texans on the road, with Kenny Pickett under center.
Things got so bad in Pittsburgh that fans actually booed during the playing of Renegade, and the "Fire Tomlin" chants reverberated around the stadium.
"Man, I share their frustration tonight," coach Mike Tomlin said. "We didn't do enough, and that's just the reality of it. ... I know how restless and frustrated I was, and so I assume they were in the same state we were in."
Even as this feels like the low point of the lengthy Tomlin era, the Steelers remain tied atop the AFC North at 6-6, with a Week 14 date against the Baltimore Ravens for the division lead. Things can still turn around -- if the offense can score some points.
