Rob Gronkowski thinks Aaron Rodgers is already reconsidering his decision to keep playing football this season.
Rodgers fended off retirement to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 42-year-old hasn’t looked sharp, averaging 5.5 yards per pass with one touchdown through two games. He registered 187 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in Sunday’s 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots.
After watching his former team dismantle the Steelers, Gronkowski wondered how Rodgers now feels about his offseason choice.
“Aaron Rodgers is probably thinking that he should have retired last year,” Gronkowski told former Patriots teammate and current Fox Sports colleague Julian Edelman. “After watching the first two weeks, I’m saying that’s what he was probably thinking. He may be thinking that if it continues the way it continues for the Steelers. I mean, there’s just no juice on that offensive side of the ball.”
Is Rodgers having regrets?
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Edelman tried to tell Gronkowski it’s too early to assume Rodgers wishes he had retired. But the Steelers aren’t on track to give the star quarterback a storybook ending.
Pittsburgh ranks 30th in total offense, mustering 350 total yards through two games. They’ve scored two touchdowns, including a J.J. Watt pick-six.
Rodgers’ 31.6 QBR ranks 30th among all starters, leading only Justin Herbert and Cooper Rush. He’s taken six sacks, including a hard hit that caused a fumble in the opening half of Sunday’s loss.
Rodgers has yet to rediscover his old Green Bay Packers magic with Mike McCarthy. Some observers also feel the quarterback criticized his former head coach’s playcalling after the game.
“In a game like today where there wasn’t a lot of flow to it, we need to be better, and it starts with me,” Rodgers said. “At like, making sure that Mike knows what’s working and what’s not working. The coaches know, so that we can call stuff that gives us a better chance.”
Rodgers could feel a lot better about playing football if the Steelers defeat the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday afternoon.
