Jordan Love Outduels Aaron Rodgers as Packers Top Steelers 35-25/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jordan Love delivered a masterful performance against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, leading the Packers to a 35-25 win in Pittsburgh. Rodgers, facing his former team for the first time, couldn’t match Love’s efficiency as Green Bay piled up 454 yards. The game marked a symbolic passing of the torch between two quarterbacks linked by legacy.
Jordan Love vs. Aaron Rodgers Reunion: Quick Looks
- Jordan Love throws for 360 yards, 3 TDs in dominant outing
- Packers beat Steelers 35-25 in Rodgers’ first game vs. Green Bay
- Love completes 20 straight passes, tying franchise record
- Aaron Rodgers finishes with 219 yards, 2 TDs in defeat
- Packers improve to 5-1-1; Steelers fall to 4-3
- WR Tucker Kraft hauls in 143 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Steelers’ defense falters for second straight game
- Pittsburgh fans hear “Go Pack Go” chants on home turf
Deep Look
Jordan Love Outshines Aaron Rodgers in Reunion Game as Packers Defeat Steelers 35-25
PITTSBURGH (AP) — In a long-anticipated showdown between the Green Bay Packers’ past and present, Jordan Love emerged as the undeniable future, leading his team to a 35-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and former franchise icon Aaron Rodgers.
Love, once Rodgers’ understudy, put on a clinic that mirrored the brilliance of his mentor’s prime. The 26-year-old quarterback threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns, completing 29 of 35 passes, including a streak of 20 consecutive completions that tied a Packers franchise record. As he calmly dissected the Steelers’ defense, Love showed the league why he’s ready to carry Green Bay’s legacy into a new era.
“My mindset was just trying to block all that extra stuff out and be the player I need to be,” said Love after the win.
Rodgers’ Return Comes Up Short
Rodgers, now 41 and in his third season with the Steelers after a blockbuster trade in 2023, had a more subdued outing. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns, but was unable to generate enough momentum in the second half to match Green Bay’s offensive outburst.
“Disappointed I didn’t play better, that we didn’t play better — especially in the second half,” Rodgers admitted.
Facing his former team for the first time, Rodgers found himself in unfamiliar territory — on the losing side of a “Go Pack Go” chant echoing through the stadium he now calls home. “First time I’ve used silent count in a home game in a long time,” he noted with a smile.
Love’s Breakout Performance
The evening belonged to Love, whose precision and poise silenced critics and reignited confidence in Green Bay’s post-Rodgers plan. He ended the first half with four straight completions and opened the second with 16 more — two of which were for touchdowns — as the Packers overturned a 9-point deficit.
“He was on fire,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur. “That’s why we kept wanting to throw the football.”
Tight end Tucker Kraft had a career night, hauling in seven receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Christian Watson also impressed in his return from an ACL injury with four catches for 85 yards.
Running back Josh Jacobs, though held to just 33 rushing yards, scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 3-yard run early in the fourth quarter, giving Green Bay a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
“He showed why he’s the successor,” said Packers defensive end Micah Parsons. “He’s the up-and-coming.”
Steelers’ Defense Struggles Again
For the second straight week, the Steelers’ defense — the NFL’s highest-paid unit — failed to contain a red-hot quarterback. Just nine days after surrendering a comeback win to Joe Flacco and the Bengals, Pittsburgh’s defense allowed 454 total yards, looking helpless as Green Bay pulled away in the second half.
“We’ve got to be better in all areas,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “We’ll be better. We have to be.”
Donning throwback uniforms honoring the 1933 Pittsburgh Pirates, the Steelers instead evoked less pride and more déjà vu, letting a winnable game slip away and missing a chance to solidify their position in the muddled AFC North.
Emotional But Respectful Reunion
Despite the narrative surrounding Rodgers’ return, both quarterbacks downplayed any rivalry or animosity.
Rodgers, who spent 18 seasons with the Packers, winning four MVPs and a Super Bowl, made it clear he holds no ill will. He also reiterated his intention to retire in Green Bay when the time comes.
“I’ve heard that chant for 18 years,” Rodgers said of the “Go Pack Go” cheers. “Packer fans travel really well.”
LaFleur praised Rodgers for his legacy and contributions to the franchise, but was quick to celebrate Love’s breakout.
“Jordan’s worked his butt off to get here. He was patient and took advantage of the opportunity,” said LaFleur.
Injuries
Packers:
- LB Nick Niemann left the game in the second half with a chest injury
Steelers:
- DL Daniel Ekuale exited in the second quarter with a knee injury
- S DeShon Elliott left with a potentially serious right knee injury in the third
- LG Isaac Seumalo suffered a chest injury and did not return
Up Next
Packers: Host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday
Steelers: Host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday
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