The Pittsburgh Steelers fell short against the Cincinnati Bengals in a close 33-31 defeat. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers had excellent, even game-winning numbers, but the two interceptions he threw late in the first half proved to be the bigger story once the dust settled. In case the veteran QB is looking for any consolation, however, he can rely on Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger, who’s cutting Rodgers some slack for the latter of those interceptions.

“Aaron’s second interception. It was towards the end of the half wasn’t necessarily his fault,” Roethlisberger explained on the October 22 episode of  Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, before he pointed fingers at wide receiver DK Metcalf. “It’s kind of a play where it’s on DK’s chest/shoulder. He kind of has it. I expect him to make that catch. I think he would expect himself to make it.”

It was a second-and-13 play with the Steelers trailing 10-14. Rodgers threw left, and Metcalf, making the run, couldn’t hold on as Bengals cornerback D.J. Turner II inserted his right forearm between receiver and ball, stripping the ball loose.

”The guy ends up making… the DB makes a great play. Takes it away. And why it was a big play cuz it was the end of the half. We’re moving down the field. We have a chance to put points on the board before half. And anytime you have a chance to get points, that’s a big deal,” Roethlisberger added.

Metcalf himself had the easiest explanation for the turnover.

“I’ve gotta hold on to the f—— ball,” he said after the defeat.

Rodgers otherwise played solidly. He threw for 249 yards and four touchdowns. But those two interceptions affected his game. Rodgers still has a 68.6% completion rate.

Rodgers was visibly disappointed with how the game unfolded, but he didn’t let it take over his mind.

”We had a chance to really open up some space, but we’re 4-2, still first in the division,” the veteran QB said after the game. “Got home games coming up, another Sunday night opportunity against my former team……Hopefully you guys follow suit.”

Rodgers’ Steelers vs the Bengals

Joe Flacco sliced through Pittsburgh coverage all night, particularly on slants and crossing routes, while the Steelers’ pass rush struggled to create pressure against a quick-release offense. Multiple missed tackles further compounded defensive woes.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s ground attack, on and off throughout the year, finally awakened. Chase Brown exploded for 108 yards on 11 attempts, including a 28-yard and a 37-yard run.

Defensively, too, the Bengals were great. The first interception pulled off by Jordan Battle set up a touchdown, while Turner’s pick led to a field goal. And whether Rodgers is to be blamed for the interceptions or not, what was perhaps more significant was that Metcalf was kept quiet with just 3 catches for 50 yards and no score.