Steelers legend shares thoughts on Aaron Rodgers' Week 17 performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers this past offseason, in part, because they were looking for a veteran presence at the quarterback position who understood the game of football intricately. Now, the 21-year NFL veteran has come under heat from Steelers fans for some of his decision-making in last week's 13-6 loss to the Browns.

This week on his Footbahlin podcast, legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took the time to break down the effort from his former rival and current Steelers gunslinger from a signal caller's perspective. In particular, Roethlisberger locked in on a couple of different plays – the first play being an incomplete pass on 4th & 1 late in the first half, where he targeted tight end Scotty Miller on a low-percentage throw in the back of the end zone while wideout Adam Thielen was open on a route across the middle of the field.

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"Aaron [Rodgers] pre-determined that he had one-on-one and no safety help," Roethlisberger said. "He took the shot. I don't hate it. I really didn't hate it. My thing was he didn't make a great throw, but looking back at the film, it was exactly what we thought and what the defense was trying...Adam was open on the quick slant. I think because when that happens, you have to make that decision quick."

Roethlisberger also honed in on a play in the final stages of the game, as the Steelers had a chance to even the score and were facing 3rd & Goal. Rodgers would throw an awkward-looking incomplete pass to the back of the end zone that seemed as if it were aimed at an area with no one in it. But Roethlisberger pointed out that while watching the play again, Pat Freiermuth's route design raises the possibility of miscommunication between Rodgers and his receiving corps.

"It looks to me like he's throwing an out-breaking route to Pat Freiermuth...Pat ran up and hooked. Could he have drilled it on him? Maybe. But it looks like maybe it was a read route, a choice route," Roethlisberger said. "It looked to me like they weren't on the same page. Again, this is all my speculation, everybody. I don't know if this is true."

You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who understands the position better than Roethlisberger, who battled against Rodgers as one of the premier quarterbacks of their era for well over a decade and became a two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowler over the course of his career. And while his analysis isn't an indictment or attack on Rodgers, it also points out potential areas that cause these issues, which could be improved. Steelers fans will be hoping Rodgers can make that happen as the Steelers enter into a Week 18 showdown with the Ravens, where the AFC North and a playoff spot will be on the line.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Steelers legend shares thoughts on Aaron Rodgers' Week 17 performance