"It all started so well. And then it fell apart. For two quarters, it looked like Aaron Rodgers might conjure one of those nights, the sort that ends with a smirk, a wink, and a reminder that he can match any of the league's young pups. It was the first time in his career that he played against Green Bay, where he spent nearly two decades, won four MVPs and a lone Super Bowl. But the NFL rarely cares for nostalgia."
"The Packers' 3525 win over the Steelers became something more revealing: a portrait of where both teams and both quarterbacks stand. The Steelers took a 16-7 lead into the half. The game was played at their speed. They ran the ball effectively, Rodgers spread it around efficiently and kicker Chris Boswell nailed three 50-plus efforts to take the lead. But things flipped in the third quarter."
"The Packers have a young, athletic defense with All-Pro-caliber players at every level. And for two quarters, they made Rodgers look old. Up front, Micah Parsons ripped through double and triple teams. In the middle, Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker patrolled with speed and range, thumping everything in sight. On the back end, the Packers' secondary with an average age of 26 flew to the ball, anchored by deep safety Xavier McKinney."
"It was a sharp contrast to Rodgers' Steelers, who are built in a different image: heavy, methodical, defined by structure rather than creative freedom. Their offense runs through jumbo personnel packages, leaning on the ground game and trusting Rodgers to convert on third downs. It works when everything is tidy. But when the rhythm is disrupted or they fall behind the sticks, this version of Rodgers can no longer bend a game to his will."
Rodgers started the game effectively and matched the Steelers' early tempo, but Pittsburgh led 16-7 at halftime by running the ball, using jumbo personnel, and converting key third downs while Chris Boswell hit several long field goals. The Packers seized control in the third quarter as a young, fast defense with All-Pro talent disrupted timing and pressured Rodgers. Defensive playmakers such as Micah Parsons, Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker and safety Xavier McKinney changed the game's momentum. At 41, Rodgers still reads defenses and remains highly efficient, but diminished mobility has curtailed his improvisational plays and ability to reshape games.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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