The Pittsburgh Steelers have often been missing the quarterback position since Ben Roethlisberger retired, but now Aaron Rodgers is in the building for one final ride to close out his illustrious career.
And although Rodgers is getting a little long in the tooth, he immediately became the highest-graded Steelers QB of the 21st century upon signing with Pittsburgh.
According to a top-25 ranking compiled by Pro Football Network and its QB+ formula, Rodgers’ cumulative grade places him seventh overall since the turn of the century. Roethlisberger is next up for Steelers QBs, at No. 16.
Finally, the 2024 starter, Russell Wilson, made this elite list, too, at No. 21 overall.
Analyzing Aaron Rodgers’ NFL Career Heading Into Year 21
Rodgers has already been a part of the NFL for two decades. Considering the century is only 25 years young, it’s only fitting that the new Steelers QB finishes in the top half of this ranking.
“Aaron Rodgers’ short-lived stint with the New York Jets didn’t go as planned, but his overall career remains one of the most efficient in NFL history,” Pro Football Network recapped. “A four-time league MVP (second only to [Peyton] Manning), Rodgers is one of six quarterbacks with 150+ career wins and ranks top five all-time in passing touchdowns.”
Of course, they also added that “he led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title in 2010, earning MVP honors after a playoff run that included a 109.8 passer rating and 8.3 yards per attempt.”
“Rodgers has long been defined by his elite efficiency and careful decision-making,” PFSN continued later. “He holds the best career TD-to-INT ratio in NFL history and has thrown more than 10 picks in a season just four times in 20 years.”
“At his peak, Rodgers’ numbers were outrageous,” the site noted. “In 2011, he set the single-season passer rating record (122.5) while throwing 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 15 games. [And] Rodgers owns a +0.17 EPA per dropback and consistently delivered in crunch time, logging a +0.24 EPA/DB in close games. He also produced a +0.27 EPA/DB from a clean pocket, though he saw a dip under pressure (-0.32).”
PFSN concluded that “while starting his career behind Brett Favre limited some early totals, Rodgers’ MVP-level seasons, longevity, and unmatched efficiency solidify his place among the all-time greats.”
Highlights for Former Steelers QBs Ben Roethlisberger & Russell Wilson, Plus 2 Current Rivals Make the 21st Century Ranking
Similar to Rodgers, Pro Football Network detailed the career accomplishments of Roethlisberger and Wilson, from their Super Bowl victories to their franchise records and overall passing numbers.
Analytically speaking, Roethlisberger “finished his career with a +0.12 EPA per dropback, which jumped to +0.17 in close games,” per PFSN.
“Though not known for athleticism, his +0.47 EPA per rush was one of the best in QB+ history,” they continued. Adding: “A future Hall of Famer, he’s one of the most accomplished signal-callers of the modern era.”
For Wilson, outside of his iron man status, PFSN highlighted his +0.20 EPA/DB “in tight moments,” with a +0.25 EPA per rush despite a “career +0.09 EPA per dropback.”
Wilson’s longevity, durability and consistency have all helped him become one of the greats of the modern era.
Two AFC North rivals did make this list, and both still have plenty of games left to play — which isn’t a great realization for the Steelers and their fans. Those two quarterbacks are obviously Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, who rank ninth and 19th, respectively, since the start of the 21st century.
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