Jordan Love passed for 360 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing former coach Aaron Rodgers, as the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-25 on Sunday night.
Rodgers, 41, who won four MVPs and a Super Bowl in 18 seasons with the Packers before being traded to Love in 2023, completed 24 of 36 passes for 219 yards and two scores, but played little in the second half as the Steelers (4-3) lost their second straight game.
Love, who was drafted in 2020 as Rodgers’ eventual successor and was promoted to starter three years later, put together a near-perfect second half as Green Bay (5-1-1) climbed to the top of the NFC North.
The 27-year-old Love, who credits Rodgers with playing a pivotal role in his development, made a lasting impression on Rodgers in his prime, especially after half-time. Love completed his first 16 passes after the break, including two for scores, and the Packers erased a nine-point deficit to win in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1970.
leader in statistics
Packers:
Passing: Jordan Love, 29/37, 360 yards, 3 TDs Rushing: Emmanuel Wilson, 11 carries, 61 yards receiving: Tucker Craft, 7 catches, 143 yards, 2 TDs
Steelers:
Passing: Aaron Rodgers, 24/36, 221 yards, 2 TD Rushing: Jalen Warren, 13 carries, 62 yards Receiving: Roman Wilson, 3 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
Tight end Tucker Craft caught seven passes for a career-high 143 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs ran for only 33 yards, but his 3-yard scoring sprint on the first play of the fourth quarter brought the Packers back to life as Pittsburgh’s defense stumbled again, nine days after giving up a score to Joe Flacco against Cincinnati.
Wearing throwback jerseys that pay homage to 1933, when Pittsburgh’s first team was known as the Pirates, the Steelers turned back the clock with more sense of “here we go again” than nostalgia.
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Aaron Rodgers’ 21-yard pass nearly gave Roman Wilson a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh, given a chance to tighten its grip on the heavily underdog AFC North, instead watched the NFL’s highest-paid defense struggle to contain Love and the Packers. The Steelers allowed 454 yards and failed to commit a turnover for the third consecutive game.
Rodgers has repeatedly said he’s not seeking revenge on his old team and plans to retire someday in the city where he solidified his status as a future Hall of Famer.
When Rodgers was introduced, there was a loud cheer from the crowd at Acresure Stadium, including a number of Green Bay fans who were inside.
Although there were occasional flashes from Rodgers, who played well in Pittsburgh’s decent start, the Steelers’ drives often stalled past midfield. Chris Boswell saved his team with four field goals, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with Green Bay’s pace once Love got going.
After the Steelers went up 16-7, the Packers scored on five straight possessions. Love connected with Savion Williams for an 8-yard score, pulling Green Bay within two points.
Jacobs’ touchdown gave the Packers the lead for good. After Micah Parsons sacked Rodgers to thwart Pittsburgh’s subsequent attack, Kraft completed a 24-yard catch-and-run for a second score, and the 260-pounder effortlessly powered through Pittsburgh’s injury-ravaged secondary.
By the end, with Rodgers and the Steelers trying to catch up, Rodgers hears the familiar “Go Puck Go” chant and realizes he’s taken the wrong turn for the first time in his 21 years in the league.
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