How Aaron Rodgers Responded To Steelers’ First AFC North Win Of Season

Aaron Rodgers passed his first AFC North test, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 23-9 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

The 41-year-old quarterback completed 21 of 30 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 6 triumph, giving the 4-1 Steelers an extended cushion atop the division. After the game, Rodgers discussed his opening taste of the AFC North with CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn.

Although Sunday was Rodgers’ first time playing in the AFC North, he spent 18 seasons in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers. That at least prepared the four-time MVP for rigid conditions in an intense rivalry game.

“I’ve been in the North for a long time, so I know what kind of football gets played in both the AFC North and NFC North,” Rodgers said. “This felt like it. A little overcast, windy, field’s kind of torn up a little bit. But there’s great rivalries in this North, just like in the other one, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

After watching each of their three AFC North foes lose during a Week 5 bye, the Steelers kept gaining ground on their adversaries. The Browns and Baltimore Ravens dropped to 1-5 on Sunday, and the Packers can help their former franchise stalwart by handing the Cincinnati Bengals their fourth straight loss in the late-afternoon window.

Rodgers understands the significance of these AFC North matchups as the Steelers seek their first division title since 2020. He’ll quickly get another chance to tighten their first-place grip when the Steelers play the Bengals this Thursday night.

“Everyone is important, and the first way to get in the playoffs is winning the division,” Rodgers said. “So all these division games are really important. We got five of them left, and we got to take care of business.”

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