Aaron Rodgers took full responsibility after the Steelers’ 31–33 loss to the Bengals — but legend James Harrison sees it differently: “The Steelers won’t lose because of Rodgers — they’ll lose because they forgot who they used to be.”

After a heartbreaking 31–33 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football, Aaron Rodgers stepped up to the podium with a somber expression and said only one short sentence: “That one’s on me.” Two interceptions — one of which shifted the entire momentum of the game — left Rodgers feeling responsible for a victory that slipped through the Steelers’ fingers. Despite throwing four touchdowns and leading Pittsburgh’s best offensive performance of the season, Rodgers took full accountability. “We started well, went up 10–0. But I made a mistake on that throw. I should’ve read the coverage differently,” he told reporters.

PICKED OFF IN PRIMETIME ‼️

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— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 17, 2025

However, while Rodgers took all the blame, one Steelers legend had a different perspective. James Harrison, the former linebacker and symbol of the “Iron Curtain” defense, praised Rodgers’ accountability but didn’t mince words: “The problem isn’t those two bad throws.” Speaking on The Herd, Harrison said, “Yeah, he missed a couple. But when your defense lets Joe Flacco and Ja’Marr Chase run wild like it’s Madden mode, the issue goes way deeper.”

The numbers back him up. The Steelers’ defense allowed 470 total yards, with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combining for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Pittsburgh’s $162 million defense looked invisible all night, surrendering 20 unanswered points that turned a 10–0 lead into a nightmare collapse. Analyst Jarrett Bailey summed it up perfectly: “It isn’t Halloween yet, but the Steelers’ defense played ghost.” A sharp jab at a unit once considered the pride of the Steel City.

Still, Rodgers refused to point fingers. “I could talk about schemes or breakdowns, but as a quarterback, I have to own it. That’s my job,” he said. His calm and leadership impressed many, but it also reignited concerns among fans that the defense’s identity is fading fast. Some believe that the disconnect between offense and defense is what truly cost Pittsburgh the game.

Harrison closed his comments with a blunt reminder: “Aaron can take the blame if he wants, but if you let Joe Flacco throw 300 yards in your face, the problem’s not at quarterback anymore.” With the Green Bay Packers up next, the Steelers must rediscover their defensive DNA — the one that built their legacy. Otherwise, as Harrison warned, “The Steelers won’t lose because of Rodgers — they’ll lose because they forgot who they used to be.”

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