Aaron Rodgers bounces back in a big way, but Steelers defense struggles: Report card

PITTSBURGH — This is what coach Mike McCarthy's Steelers offense was supposed to look like.

The unit broke out of its early-season malaise to pile up the yards and points in a 30-27 win against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Week 3.

The unit outgained the high-powered Bengals offense led by Joe Burrow by a 413-352 margin and scored four touchdowns after managing just one through the first two weeks of the 2026 season.

Here are USA TODAY Sports' grades for the day's action from a Pittsburgh perspective.

Aaron Rodgers finally started hitting downfield passes that have been available to him through the first two weeks. Receiver Roman Wilson caught a 38-yard pass from Rodgers on the first drive and receiver Ben Skowronek followed with a 23-yard score on the following drive. The protection was better than it was against the Patriots with Max Iheanachor and Brock Hoffman starting at right tackle and right guard, respectively. That’s always a recipe for the 42-year-old to succeed despite his relative lack of mobility at this age. His accuracy started to wane later on, but he found DK Metcalf for an important touchdown after the Steelers had fallen…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/