Aaron Rodgers Prepares for Historic Game in Dublin

Aaron Rodgers is gearing up for a significant match as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin on March 10, 2024. This contest marks the first NFL game held in Ireland, and Rodgers expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting the importance of representing both the team and the legacy of the Rooney family.

During a post-practice press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Rodgers shared his excitement, stating, “This game means a lot to all of us, to the league, to the Rooney family.” He added, “It’s great for the game, to grow the game in so many countries, so being a part of the first game in Ireland is pretty cool.” The veteran quarterback also acknowledged his Irish heritage, saying it adds to the significance of the game for him personally.

As the Steelers finalize their preparations, they will depart for Dublin on Thursday night, following another practice session. Rodgers, who previously played against the Vikings for 18 years as a starter with the Green Bay Packers, holds a record of 17 wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie against them. He faced Minnesota only once as a member of the New York Jets, suffering a defeat in London last year.

Rodgers anticipates a challenging matchup against the Vikings, particularly under the guidance of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whose unit leads the NFL with a blitz percentage of 45.4 since he took over in 2023. “They’re going to bring pressure at some point,” Rodgers cautioned. “You have to have some ideas to combat that. So you’ve got to expect it.”

The Steelers’ offensive performance has been a work in progress this season. Despite taking seven sacks in the first two games, Rodgers managed to avoid being sacked in a recent victory against the New England Patriots, a 21-14 win. This improvement has been attributed to better protection from the offensive line and Rodgers’ quicker release of the ball.

Statistically, Rodgers boasts an impressive passer rating of 120.2 on passes thrown under 10 air yards, leading the league with a 31.4 percent completion rate on throws behind the line of scrimmage. He has only attempted passes of 20-plus air yards 7 percent of the time, indicating a strategic focus on shorter, high-percentage throws.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, Rodgers acknowledged the adjustment period with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. “It’s a work in progress, for sure,” he noted. “We’re getting used to how he sees the game, and we’re figuring it out.” The Steelers’ offense has shown promise, particularly in their ability to convert in the red zone, with a conversion rate of 87.5 percent—second in the NFL behind the Philadelphia Eagles.

In his assessment of the previous game against New England, Rodgers remarked on the importance of execution. The Steelers scored touchdowns on their first two possessions and secured the win with a crucial touchdown pass to Calvin Austin late in the fourth quarter. Reflecting on the pass, Rodgers stated, “I didn’t throw the best ball, but Cal’s so damn fast, he made a great play.”

Despite his self-criticism, Rodgers acknowledged that watching game footage often alters his perception of his performance. “Sometimes you go back and watch it and you feel better about it,” he admitted. “I’m still not crazy about it, but it was better than it felt on the field.”

Looking ahead to the game in Dublin, Rodgers remains focused on improvement. “I could play better, for sure,” he said. “Sometimes you just have to take what the defense gives you and be comfortable with that.” His commitment to involving playmakers and executing the game plan will be crucial as the Steelers aim to make a strong impression in this historic matchup.