Roethlisberger puts Rodgers’ CBS coverage in focus
Ben Roethlisberger sparked a fresh conversation about CBS’s coverage of Aaron Rodgers after the Steelers’ 30-27 win over the Bengals. During his Footbahlin show, the former Steelers quarterback questioned how often CBS cameras focused on Rodgers during the game.
His comments added another layer to the discussion surrounding Rodgers and Pittsburgh’s Week 3 victory. Here’s a closer look at what happened on the field and what Roethlisberger said afterward.
Roethlisberger addressed the broadcast
Roethlisberger discussed television shots of Rodgers during Pittsburgh’s Bengals game. He said Rodgers is shown frequently when frustrated and stated that CBS shows him more than other quarterbacks.
Those remarks came during the September 29 Footbahlin episode, which reviewed Pittsburgh’s divisional victory. The episode also discussed the offensive line, running game, defense, and several plays that influenced the final result.
Rodgers delivered three touchdown passes
Rodgers had a stronger statistical performance against Cincinnati after Pittsburgh scored only 3 points in Week 2. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 292 yards, averaging 8.6 yards per attempt with a 101.6 passer rating and 3 touchdowns.
His touchdown passes went to Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek and DK Metcalf. Rodgers also had 3 rushing attempts for 10 yards as Pittsburgh produced 411 total yards in the victory.
Pittsburgh generated 411 total yards
Pittsburgh produced 411 total yards against Cincinnati, including 273 passing yards and 138 rushing yards. The total marked a substantial increase from the Steelers’ 235-yard offensive output against New England in Week 2.
Jaylen Warren led Pittsburgh with 127 rushing yards on 17 carries and added 49 receiving yards. His 176 total yards were the Steelers’ highest individual yardage total in the game.
CBS carried the AFC North matchup
CBS televised the Steelers-Bengals game on September 27 at Acrisure Stadium. The Pittsburgh broadcast team featured Ian Eagle on play-by-play and Ross Tucker providing analysis.
The matchup came during Rodgers’ second season with Pittsburgh after he returned to the Steelers in 2026 on a one-year contract. His continued presence remained a major subject of coverage surrounding the team.
The criticism focused on camera attention
Roethlisberger’s criticism centered on how often CBS cameras showed Rodgers’ reactions during the game. He said the quarterback appeared angry during broadcasts and argued that CBS repeatedly returned to those moments.
His comments were his own observation rather than a statement from CBS. Available reporting does not provide a statistical count comparing Rodgers’ screen time with other quarterbacks during the Bengals game.
Rodgers delivers three-touchdown performance
Rodgers finished the Bengals game with 3 touchdown passes and 1 interception. He was sacked twice and completed 19 of 34 attempts while Pittsburgh matched Cincinnati’s scoring throughout much of the afternoon.
His touchdown passes helped Pittsburgh remain within reach after Cincinnati repeatedly answered. Boswell eventually supplied the winning points with a 33-yard field goal with 2:15 remaining in regulation.
Interesting fact: Roethlisberger was selected 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh after playing at Miami University in Ohio.
The late drive changed the game
Cincinnati took a 27-24 lead with 13:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh then answered with a late scoring drive after an 87-yard Warren run was erased by a holding penalty on Metcalf.
Rodgers connected with Darnell Washington for 47 yards during the drive. Warren added a 26-yard run before Boswell kicked the go-ahead 33-yard field goal with 2:15 remaining.
Interesting fact: Ben Roethlisberger’s 2018 season was one of his biggest statistical years, as he threw for 5,129 yards and 34 touchdowns while starting all 16 games.
Pittsburgh closed out the victory
Pittsburgh’s final scoring possession covered 77 yards after the Steelers lost Warren’s long run to a holding penalty. Rodgers completed passes during the drive, allowing Boswell to attempt the go-ahead field goal.
Cincinnati had one final opportunity, but Derrick Harmon sacked Burrow and forced a fumble with 44 seconds remaining. Sebastian Joseph-Day recovered the ball near midfield, ending the Bengals’ final possession.
Rodgers rebounded from Week 2
The Bengals entered Week 3 with a 2-0 record after victories over Tampa Bay and Houston. Pittsburgh was 1-1 after beating Atlanta and then losing 20-3 to New England.
Rodgers improved his numbers against Cincinnati after the Week 2 defeat. Against New England, he completed 23 of 39 passes for 187 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception and a 60.5 passer rating.
Burrow also produced three touchdowns
Burrow completed 28 of 37 passes for 282 yards and 3 touchdowns against Pittsburgh. His scoring passes included a 28-yard touchdown to Tee Higgins late in the first half.
Ja’Marr Chase caught 9 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown, while Higgins had 6 receptions for 90 yards. Cincinnati took a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter before Pittsburgh eventually regained the lead.
The comments followed a busy game review
Roethlisberger’s comments came during the September 29 episode of Footbahlin, which reviewed Pittsburgh’s Week 3 win. The episode also examined the Steelers’ offensive line, Warren’s production, defensive issues, and the team’s upcoming Thursday game.
CBS’s postgame coverage separately featured Ross Tucker, Bryant McFadden, Terron Armstead, and Ben DiNucci discussing the Bengals matchup. The network’s coverage therefore continued beyond the live broadcast.
The conversation around former NFL players and major football moments also includes Brian Urlacher drawing a ‘line in the sand’ over Kaepernick protest.
The Steelers moved on to Week 4
Pittsburgh finished Week 3 at 2-1 after defeating Cincinnati, while the Bengals also moved to 2-1. Pittsburgh then lost 27-24 to Cleveland on Thursday, Oct. 1, dropping the Steelers to 2-2.
Roethlisberger’s remarks created additional discussion about Rodgers’ television coverage after the Bengals victory. The documented point is that he criticized the frequency of Rodgers-focused shots during CBS’s broadcast.
The broader NFL discussion also turns to player behavior, including Jason McCourty calling for the NFL to crack down on flopping after Broncos’ win.
What do you think about Roethlisberger’s comments on CBS’s Rodgers coverage? Like this post if you enjoyed the breakdown and comment with your take on the broadcast.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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