Packers Prove They've Moved On From Rodgers

In a game that many expected to be a spectacle, the Green Bay Packers showed they've evolved beyond Aaron Rodgers. Fans in Steelers jerseys filled the stadium, eager to see Rodgers face his former team. But what they witnessed was a Packers squad that looked far more complete, securing a 35-25 victory. The first half was a battle of the kickers. Brandon McManus missed two attempts for Green Bay, while Chris Boswell nailed three field goals from an average of 51 yards. The Packers trailed 16-7 at halftime but took control in the second half, building a lead that held firm. Tucker Kraft stole the show. The third-year tight end set a career high with 143 receiving yards, mostly after the catch. At 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, Kraft isn't the fastest, but he used his size and strength to dominate the Steelers defense. Watching him march down the field had to be discouraging for Pittsburgh. Jordan Love, the Packers' current quarterback, outshined Rodgers. Love threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns, completing 20 consecutive passes at one point. Rodgers, on the other hand, had a stat line that looked decent but was inflated by a meaningless final drive. At 41, Rodgers still has a strong arm, but he lacks the mobility and playmaking ability that made him legendary in Green Bay. The Steelers have bigger problems. After losing to the Packers, they've now dropped two straight games. Their defense, which had been a strength, suddenly looks vulnerable. The Packers, meanwhile, showed they're a team to be reckoned with, even without their former star quarterback.