Aaron Rodgers faces heat as furious Mike Tomlin snaps back at reporter after Steelers’ crushing defeat in LA

On Sunday night, November 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell 25-10 to the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Mike Tomlin was visibly frustrated when asked by a reporter to assess quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ performance. Rodgers completed 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, threw one touchdown, and had two interceptions, as the Steelers’ offense failed to show up.

Mike Tomlin snaps back after Aaron Rodgers’ bad night

Mike Tomlin’s reaction quickly went viral across social media. Reporters in the room described the coach as visibly angry and tired of constant questions about Aaron Rodgers’ form. 

How would you assess Aaron’s performance tonight?

Mike Tomlin, frowns, stares at reporter: “how would you? Next question.”

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 10, 2025

According to CBS Sports, Tomlin later added, “We, as an offense, were off tonight, and of course, he’s part of that.” 

His tone showed that he was trying to protect his quarterback while still being honest about the team’s poor effort.

Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, joined the Steelers this offseason after leaving the New York Jets. He signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with Pittsburgh, hoping to help them chase another AFC North title. 

So far, Rodgers has done fairly well, but this game showed clear struggles. The Chargers’ defense pressured him all night, forcing two key interceptions that killed Pittsburgh’s momentum.

Tomlin’s frustration likely came from how often he’s been asked about Rodgers’ age and form. This was the Steelers’ second straight loss after a strong 5-3 start. “We’ve just got to be better in the details,” Tomlin told ESPN reporters later. “It’s not about one guy. It’s about all 11 on the field.”

Aaron Rodgers accepts blame and looks ahead

Aaron Rodgers didn’t hide from the criticism either. Speaking calmly in the locker room, he said, “This was not my best game. I’ve got to play better, that’s on me.” 

He admitted missing open throws, including one to DK Metcalf early and another high pass to Jonnu Smith. “A lot of stuff wasn’t working. We were bad on third down and didn’t run the ball super effectively,” he added.

Rodgers had 1,692 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions prior to the loss. The loss drops Pittsburgh to 5-5, despite their slip in the standings, while in the upper half of the AFC North. 

Their next game is at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Without quarterback Joe Burrow, who is recovering from a toe injury he suffered on September 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 3-6 Bengals are struggling.

Mike Tomlin made it abundantly clear that impatience is running thin, not only with questions but also with terrible football and his priority right now is getting the Steelers back on track.