Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a chance to clinch the AFC North title on Sunday — all they had to do was beat the Cleveland Browns. The football gods had their own plans, however, as the Steelers were unable to score a single touchdown and lost the game by a score of 13-6.
The Steelers did have a chance to tie the score late in the game, however, as they were able to work the ball down to the Browns’ 7-yard line, but were ultimately turned over on downs with 21 seconds left in the game.
On their final offensive snap of the game, Aaron Rodgers attempted a fade to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was tightly covered by Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward. Underneath, however, he had running back Kenneth Gainwell wide open for a touchdown that would have given the Steelers’ the chance to either tie or win the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers seemingly missed a wide-open Kenneth Gainwell during the game-deciding play against the Cleveland Browns
— OWN U (@Fatslob1123) December 28, 2025
Our football savant Grayson Weir, however, argued that Rodgers actually made the right read and throw:
“That’s a one-read play, if it’s one-on-one, you’re throwing it. The ball was out of his hand before Gainwell got open and you only check down if the safety slides over to MVS. I do question why they went to MVS three plays in a row but AR made the correct read on that specific play.”
While Grayson’s analysis may be sound in a vacuum, adding a bit of context makes the play a bit unkinder to Rodgers.
The receiver he ultimately targeted on the play was 31-year-old wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who has only been with the Steelers’ active roster since December 15 and has never been known as a possession player capable of making fade catches — he’s more of a deep threat. Plus, he was shadowed by cornerback Denzel Ward, one of the best defensive backs in the NFL.
The wide open man, meanwhile, was running back Kenneth Gainwell, who has arguably been the Steelers’ most reliable weapon this season.
In the loss to the Browns, Rodgers completed 21 of 39 passes for 168 and no touchdowns nor interceptions. The Steelers’ Week 17 loss to the Browns set up a winner-takes-all matchup against the Baltimore Ravens next week for the AFC North title.