Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes on Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 34-22, to improve their record to 3-2. The 42-year-old quarterback finished the game with 235 passing yards and has now thrown for at least three touchdowns in three consecutive games.
Over that three-game stretch, Rodgers has accumulated 826 passing yards and nine touchdowns. This recent surge contrasts with his start to the season, during which he recorded more turnovers than touchdown passes in the first two games. He remains averaging one turnover per game after throwing three interceptions in the last three contests, though he did not turn the ball over on Sunday.
The Steelers' offense found its rhythm quickly despite an opening possession that resulted in a 15-yard loss before a punt. On their next drive, Rodgers completed a short pass to Jaylen Warren just before being hit by defensive tackle Grover Stewart. Warren turned that completion into an 80-yard touchdown run. Rodgers completed his first 11 passes without a miss, with his first incompletion occurring midway through the second quarter.
Warren provided significant support to the passing game, finishing with 188 yards from scrimmage. In addition to his long receiving score, he added a 50-yard rushing touchdown. Later in the fourth quarter, with Pittsburgh leading 24-22, Rodgers found tight end Pat Freiermuth for a 17-yard touchdown on a third-and-6 situation. It was Freiermuth's second touchdown catch of the game and effectively secured the victory.
Rodgers achieved two career milestones during the win. The touchdown pass to Warren moved him ahead of Peyton Manning for third place all-time in career touchdown passes, including postseason games. Only Tom Brady and Drew Brees have more. The victory also gave Rodgers his 166th regular-season win as a starting quarterback, moving him past Ben Roethlisberger into fifth place all-time.
Pittsburgh now faces a favorable upcoming schedule before returning to division play. The Steelers will play at Tampa Bay in Week 6 and then host New Orleans in Paris. The Buccaneers and Saints are combined for a 2-8 record. Following that stretch, Pittsburgh will face the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals in back-to-back division games separated by a bye week. All four teams in the AFC North currently hold three wins.