In a captivating battle between two seasoned quarterbacks, Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers put on a display of skill and determination that defied their age. The 40-year-old signal-callers engaged in an epic duel, with Flacco leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a dramatic 33-31 victory over Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
The Ageless Duel: Flacco vs Rodgers in a Quarterback Showdown
Thursday night’s matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers was a rare spectacle, featuring two quarterbacks in their 40s as the starting signal-callers. Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old veteran acquired by the Bengals, squared off against the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, setting the stage for an ageless duel that captivated football fans across the nation. It was only the third regular-season game in NFL history to feature starting quarterbacks in their 40s, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly-anticipated divisional clash. Flacco, who had accumulated 1,447 passing yards on 262 attempts this season, faced off against Rodgers, who had thrown for 1,270 yards on 172 attempts.
Bengals Rally Behind Flacco’s Heroics
Flacco, the former Super Bowl MVP, showcased his enduring talent and poise, leading the Bengals to a thrilling comeback victory. He completed an impressive 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns, outdueling his counterpart Rodgers in a high-scoring affair. Flacco’s performance was a testament to his resilience and ability to rise to the occasion, even at this stage of his illustrious career. His connection with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase proved pivotal, as Chase hauled in a franchise-record 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. Tee Higgins and Noah Fant also contributed with touchdown catches, showcasing the depth of the Bengals’ receiving corps. Despite being sacked 13 times for 83 yards, Flacco’s poise and accuracy propelled the Bengals’ offense.
Defying the Years: A Tale of Two 40-Year-Old Quarterbacks
While Flacco’s performance was undoubtedly impressive, Rodgers also put on a show, reminding everyone of his elite talent and competitive fire. The future Hall of Famer completed 22 of 32 passes for 244 yards, tossing four touchdowns but also surrendering two costly interceptions. Despite the loss, Rodgers’ ability to lead the Steelers’ offense and keep them in the game until the very end was a testament to his enduring greatness. The back-and-forth battle between these two seasoned veterans was a captivating display of skill, experience, and determination, defying the notion that age is a limiting factor in the NFL. Rodgers showcased his mobility, rushing 11 times for 18 yards, while Flacco added 16 yards on the ground.
Chase Shines as Flacco’s Go-To Target
While Flacco’s performance was undoubtedly impressive, he didn’t achieve this victory alone. Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals’ star wide receiver, played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Chase’s record-breaking 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown were a testament to his exceptional talent and chemistry with Flacco. The duo’s connection was on full display, as Flacco consistently looked for Chase in crucial moments, trusting his ability to make contested catches and move the chains. Chase’s ability to create separation and make plays after the catch kept the Bengals’ offense moving, and his touchdown reception in the second quarter provided a much-needed spark for the team. Chase’s performance was simply electric, and his rapport with Flacco was a joy to watch, “Zac Taylor” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor.
Steelers’ Early Lead Evaporates in Thrilling Finish
The Steelers started strong, taking an early 10-0 lead on Chris Boswell’s 41-yard field goal and a 10-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Jonnu Smith. However, the Bengals responded with a 17-point unanswered run before halftime, including Flacco’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Chase and a 29-yard strike to Higgins after interceptions by Jordan Battle and DJ Turner. In the second half, the teams traded leads multiple times, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Rodgers gave the Steelers a 31-30 advantage with 2:31 remaining on a 68-yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth. But Flacco, undeterred, led the Bengals 52 yards in eight plays, setting up Evan McPherson’s game-winning 36-yard field goal with seven seconds left, securing the 33-31 victory and snapping the Bengals’ four-game losing streak. The thrilling back-and-forth battle showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with the Bengals ultimately prevailing thanks to their explosive offensive performance.
Internet Reactions to the Ageless Quarterback Duel
The epic clash between 40-year-old quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers captivated football fans across the internet, with many expressing their reactions and insights on Reddit. While some reveled in the Bengals’ victory, others couldn’t help but poke fun at the quarterbacks’ advanced age. One commenter, u/CBus-Eagle, quipped, “So I guess we now know that Flacco was the issue with the offense in Cleveland. Browns continue to Browns.” This tongue-in-cheek remark alluded to Flacco’s past struggles with the Cleveland Browns, suggesting that the aging quarterback may have been the root cause of their offensive woes. On the other hand, u/dakotanorth8 seemed to take delight in Rodgers’ defeat, writing, “Aaron Rodgers still can sling it. But watching him lose is always fun:)” This sentiment echoed a common sentiment among NFL fans, who often relish seeing the league’s elite stars occasionally fall short. The age of the two quarterbacks also did not go unnoticed, with u/Greatlarrybird33 simply declaring, “Prune juice for everyone!” a lighthearted jab at the veteran signal-callers. Meanwhile, u/cti0323 appeared to be overwhelmed by the continued success of players like Flacco and Baker Mayfield, lamenting, “Please stop, between this and Baker it already hurts enough.” Finally, u/Crazyblue09 marveled at Flacco’s enduring arm strength, commenting, “10 years later and he still shot that ball for 70 yards!” This observation highlighted the quarterback’s ability to maintain his deep-ball accuracy despite the passing of time.