Aaron Rodgers Outruns Saints RBs as NFL Fans React

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, but an unexpected rushing statistic quickly became a major talking point among NFL fans. Despite being in his 40s, the veteran quarterback finished with more rushing yards than every Saints player listed in a comparison shared by NFL insider Ari Meirov.

Rodgers recorded eight rushing yards during the defensive battle, edging out Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who finished with seven. New Orleans running backs Kendre Miller and Alvin Kamara managed six and five rushing yards, respectively. The surprising comparison sparked criticism of the Saints’ offensive performance, with several fans questioning the team’s ability to establish a consistent ground game.

One frustrated supporter described New Orleans’ performance as “absolutely pathetic,” while another argued that the team desperately needed Etienne. The reactions highlighted the growing frustration among Saints fans after their team struggled to generate offensive momentum against Pittsburgh.

Although Rodgers’ rushing total was modest, the fact that he outran the Saints players featured in Meirov’s post made the statistic particularly amusing for NFL fans. The comparison also provided another opportunity to discuss the Steelers’ strong start to the 2026 season and Rodgers’ potential final chapter in professional football.

Aaron Rodgers Outrushes Saints Players in Steelers’ Week 7 Victory

Aaron Rodgers is among the NFL’s oldest active quarterbacks, and his most mobile years are clearly behind him. Nevertheless, the veteran signal-caller produced an unexpected statistical highlight against New Orleans, finishing with more rushing yards than the Saints players included in Meirov’s comparison.

According to Meirov’s Sunday post, Rodgers gained eight yards on the ground, narrowly finishing ahead of Shough and the two New Orleans running backs. The numbers quickly attracted attention because Rodgers is approximately 16 years older than Shough and is primarily known for his passing ability rather than his rushing production at this stage of his career.

“42-year old Aaron Rodgers has more rushing yards today than any Saints player: – Rodgers: 8 yards – Tyler Shough: 7 yards – Kendre Miller: 6 yards – Alvin Kamara: 5 yards,” Meirov posted.

The statistic was particularly striking because the Saints had several players expected to contribute to their ground game. However, their rushing totals in the comparison fell short of Rodgers’ modest contribution.

It is worth remembering that a single game’s rushing numbers do not necessarily determine a running back’s overall ability or the effectiveness of an entire offensive system. Still, the comparison offered fans an easy way to highlight New Orleans’ struggles in a game where the offense failed to produce enough points.

For Pittsburgh, the 16-10 win represented another important result in a promising season. The Steelers relied on a strong overall performance to close out the contest, while the Saints were left to reflect on their offensive limitations.

NFL Fans Call Saints’ Performance “Absolutely Pathetic”

The comparison between Rodgers and the Saints players prompted a wave of reactions across social media. Many fans mocked New Orleans for failing to produce more rushing yards, while others pointed to Etienne’s absence as a potential reason for the team’s struggles.

One fan was particularly critical of the Saints, arguing that the team’s ground game should have performed better despite the circumstances.

“This is absolutely pathetic from the Saints. I know Etienne is out, but my God,” one fan posted.

Another supporter echoed that sentiment, suggesting that New Orleans desperately needed Etienne to strengthen its rushing attack.

“They need Etienne so bad,” another fan replied.

The comments reflected the frustration surrounding the Saints’ offensive performance. Although Pittsburgh’s defense deserves credit for limiting New Orleans, the low rushing totals gave critics another reason to question the team’s ability to move the ball consistently.

One particularly harsh reaction focused on the Saints’ struggles in several areas, including their inability to sustain drives and perform effectively on third down.

“Saints are an embarrassing team. Can’t stop the run. Can’t get off the field on 3rd down. Can’t run the ball to save their lives,” one fan responded.

The reaction suggested that some supporters viewed the defeat as part of a broader pattern rather than an isolated disappointment. For a team trying to improve its record, offensive consistency remains essential, especially when facing a defense capable of keeping the score low.

Saints Fans Vent Their Frustration After Another Loss

The online response was not limited to criticism of the team’s rushing statistics. Several Saints supporters expressed disappointment with the overall performance, with some questioning whether the team could turn its season around.

One fan responded to the comparison with a series of crying emojis, reflecting the mood among frustrated supporters.

“😭😭😭,” one fan posted.

Another supporter used a familiar nickname for the struggling franchise while expressing frustration about the team’s situation.

“Ain’ts are so pathetic, man, I legit need to find a new team,” another fan vented.

Others responded with laughter, treating Rodgers’ rushing advantage as another example of how disappointing the Saints’ performance had become.

“Lmaooo,” one fan added.

While some of the reactions were exaggerated for comedic effect, they highlighted the frustration that can follow a narrow defeat. New Orleans remained competitive enough to keep the score close, but its offensive production ultimately proved insufficient to secure a victory.

The rushing comparison became a convenient focal point because the numbers were so close. Rodgers finished just one yard ahead of Shough, two yards ahead of Miller and three yards ahead of Kamara. Even so, those small differences were enough to generate a wave of jokes at the Saints’ expense.

Steelers Improve to 5-2 as Saints Fall to 2-5

The Steelers defeated the Saints 16-10 in a defensive struggle, improving their record to 5-2 after seven games. New Orleans, meanwhile, dropped to 2-5, leaving the team with considerable work to do as the season progressed.

Pittsburgh’s victory was important because the team managed to secure the result without needing a high-scoring offensive performance. In a game where both sides faced difficulties moving the ball, the Steelers did enough to maintain their advantage and finish with the win.

The result also gave Rodgers a notable early-season milestone. According to the supplied report, 2026 marked the first time since 2021 that he had been part of a team with at least five wins through its first seven games.

During the 2021 season, Rodgers played for the Green Bay Packers, who finished with a 13-3 record before losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs. The comparison provides an encouraging historical reference for Pittsburgh, although the team’s current campaign will ultimately be judged by its performances in the weeks ahead.

For the Saints, the defeat raised further questions about their ability to compete consistently. Their defense helped keep Pittsburgh’s score down, but the offense needed to contribute more if New Orleans wanted to take advantage of that effort.

The Steelers will now aim to build on their 5-2 start, while the Saints must find ways to improve their offensive output and turn close contests into wins.

Aaron Rodgers’ Potential Final NFL Season Draws Attention

Beyond the rushing statistics, Rodgers’ future continues to be a major talking point. The veteran quarterback has previously suggested that he could be approaching the end of his professional career, and speculation intensified during the 2026 offseason.

The supplied report notes that Rodgers made a statement through NFL media in May suggesting that he might be finished after the current campaign. However, retirement decisions can change, and his long-term plans should not be treated as confirmed until he makes a definitive announcement.

Rodgers has enjoyed a lengthy career at the highest level, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most accomplished quarterbacks. His longevity has naturally invited comparisons with other legendary players who continued competing well into their 40s.

Brett Favre’s final NFL season came when he was 41, while Tom Brady continued playing into his mid-40s. Rodgers’ age therefore places him among a relatively small group of quarterbacks who have remained active at an advanced stage of their careers.

Although his mobility is no longer what it once was, Rodgers can still influence games through his experience, passing ability and decision-making. The Steelers will hope those qualities help them maintain their strong start and remain competitive as the schedule becomes more demanding.

Steelers’ Upcoming Schedule Could Provide Opportunities

Pittsburgh’s upcoming schedule will play an important role in determining whether the team can maintain its early-season momentum. According to the supplied report, Rodgers and the Steelers are scheduled to face the Cleveland Browns next, followed by the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles.

The report also identifies the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans among Pittsburgh’s opponents later in the season. Each matchup will present its own challenges, and the teams’ health and form could change considerably as the campaign progresses.

For Rodgers, the priority will be to help Pittsburgh continue winning while limiting costly mistakes. His experience could be especially valuable in close games, when the quarterback must manage the clock, read defensive formations and make sound decisions under pressure.

The Steelers have already shown that they can win a low-scoring contest, as demonstrated by their victory over New Orleans. Maintaining that defensive consistency while producing more reliable offense could put them in a strong position as the season advances.

However, a promising start does not guarantee a successful finish. Pittsburgh will need to remain consistent against division rivals and other playoff contenders if it hopes to turn its 5-2 record into a deep postseason run.

Can Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy Continue Their Run?

The supplied report also highlights the reunion between Rodgers and Mike McCarthy, recalling their successful years together with the Green Bay Packers. Their previous partnership included several productive seasons, during which Rodgers established himself as one of the league’s leading quarterbacks.

The reunion adds another storyline to Pittsburgh’s 2026 campaign. Fans will be interested to see whether the pair can recreate some of their previous success and guide the Steelers through a challenging AFC schedule.

Experience and familiarity can help a quarterback and coach work together effectively, but the team’s overall performance will depend on more than two individuals. Pittsburgh will need contributions from its offense, defense and special teams to maintain its winning form.

Rodgers’ performance against the Saints was not a spectacular rushing display, but it became a memorable statistical footnote in a valuable victory. More importantly, the Steelers moved to 5-2, giving themselves a solid foundation for the remainder of the season.

Conclusion

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Week 7, improving Pittsburgh’s record to 5-2 while dropping New Orleans to 2-5. The contest generated an unexpected talking point when Rodgers recorded eight rushing yards, finishing ahead of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and running backs Kendre Miller and Alvin Kamara in the comparison shared by Ari Meirov.

NFL fans reacted with criticism and jokes, with several calling the Saints’ performance embarrassing and arguing that the team desperately needed Etienne. Other supporters expressed frustration with New Orleans’ broader offensive struggles, particularly its inability to establish a productive ground game.

Although Rodgers’ rushing total was modest, the comparison provided an entertaining subplot to Pittsburgh’s defensive victory. The Steelers will now look to build on their strong start, while the Saints must find solutions to their offensive problems if they hope to improve their record.

For Rodgers, the focus remains on helping Pittsburgh compete and making the most of what could be one of the final chapters of his NFL career.