Things unraveled for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers on “Sunday Night Football.”
With the Steelers trailing the Chargers in the fourth quarter, 22-3, with just under nine minutes to play, Rodgers hit wide receiver Calvin Austin III in the hands on a slant route in what should have been an easy, 10-yard completion.
Instead, the ball popped up off Austin’s hands and was intercepted by Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson, all but ending the game in an otherwise listless performance by coach Mike Tomlin’s group.
Aaron Rodgers was furious with Calvin Austin III after this dropped pass. X, @TannerPhifer
Cameras panned to Rodgers after the play, with NFL lip readers suggesting he dropped an F-bomb in Austin’s direction along the lines of, “F–king Austin dropped it again,” per Larry Brown Sports.
Even NBC Sports color commentator Cris Collinsworth offered choice words about the pick.
“Ouch,” Collinsworth said right after the interception. “We’ve been talking about it. They needed not just a third receiver, but they need a second receiver in this offense. Aaron loves these guys. Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson. They’re working with them, they’re trying to find that No. 2. But if you wonder why they’ve been playing so much two and three tight end this year. There’s your answer.”
make every NFL game pay off
Underdog Fantasy
Underdog is where football fans become winners.
- Easy player picks
- No season-long commitments
- Real prizes every single night
Use promo code NYPOST5 to get $50 in site credits when you play $5!
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games, 21+ in AZ and MAZ) and present in a state where Underdog operates. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GABMLER or visit http://www.ncpgambling.org. NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase. The Underdog promo code might vary by location.
Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) avoids a tackle by Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) after an interception during the fourth quarter on Nov. 9, 2025. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Steelers went on to score a garbage-time touchdown in the 25-10 road loss and fell to 5-4 on the season — putting them just one game up on the Ravens.
Rodgers, 41, had a performance to forget, completing 16-of-31 attempts for 161 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, not to mention a passer rating of 50.6.
Calvin Austin III dropped a bad pass on Sunday night. X, @TannerPhifer
“I didn’t play very good at all,” Rodgers said postgame. “I gotta play better. … We’ve got four division games left. It’s a long season.”
The Steelers return to Pittsburgh next week to host the Bengals, followed by a visit to Baltimore on Dec. 7 against the Ravens.
