NFL Tales of the Week – Week 1 Edition (9-9-25)
By: Tyrone Montgomery Jr.
Headline Photo Credit: Mitchell Leff-Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers Still Got It
Aaron Rodgers is proving the doubters wrong — and doing it in style with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a rocky end to his tenure with the New York Jets, who cut ties with the four-time MVP after just one injury-shortened season, many believed Rodgers was washed up. But this season, he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder — and it’s paying off.
In one of the most anticipated games of the year, Rodgers led the Steelers to a decisive victory over the Jets, showing flashes of vintage brilliance. With just under 300 yards passing and four touchdowns, Rodgers reminded the Jets exactly what they let go. It was personal — and it showed.
The Steelers, long known for their defense, now boast a dynamic offense under Rodgers’ leadership. His connection with young receivers and command of the field has reignited hopes in Pittsburgh, where fans are dreaming of a return to the Super Bowl. At 41, Rodgers is playing with the urgency and fire of someone with unfinished business.
The Steelers are now legitimate contenders in the AFC, and Rodgers looks reborn in black and gold. His revenge tour may have started with the Jets, but it’s clear he has his sights set on something bigger: another Lombardi Trophy. And if he keeps playing like this, don’t be surprised if he’s hoisting it come February.
Giants Let Another One Get Away, Continuing to Get In Their Own Way
For years, the New York Giants have been caught in a cycle of poor decision-making, and the last two offseasons have only highlighted that trend. In the summer of 2024, the team chose to part ways with star running back Saquon Barkley. He responded by putting together a career year with the Philadelphia Eagles, breaking multiple records and playing a pivotal role in their Super Bowl victory. Losing a player of Barkley’s caliber was bad enough, but the Giants doubled down on questionable moves by letting go of quarterback Daniel Jones as well.
Criticized for inconsistency during his time in New York, Jones looked reborn with the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 1 of the 2025 season, he led Indy to a rare season-opening win—something the franchise hadn’t accomplished in years. Jones played with confidence and command, racking up nearly 300 total yards and three touchdowns, using both his legs and his arm to dismantle the defense of the Miami Dolphins.
Meanwhile, the Giants find themselves searching for identity and stability once again. They started their season on the road against the Washington Commanders where they loss 21-6. As they brought in Russell Wilson to start at quarterback for the team, they now find themselves in a bit of a quarterback battle with Jameis Winston and the rookie Jaxson Dart as Wilson struggled out the gate. The irony of the situation is the players they gave up on are thriving elsewhere, suggesting the problem might not have been the talent on the field, but rather the decisions made in the front office. As former Giants shine on the league’s biggest stages, fans are left wondering: how much more can this franchise afford to get wrong before lasting damage is done? Until leadership changes course, New York seems destined to keep getting in its own way.
