Two of the NFL’s most recognized veteran quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, took center stage during a Thursday Night Football matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals. Their early performances have fans wondering if age has finally caught up with these seasoned stars.
Aaron Rodgers vs. Joe Flacco stats: How old QBs fared early in Steelers vs. Bengals ‘TNF’ game

Key Takeaways:
- Rodgers and Flacco are two longstanding NFL quarterbacks.
- The article focuses on their early performances in a Steelers-Bengals TNF matchup.
- The central question is whether these QBs still command top-tier skills.
- The story was originally published by Sporting News in 2025.
- It emphasizes the ongoing intrigue surrounding aging quarterbacks in the league.
Background of the Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco have each spent over a decade in the NFL spotlight. Their years of experience and notable achievements—including Super Bowl appearances—make them recognizable figures for fans. Even with their impressive resumes, questions about longevity arise with each passing season.
Setting the Stage: Steelers-Bengals on Thursday Night
Thursday Night Football places a national spotlight on whichever teams line up, and this particular Steelers vs. Bengals contest came with extra buzz. With both squads looking to assert dominance early in the season, all eyes turned toward the quarterback battle expected to unfold under the prime-time glow.
The Central Question
“Do Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco still have it?” This question, posed in the original sporting analysis, captures the curious blend of hope and doubt that longtime fans bring to every game featuring these two QBs. Their reputations speak for themselves, but the NFL’s fierce competition tests even the greatest players.
Observations from the Early Game
While the complete statistical breakdown remains limited in the public domain, the preliminary coverage teased a closer look at how both quarterbacks handled the pressures of TNF. Their ability to navigate key drives and maintain composure against challenging defenses became focal points of debate.
Future Implications
As the season progresses, the performances of these veteran quarterbacks may set the tone for their respective careers. Whether Rodgers and Flacco continue as main attractions depends on their ability to adapt and respond to younger competition. Fans will inevitably track each pass, completion percentage, and game result to see if there is more greatness still to come—or if the final chapters of two legendary careers are now unfolding.