NFL DC Says Steelers' Aaron Rodgers is 'Not Able to Make That Magic Like He Used To'

A group of 50 NFL executives and coaches put Aaron Rodgers in the third tier of quarterbacks around the league in a poll conducted by The Athletic's Mike Sando, ranking him 19th overall.

"He's a 3 at best," a defensive coordinator told Sando. "He can still throw it. I love Aaron. He's a tough motherf--ker, but he holds the ball too long and lacks the same mobility. They come out against Buffalo, one-score game, turnover for a touchdown. He did not get rid of the ball on time. He is not able to make that magic like he used to."

"He's a 3 that can go to a 2," another defensive coach added. "He doesn't want to get hit. He's got a little soccer flop in him. But he can still beat you."

Rodgers, 42, threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions last year, completing 65.7 percent of his passes while leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a playoff berth (and quick, blowout dismissal by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round).

Age is absolutely a factor in Rodgers' decline, though he's still a starting-caliber player. He's just no longer at the level of a four-time MVP like he was in his prime years.