The Pittsburgh Steelers earned their second straight win against the Buccaneers Sunday afternoon. It wasn’t always pretty, but Mike McCarthy’s unit outscored Tampa Bay 16-6 in the second half while coming up with the game-winning touchdown in overtime. Aaron Rodgers showed poise and trust in his teammates—one of whom was Germie Bernard.
Bernard returned the faith with an outstanding performance. But are we really surprised?
Well, I wasn’t. Especially after witnessing the rookie’s growing role over the last few weeks. Bernard is quickly becoming Pittsburgh’s dream come true. The former Alabama wideout is reliable, quarterback-friendly, and aspires to be great.
Just take a look at his recent performances.
In Week 5, he earned six receptions and 80 yards receiving against Indianapolis while Michael Pittman Jr. nursed a foot injury. Filling in for a veteran is not a small ask. Still, Bernard delivered a promising performance. But was there more in the tank?
Absolutely. And Sunday provided the perfect setting for a breakout performance. McCarthy’s offense was putrid during the first half. They desperately needed a playmaker to change the narrative. It didn’t take long for Aaron Rodgers to turn the rookie’s direction.
Steelers WR Germie Bernard proved his chemistry with QB Aaron Rodgers is real in impressive Week 6 performance
And he delivered.
Bernard scorched Tampa Bay’s defense for 11 receptions for 87 yards and a clutch game-winning touchdown in overtime. It was an ascending moment for the rookie’s career. Plus, it also set a Steelers rookie record. And Bernard doesn’t take the moment lightly.
“For Aaron [Rodgers] to rely on me and trust me that I can get it done in a crucial time like that, it meant a lot to me,” Bernard told WTAJ’s Riley Holsinger.
The veteran quarterback didn’t mince words when asked about Sunday’s performance either. “It’s the kind of game that can change the course of your season for sure,” Rodgers explained.
"Germie [Bernard] kind of all day played really well and kept us in it... This is a huge win for us,” Rodgers told CBS' AJ Ross after the game.
It’s true. Pittsburgh’s first road win of the season came with challenges. And the rookie wasn’t flawless. He caught a fourth-down reception, but retreated behind the first down. It resulted in a turnover on downs. But Germie Bernard was consistent, and it earned the respect of one of the gridiron’s most revered gunslingers.
The win against the Buccaneers gave McCarthy’s squad their fourth victory of the campaign. It’s a momentum booster as they plan to take on the Saints in London in the upcoming days.
Fans will expect an update on Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. soon. In the meantime, they can rest knowing Germie Bernard is willing to fill any role Pittsburgh asks him to fill.
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