Aaron Rodgers adds intrigue to Eagles-Steelers Week 11 showdown

The NFL schedule release always creates instant assumptions. Daydreaming begins long before training camp starts or practice reps are assigned. Philadelphia Eagles fans likely did some of that when spotting the Week 11 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers is officially returning to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal, which immediately alters the complexion of one of Philadelphia's more intriguing matchups.

Let's be honest. No, Rodgers is not the same quarterback who spent years terrorizing defenses with the Green Bay Packers. No, Father Time hasn't exactly been losing this battle. Still. It's Aaron Rodgers. Let's not act like he isn't still the best quarterback on Green Bay's roster.

That name alone changes how seriously any opponent must prepare for Pittsburgh. Rodgers remains capable of processing defenses quickly, extending plays, and punishing mistakes if given time. Last season, he still looked functional, throwing for over 3,300 yards with 24 touchdowns against just seven interceptions.

Just a few days ago, the Eagles' home date with the cross-state Steelers looked more manageable. Then there's the jinx. Pittsburgh has not won a road game in Philadelphia since October 24, 1965.

The Steelers have dropped 11 consecutive road games to the Eagles in the City of Brotherly Love, a drought that predates the Super Bowl and the moon landing. Philadelphia also owns the all-time series edge. Still, history becomes less comforting when a future Hall of Fame quarterback enters the equation.

Even at this stage of Rodgers' career, he gives Pittsburgh a higher ceiling than most alternatives would. That doesn't necessarily make the Steelers road favorites. It does, however, make the Eagles' Week 11 assignment significantly more interesting because ending a six-decade road curse feels much more plausible when the guy attempting it is one of the greatest quarterbacks the sport has ever seen.

If the Eagles plan to extend Pittsburgh's bizarre road misery streak for a 12th straight meeting, they may now have to do it by solving one of football's all-time greats rather than a lesser opponent. That seems obvious because even an aging Aaron Rodgers is still dangerous enough to turn what once looked like a favorable home date into one of Philadelphia's more fascinating midseason measuring sticks.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles now face Aaron Rodgers in a huge Week 11 matchup