LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – It didn't take long. It's hours into training camp and Aaron Rodgers has big say in the offense. He's heavily involved in the offensive meetings.
Going into his 21st season, Rodgers said it's about the saying the right things. It's being on the same page and Rodgers is leading.
"(Steelers offensive coordinator) Art (Smith) has done a really nice job of giving me the opportunity to speak up in the meetings," Rodgers said after the first training camp practice. "So I'm always just trying to let the guys know what I'm thinking. It's been great communication between (quarterbacks coach) Tom (Arth) and (offensive assistant) Matt (Baker) and Arthur and myself."
It doesn't mean they are running everything Rodgers is suggesting, but it's very early in the process and he's already leading meetings. In the past Steelers offensive coordinators have collaborated with their quarterbacks, even a young Kenny Pickett had say in some of the plays he ran with Matt Canada.
While Russell Wilson spoke to being in meetings and talked with Smith about game plans last year, there were reports of friction between the two. Rodgers is already further along than Wilson in terms of being in front of the team and it's sole offensive leader. There will likely be disagreements, especially when it gets to the regular season, but Rodgers is happy about the input he has with the foundation being laid for the 2025 Steelers offense,
"Mike (Tomlin) was in the room this morning talking to us," Rodgers said. "It's been a lot of fun. It really has. And I'm enjoying the process and things are going to get better and look better as we go."
Playoff opportunity
Asked about the Steelers Super Bowl chances, Rodgers said most every team in the NFL would say they feel like they have a shot this time of the year. It's early in training camp and most teams could find scenarios where they touch the Lombardi Trophy. Rodgers assessed the Steelers chances this way.
"I think that there's really only 6 to 8 (teams) that really have a legitimate chance," Rodgers said. "Sometimes it's 10 to 12 and those teams will surprise you, but I would say on paper we're probably one of those 10 to twelve."
Tight end friendly
With the addition of the NFL's leading pass-catching tight end Jonnu Smith, the Steelers have four tight ends who have played every game they've been healthy to play. Pat Freiermuth is coming off a career-high 65 receptions. Darnell Washington is coming off his best offseason heading into his third year and is a dominant line of scrimmage blocker. Connor Heyward plays on all the special teams. He's blocked a punt along with being a jack of all trades on offense.
"We always valued the tight end in Green Bay," Rodgers said. "We kept four many times over the years. But these guys, the four that we had, the top four, all have unique skill sets and all can do different things. So I like it. The tight end position, like the fullback position, has been undervalued, I would say, the last few years. But being able to have going 12 personnel can be an advantage with so many teams playing nickel to 12."
"These days so if you got guys that can block and also run routes you got an advantage there."
The 41-year-old called this a good challenge for him and he's looking forward to it. Statistically, the Steelers have the most accomplished quarterback in team history. How will this all play out?
