Rodgers thoughts-MVP campers, helping DBs, McCarthy, pranks

LATROBE (93.7 The Fan) – While not a fan of the preseason, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledges they are in an important time of camp leading up to the start of the season. Plus, Rodgers thoughts on offensive standouts, working with defensive backs, working with Mike McCarthy and a warning about pranking him.

For what the NFL preseason has become, Rodgers doesn’t see a need for him to play in it, but will if asked. He said this part of training camp and the increased reps for the first team is critical. They are getting more work together at a high tempo and at a higher volume. Rodgers said this is when the conditioning really ramps up.

Players stepping up

In terms of how the offense is progressing, there were a number of names that jumped to Rodgers mind as performing well at St. Vincent College.

“I think Pat's (Freiermuth) has had a fantastic camp,” Rodgers said. “I think DK's (Metcalf) has had an unbelievable camp. I love both our lead backs. I think they've just, Jalen (Warren), we knew about Rico (Dowdle), didn't know as much about him and he's a hell of a football player.”

“And (free agent tight end) Bobby Tonyan, I think he's had a really good camp, too. I'm obviously partial to him having spent a lot of time with him. But I think, he's played really, really well. So having Darnell (Washington) and Pat and Bobby as our lead three in the tight end room has been great.”

“The tough part is the injuries, not having DK and Michael Pittman the last few days doesn't help. But it gives opportunities, as you saw on Saturday Night Lights. Possibly the practice of the day was from Brandon Smith, he had a phenomenal practice, he made a ton of plays. I knew him from my time in New York, when I saw him last year he looked like he dropped about 10 pounds, he was humongous, just super strong and ripped and he looks a little leaner and I feel like he's moving better and I'm really proud of him. He's a phenomenal guy and he's really smart but he's also got some craft to his game and I think you saw that the other night.”

More Roman love

It started in camp last year and then this offseason more positive talk around receiver Roman Wilson. On Tuesday, unprompted he was answering a question about what he still takes out of the game.

“For these young guys to see them, their confidence grow, and as confidence naturally grows, personality comes out,” Rodgers said. “So you see a guy like Roman Wilson who went through a number of healthy scratches last year, you now, he comes in this year, he looks to be more dynamic. He's making plays. He has a confident personality that starts to come out, he is joking around more with you in the locker room.”

“I just love to see guys really coming to their own and really feel like they can be comfortable being their full self.”

Aaron Rodgers doesn't see need to play in preseason

Helping DB

At times during practice you’ll see the 22-year veteran talking to a singular or group of defensive backs. Some of that is a pep talk to make it more difficult for him and some is about tendencies to watch out for.

“I'm always telling them what I'm hearing, what I've seen. Because I want it to be really difficult,” Rodgers said. “I break the huddle and tell them what the coverage is. As I walk in line scrimmage, that doesn't do me any good. I'm like, hey, listen, be a little more discreet about certain things.”

“But there was one instance where we're doing a goal line, one-on-one drill, and I told Asante the difference between being in the gun and being under center, and what type of ball is going to be thrown on the fade. Because down there in the goal line they worry about fade, slant, and then fade back to the front line. And I said, just know how the gun changes things, where the ball is gonna be thrown, and that you don't need to back up at times in those situations.”

McCarthy reunion

It’s new but not, Rodgers being back with his first NFL coach. While he’s grown since they were last together, he feels Mike McCarthy has as well without losing any of the intensity.

“I think Mike's there mentally, he's got the passion, he has the energy,” Rodgers said. “And I the guys have really responded to the scheduling, to the details. To the daily, you know, asks that we have. Mike's still super creative and a great offensive mind. But I think he's got a good balance between inserting himself as the lead dog and also delegating to his guys and hiring the right guys to kind of continue to press them.”

Pranks

Rodgers said he couldn’t confirm or deny that he has been involved in pranks with and torturing his teammates and/or Steelers staff.

He did issue a warning.

“People gotta be careful, you know, because I do have unlimited resources to spend on all the pranks,” Rodgers said. “We can do pranks back and forth, but just know that whatever you do to me, I'm gonna do something worse back to you.”

As for Mason Rudolph wanting reporters to ask Rodgers about the Christmas gift, which he said was a piece of art.

“Did he tell you about that?” Rodgers said. “Yeah, I love it. Wife, not as crazy about it. So I’m going to have to find a special place for it.”