Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is very bullish on Arthur Smith’s offense, but beyond the X’s and O’s, the four-time NFL MVP really values Smith as a person.
“I see two people who really love football coming together and gaining trust in one another as the season continues on,” Rodgers said in an interview with Adam Schein on Mad Dog Radio on Monday. “I think personality-wise, he is somebody who I’d be friends with if we didn’t play. If we didn’t have the football connection. Just his sarcasm, his sense of humor, the way that he talks to people, and his general personality.”
The close bond that Rodgers and Smith have built at training camp should be beneficial in high-pressure situations during games this year.
“I feel like Art and I are gonna be friends long after this ends,” Rodgers said. “And that’s an important part of it because there’s gotta be trust. There’s gotta be a feel. And we’ve been spending a lot of time together this month, just talking ball and talking situations. I’m really excited about working together. And I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
Smith’s offense prioritizes establishing the running game, along with incorporating multiple tight end sets. It’s different than what Rodgers is used to, but he finds it to be very innovative.
“That’s what I love about Art’s offense. It’s a very creative offense,” he said. “We’ve spent a lot of time together talking through concepts and ideas and philosophy and different things.”
Rodgers revealed earlier this month that he has an open door policy with his teammates.
“It’s not all X’s and O’s,” Rodgers said. “It’s storytelling from time to time, but [Smith’s] not a rigid guy at all. Any ideas I have or the receivers have, he really appreciates it. We’ve installed stuff I’ve looked at or other guys have had similar ideas. I have an open forum in my room. Anytime you want to come in and suggest something, let me know and I’ll take it right to Art. I’ve just really enjoyed him as a person a lot and the way he leads in front of a room. It’s been a lot of fun so far.”
Rodgers wants a constant flow of communication. He wants nothing unsaid.
“I think that’s an important part of it,” Rodgers said. “There’s no dictatorship here. We want to talk about all the issues, whether it’s in a text message or coming into my room. I don’t want anything to be left unsaid. It’s been a good process for us.”
Rodgers, who’s in his 21st NFL season, will make his Steelers debut on Sunday, Sept. 7 against his former team the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Rodgers did not play in the preseason, so it will be interesting to see whether the Steelers are rusty out of the gates or not.
The chemistry built at training camp with Smith and his teammates could be an advantage for Rodgers, however. It’s also...
