Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers turned heads with an eye-opening statement after Sunday’s embarrassing 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Rodgers was asked how to get more production in the passing game. He replied, “When there’s film sessions. Everyone shows up. When I check to a route, you do the right route. Jonnu [Smith] and I weren’t on the same page. I checked to his in-breaker and he ran an out-breaker. Jonnu is a true professional, so I’m sure he’s sick about that.”
Rodgers clarified his comments during his media availability on Wednesday.
“What I was talking about was during the week we have our meetings on Thursday and I meant that everybody come there with an open mind and be self-critical and work on the things you got to work on and let’s get better,” Rodgers said.
“As far as any off the field stuff, I’m not going to talk about any of that,” he added.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rodgers hosted the Steelers wide receivers, tight ends and running backs at his house to watch film and go over plays on Tuesday. Wide receiver Ben Skowronek made sure the team still celebrated Rodgers’ birthday by bringing a decorated cake and singing happy birthday to him, though.
The Steelers have lost five of their last seven games and the offense is a big reason why as it has lacked consistency and big-play ability.
Pittsburgh’s Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills may have been the unit’s worst performance of the season as it was only able to muster 166 total yards and seven points.
Rodgers is not panicking, however.
“I don’t feel like this team has a freak out or a panic that I need to send a message out to the zeitgeist that everyone needs to just relax,” he said. “We’ve been playing inconsistent football, but we just have to play better.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers Reveals What He Wants From Receivers When Attending Meetings
