Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is taking steps to help his new teammates on the Pittsburgh Steelers communicate and build chemistry during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Rodgers has opened up the suite he shares with wide receiver DK Metcalf as a place for team discussions, and he frequently interacts with other players such as cornerback Donte Kent and tight end Kevin Foelsch during practice sessions.
Rodgers also takes time at meetings to review film with teammates, thanks to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. “Conversation is the most important thing, so talking through every issue,” Rodgers explained today. “Art (offensive coordinator Arthur Smith) has done a nice job of allowing me to take some time at some of the meetings to kind of go through the film with the guys. They all have position coaches, which is important, to get coached up by the position coach. But, you know, as parents, sometimes you tell your kid a bunch of stuff and they only get it when somebody else says it, and you’re over there like, ‘I’ve been saying this forever.’
“That’s kind of how it is for a position coach sometimes. They tell them the right thing all the time but it might not be until they hear it from me or hear it from Art where it actually kicks in. That’s just the nature of life and our business so it’s good for me to speak up from time to time. And also you pull them aside in the locker room, pull them aside on the field, and then we have our open forum in my room or one of their rooms after practice.”
Rodgers noted that his approach has been well received by teammates. “Yeah, I have,” he continued. “I think that’s an important part of it, just letting those guys know that there’s no dictatorship here. It’s not Art’s dictatorship or mine. We want to talk about all the issues and all the things you’re seeing. Whether it’s a text message or coming to my room and having a conversation, those are invaluable times to get on the same page with the guys.
“Because when I’m out there I don’t want anything to be left unsaid. So I’d rather hit it on the front end, and then if something comes up at practice hit it on the back end instead of trusting it to get figured out on its own. It’s been a good process for us.
“(Wide receiver) Ben (Skowronek) is the one that comes in the most. He doesn’t really knock anymore but that’s Ben’s personality.”
Rodgers said before today’s practice that he had not yet spoken with head coach Mike Tomlin about whether he would play in Saturday night’s preseason opener against Jacksonville but expects that conversation soon.
“It’s an interesting conversation,” Rodgers said. “Mike and I will have that at some point. I don’t think it’s in the plan for me to play this week but whatever Mike wants to do I’m totally on board.
“If he wants me to go out there and play, I’ll play; if not, then I won’t.”
