Everyone observed Russell Wilson’s aggressive deep shots down the sideline last season, but new Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been even more assertive with such throws. Between 2019 and 2022, while playing under Matt LaFleur’s offense in Green Bay, Rodgers attempted 409 deep throws, ranking second in the league behind Tom Brady’s 458. Wilson followed with 367 attempts.
LaFleur’s offensive scheme shares similarities with that of Steelers’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith previously worked as a tight ends coach in Tennessee under LaFleur before being hired as Green Bay’s head coach. Although not identical, both offenses utilize and emphasize similar concepts, particularly play-action.
In his first season as offensive coordinator in 2024, Smith led the Steelers to use play-action on 27.6% of their dropbacks, placing them 11th in the NFL. In contrast, the highest they ranked in play-action usage during the previous four seasons was 27th.
During Rodgers’ final season under LaFleur in 2022, he achieved a passer rating of 104.8 when using play-action, throwing for 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. His rating for non-play-action passes was lower at 86.5.
Smith aims to develop his offense around his quarterback’s skillset again this season. There were late-season discussions about Steelers quarterbacks lacking the ability to audible at the line of scrimmage; however, this is not entirely accurate. While they couldn’t completely change plays at the line, there were multiple options available within each play.
Rodgers is recognized for his exceptional ability to read defenses. “I’m going to learn the offense,” he said. “Arthur and I are going to talk a bunch this summer. If there’s things that I like that I’d like to see in the offense, Arthur I’m sure is going to put it in.”
Only three teams ran more often than the Steelers in 2024: Eagles (4.9 yards per carry), Ravens (5.8), and Lions (4.7). However, these teams ran more effectively than Pittsburgh’s average of 4.1 yards per attempt.
For example, while both Lions and Steelers had similar rushing attempts (534 vs. 533), Detroit gained significantly more yards (2,488 vs. Pittsburgh’s 2,166). Improving their rushing average by just .2 yards could increase Pittsburgh’s total rushing yards substantially over a season.
Elsewhere in football news, Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill clocked a time of 10.15 seconds in a recent California track meet’s 100-meter dash—highlighting his well-known speed reminiscent of DK Metcalf’s performance from earlier years despite Metcalf being considerably heavier.
Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., penalized frequently last year—with most penalties concentrated across few games—is working on refining his technique: “There are some things I can clean up,” Porter stated regarding his defensive approach.
Pro Football Focus ranked several Steelers defenders among its top players by position: Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton at defensive tackle; TJ Watt; Alex Highsmith; Nick Herbig as edge rushers; Patrick Queen inside linebacker; Joey Porter Jr.; Darius Slay cornerback; Minkah Fitzpatrick DeShon Elliott safety—signaling strong expectations for Pittsburgh defense come next season alongside prospects like Payton Wilson Derrick Harmon potentially joining ranks soon too!
