Aaron Rodgers is participating in his 21st NFL training camp, showing active involvement with teammates and the offensive scheme. During a recent practice in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Rodgers executed a notable play by connecting with running back Even Hull for significant yardage after avoiding defensive pressure. Following the play, Rodgers signaled a first down to the defense.
“Once it stops being fun you should probably hang it up,” Rodgers said. “I love that we’re out here in Latrobe. I love the opportunity for true camaraderie at nighttime after meetings are done. Guys hang out, guys come into my room, last night I was in (outside linebacker Alex) Highsmith’s room.
“It’s pretty cool to see everybody hanging out the way they are and it’s a lot of fun.”
Rodgers expressed appreciation for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s approach to flexibility within the offense.
“I like the flexibility,” Rodgers continued. “Arthur’s not rigid in what he’s doing. He wants to tailor the scheme to the personnel that you have. And when you bring in a Kenny Gainwell (at running back), bring in a Jonnu Smith (at tight end), bring in DK Metcalf (at wide receiver) and myself, with some of the stuff I’ve done over the years, we’re trying to find out what guys do best and implement that in the offense.
“I love that about Arthur so we’re gonna keep doing that.”
During practice drills known as “Seven Shots,” Rodgers connected with DK Metcalf on a play-action pass against cornerback Darius Slay, securing a win for the offense by a margin of 4-3.
Rodgers also discussed his reliance on second-year center Zach Frazier as he continues learning Smith’s system.
“Zach is a highly intelligent player,” Rodgers emphasized. “And it helps because as much as I have a good feel for the offense I’m not what I would call an expert of the offense yet. I become an expert when you break the huddle and you can see the picture in your mind. And every now and then the picture’s a little fuzzy still, so I’m still working some things out.
“But Zach is so freakin’ smart, he’s making some calls for me. I told him the other day, I said, ‘Don’t get used to that, at some point I’m going to be making the calls for you.’ But he has a real good disposition for a center. He’s obviously a talented player.
“His leadership is what I’d like to see most continue to grow because the leadership often grows at the same rate as the performance. And everybody knows what kind of player he is so he’s gonna have more opportunities to lead.”
After losing “Seven Shots,” defensive players controlled much of practice during team run periods. Rodgers acknowledged these challenges are part of camp development.
“They have a lot of players on that side of the ball,” he pointed out. “Obviously, we brought in (cornerback) Jalen (Ramsey), got multiple guys that rush, got a good interior rush, got great linebackers who are multiple, can cover and pressure and fill holes. It’s going to be a good test for us.
“For any offense that’s kinda trying to find their footing, as we are, it’s not a bad thing to get beat up a little bit. If we go out there today and they kinda get after us a little bit that’ll be the best thing for us.
“You’re not hoping for that because you want to have great practices. But sometimes you can learn more from failures in training camp than getting after them every single day.”
