Someday, Aaron Rodgers will discover himself inducted into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame. He’s among the finest quarterbacks ever, constructing an unbelievable legacy with the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Nevertheless, since leaving them in 2023, Rodgers has struggled to seek out success. His two seasons with the New York Jets had been disastrous. Now, he’s on the Pittsburgh Steelers. In accordance with insider Albert Breer of The MMQB, as quickly as Rodgers signed with the Steelers, he started working with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“[Aaron] Rodgers arrived Saturday morning to signal it, and from there he and [Arthur] Smith instantly dove in on the playbook, issues that the Steelers already in-built anticipation of his signing and a few historic components of Smith’s scheme and the way it matched up with a few of Rodgers’ experiences,” Breer wrote not too long ago in an article on Sports activities Illustrated.
One of many greatest considerations some folks had when stories initially got here out in regards to the Steelers eyeing Rodgers was how he would match into Smith’s offense. All through his profession, Rodgers has completed his greatest work out of the shotgun. He appears to love the ball in his hand, with an emphasis on the passing recreation.
In distinction, Smith’s offense could be very run-heavy. It entails extra play-action, with the quarterback taking part in beneath middle extra typically. Due to this fact, Rodgers won’t have the best time becoming in Smith’s offense.
Nevertheless, it’s vital to notice that Rodgers has been within the NFL for 18 years. There isn’t a lot that he hasn’t seen or completed. He’s even reportedly studied Smith’s offense previously. Based mostly on Breer’s reporting, it seems that he and Smith are working diligently to collaborate on a system that may profit the Steelers essentially the most. It doesn’t sound just like the Steelers are altering their offense for Rodgers.
Additionally, Rodgers received the MVP twice with Matt LaFleur as his head coach. LaFleur and Smith labored along with the Tennessee Titans in 2018. Smith was their tight ends coach, whereas LaFleur was the offensive coordinator. When LaFleur left the next 12 months, Smith took over because the Titans’ offensive coordinator.
Because of this, Rodgers might need some familiarity with Smith’s offense. Permitting the run recreation to take some stress off of him would possibly assist Rodgers play higher, too. Whereas he won’t be completely washed up, he can’t carry a franchise like he used to.
Working inside Smith’s offense might assist rejuvenate Rodgers. Likewise, Smith, together with some issues Rodgers likes in his offense, might enhance the unit. The vital half is that they’re working collectively, looking for a wholesome stability. That’s a superb signal. The wait is over, and Rodgers is dedicated to Pittsburgh.