With a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, the best trait a wide receiver can have for him is being in the spot he’s supposed to be in on a route, and running things well from a timing aspect.
Though Rodgers in the past has been able to create out of structure, late in his career he’s been a timing-based quarterback and needs his guys to be where they’re supposed to be. That means no freelancing on routes.
For veteran wide receiver Scotty Miller, who spoke to reporters Sunday ahead of practice, his skill set of being a detailed-oriented player and putting himself where he’s supposed to be in plays is a big reason why he believes he can be valuable for Rodgers in Arthur Smith’s offense.
“I think it [skill set] can go great with what he can do. Just being where I’m at when I’m supposed to be there,” Miller said of how he can complement Rodgers, according to video via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on YouTube. “Give him the right spots. He’s a really intelligent player, so you gotta have guys out there that are able to work with him and know where he wants you to get.
“So it’s been awesome playing with him. He’s obviously one of the greatest to ever do it, so it’s been a learning experience, and we all learn a lot from every day.”
This isn’t the first time Miller has played with a quarterback who relies on timing and his receivers being where they’re supposed to be. He played with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay and thrived with the seven-time Super Bowl champion, hauling in 33 passes for 501 yards and three touchdowns in the 2020 season. He added another four receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs as the Buccaneers went on to win the Super Bowl.
Now, he’s in Pittsburgh for a second season and is adjusting to another new quarterback in Rodgers. While Miller isn’t the biggest or fastest receiver, he’s a detail-oriented guy who has adjusted well to his role and is always where he’s supposed to be.
That will play well with Rodgers, assuming Miller makes the 53-man roster.
Timing will be key though.
“I think the one thing I’ve noticed with Aaron is just his timing is like if you’re not ready, you don’t get your head around, the ball’s either gonna hit you in the face or he’s not gonna look good,” Miller said. “But that’s what makes him be able to fit the ball in such tight windows. So it’s been fun playing with him.”
Receivers have raved so far about Rodgers’ accuracy and his ability to throw guys open. His timing and ability to put the ball on receivers is a major adjustment, though, as guys haven’t played with a QB of Rodgers’ caliber in their career, one who thrives on timing and gets rid of the ball quickly, putting it on receivers in a hurry.
It’s led to some struggles in training camp so far as guys are adjusting to Rodgers, but once that all gets figured out the Steelers could have a dynamic passing attack. Miller hopes to be part of that and continue to carve out a strong career taking advantage of opportunities with future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.
