With Aaron Rodgers signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team’s pass-catchers had to adjust to a new quarterback. It’s an adjustment any time a new starting quarterback joins the offense, as every quarterback has different things they like. In particular, Rodgers has a unique cadence, and his ability to get the ball out quickly is impressive. Speaking to Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan in an interview aired on The PM Team, Steelers’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said there have been some hiccups, but for the most part, the pass-catchers have done a good job adjusting to Rodgers.
“Early in camp, there was one day there were a few drops. I thought we hit Calvin [Austin III] on a deep crossing route. That ball got on him so quick, I think it surprised him. That’s the stuff you gotta work out now, can’t have that happen Week 1. But they gotta adjust to every quarterback. Even the rhythm of how he calls cadence, huddle calls, that’s part of it. We don’t have a lot of time, but that’s why you challenge ’em and you can’t baby it…so there’s an arc to that, and this group has responded pretty well.”
Training camp is all about learning, and with Rodgers not working during team periods in mandatory minicamp, it was the first opportunity for the team’s pass-catchers to work with him in a team setting. A group of players went to Malibu in June to work with Rodgers, which helped give them a leg up on knowing what he likes, but adding in a live defense and working in a game-like setting compared to just throwing is different.
It’s not a bad sign that things weren’t seamless right off the bat. Naturally, there are going to be mistakes and an adjustment period. But as Smith said, as long as the mistakes don’t come when things count in Week 1, then it’s not a big deal. Rodgers has gotten praise for his accuracy and his ability to place the ball where only his receivers can get it, but they have to be ready to get it, which can be an adjustment with how quickly Rodgers gets rid of it at times.
We’ll see how much Rodgers plays during the preseason, but that will be a good test to see how well the receivers have adapted to him. There’s still over a month until Week 1, but with camp over halfway through, there shouldn’t be much more adjustment needed for everyone to be on the same page. With the receivers being challenged early on in camp, the hope is that things can be smooth from here on out, and the Steelers can start the season on a strong note.
