Steelers Regain Offensive Identity Behind Experienced Leadership
The Steelers are currently 4-1 this season. If they keep winning, they could become a playoff contender. Many people had doubts about the Steelers' signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers this June. He's proven them wrong. Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher appeared on Cam Heyward's Not Just Football podcast. He believes that Rodgers is the key to the team's success.
Cowher said, "Listen, I think the biggest thing is just the identity that A-Rod's given you on offense. I think he's given you some credibility for the first time since Ben's been there. It's not up to Cam and TJ to lead that group now." As Cowher stated, Heyward and T.J. Watt were considered the team leaders. Ben Roethlisberger retired on January 27th, 2022. Since then, the Steelers have lacked a prominent offensive leader until Rodgers joined the team.
Heyward spoke about the professionalism Rodgers and DK Metcalf bring to the Steelers. He said, "I think having a guy like Aaron and DK, they just bring a level of professionalism for the group. The way they compete and the way they work during practice isn't talked about enough, and the communication they have." Rodgers' and Metcalf's professionalism have elevated the team dynamics. Under Rodgers' leadership, team communication has improved. Rodgers has also played a key role in boosting team morale. When Rodgers speaks, his teammates listen. Under his leadership, the Steelers have been focused ever since training camp. He's an excellent teammate.
Rodgers has an open-door policy with his teammates. He encourages everyone to share their ideas. Rodgers believes that his open-door policy has been essential for the development of the offense. He remarked, "I think that's an important part of it, just letting those guys know that there's no dictatorship here. It's not Arthur Smith's dictatorship or mine. We want to talk about all the issues and all the things you're seeing."
Rodgers has received praise from his Steelers teammates and the coaching staff. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin discussed why he enjoys having Rodgers lead the team. He explained, "Not only in terms of his play, but in terms of his relationship with the game. How he interacts with teammates, how he loves the preparation process." Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith spoke about Rodgers' experience. He remarked, "This guy's been in training camp for 20 years. The knowledge that he has, the things that he's seen. He saw everything. He's got all the answers to the test." Rodgers' knowledge and leadership skills have been valuable to the Steelers. He's helped revitalize the Steelers' offense. He's enhanced their credibility for the first time since Roethlisberger's era. If Rodgers can stay healthy, the Steelers have a legitimate chance at becoming serious playoff contenders.
