Reasons Why Steelers Fans Should Feel Good About Aaron Rodgers

So, Aaron Rodgers is now a Pittsburgh Steeler, and we can imagine that many in the fanbase are still lukewarm about the idea of him joining the squad.

Well, that's why we're here! For this occasion, we'll dive into three specific reasons why the Steelers as a whole will benefit from having Rodgers on the team.

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Offense Part 1: Using The Middle Of The Field

One of the frustrating aspects of the Steelers' offense in recent years has been their inability to effectively use the middle of the field. Last season, both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson performed around the league average in this area, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, but it wasn't nearly enough.

Rodgers, in the seven games he played last season, performed well above the league average, as he has for much of his career. This is vital because if a team can efficiently attack from the middle, it inevitably opens up the outside for players like DK Metcalf and others to exploit. The team has gifted tight ends in Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, who should be utilized more often to attack the middle. Based on the stats below, Rodgers may be the one to make this happen. Stay tuned for part 2!

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Offense Part 2: Use of Playaction

One major reason why Aaron Rodgers will benefit the Steelers' offense is his mastery of play-action, a staple of Arthur Smith's offense. Throughout his career, Rodgers boasts a 68% completion percentage on play-action sequences (4,651 yards, 45 TDs, and 6 INTs). His success in these situations stems from his ability to bait defenses with creative fake handoffs, as seen in the film example below.

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Character: Passing Knowledge And Mentoring

Say what you will about Rodgers' character, but there's no denying that he brings over 20 years of top-tier NFL knowledge and experience to the table. A future Hall of Famer, Rodgers is undeniably one of the best of his era.

In recent interviews, we've seen a different side of Rodgers—a man who has evolved beyond being solely focused on himself. Maybe it's his marriage or the realization that his career is winding down, but Rodgers now seems more committed than ever to helping his team succeed. He's expressed a strong desire not only to lead the Steelers to victory but also to mentor the younger quarterbacks, especially rookie Will Howard. This newfound willingness to "give back to the game" that has given him so much is a promising sign for the team's future.

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So, Steelers fans, whether you want to acknowledge it or not, Rodgers brings a lot to the table that we haven't seen in a quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger. Considering that he's only signed for this season, it could end up being the type of season that helps restore the team's relevance and return to the standard that once made them a cornerstone franchise.