NFL Expert Breaks Down Exactly How Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Set Up Jaylen Warren's 45-Yard TD Run

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has had a tough time every offseason of late trying to determine who the starting quarterback will be, as the team remains in a stalemate searching for its next franchise signal-caller. That is why Tomlin went all out to bring Aaron Rodgers to the Steel City. Sure enough, the now 42-year-old veteran quarterback joined the Steelers for the 2025 season, and despite a few ups and downs, Rodgers has delivered everything Tomlin hoped for and probably much more. One of the most impressive skills the 21-season veteran brings is his ability to read defenses pre-snap and exploit subtle tendencies that often go unnoticed.

During the Steelers’ 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions, running back Jaylen Warren broke free for a critical 45-yard touchdown run. While that single play did not completely secure the game, without it, Pittsburgh likely would have walked away with a loss. 

ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky took time to break down Warren’s touchdown and explained exactly what Rodgers did before the snap to set the play up. These details, often invisible to casual fans, demonstrate the high-level football IQ that Rodgers brings to every game.

"The presence of [Aaron] Rodgers and the experience and the impact it has," Orlovsky said while breaking down the film after the Steelers' 29-24 win over the Lions on Sunday. "So this is gonna be [Jaylen] Warren's 45-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. My immediate thought when I watched it is where is safety fill? Yes, it's a great run on the front side part of it, but you would think a safety is there. Well where is the safety? Then you go ok, well why does the safety go from there to there when the ball gets snapped? What makes you do that? Ok, well DK [Metcalf] is cut split, this way he bubbles. Why did he bubble? Watch Rodgers. Rodgers gives him the signal to go run the bubble."

It is those little things that become the big moments, and in this case, they helped Pittsburgh maintain its lead over Detroit. Rodgers’ pre-snap recognition and ability to manipulate defensive reads turned a routine run into a game-changing touchdown. 

For Steelers fans, it is yet another example of why bringing in a seasoned, intelligent quarterback like Rodgers can make all the difference in tight contests and why Tomlin’s offseason gamble paid off in dramatic fashion.

"This is tough to space with the ball on the left hash," Orlovsky said. "If he throws this, then it is still one-on-one in space. He flies knowing I got to hang for one second and he's now not there for the fill. Those little things become the big things."

Steelers Have Several Players Benefitting From Aaron Rodgers' Arrival

Rodgers’ arrival has reshaped the Steelers’ offense in ways beyond just his own play. Running back Kenneth Gainwell has emerged as a reliable threat, with Rodgers’ pre-snap recognition and precise execution creating space and opportunities for him to thrive. 

Warren’s 45-yard touchdown against the Lions is just one example, but many other offensive players have benefited from Rodgers’ experience, leadership, and football IQ. By reading defenses and making subtle adjustments, Rodgers elevates everyone around him. For Tomlin, having a quarterback who improves the entire unit provides stability, creativity, and a real edge in tight games.

Do you feel confident that Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin can win a playoff game in the 2025 season? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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