Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Gives Mike McCarthy's Offense A Major Advantage

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to finally revamp their offense under newly-hired head coach Mike McCarthy. After years of having a mediocre offense with Mike Tomlin leading the way, there appears to finally be some optimism behind moving the ball more efficiently, and, most importantly, scoring more. This will be a big change for many returning players in the organization that have gotten used to the system under Tomlin for their entire careers. Fortunately, while these guys make the adjustments, they have a leader behind center that can help everyone get acclimated quicker.

That is future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. While he hasn't played under McCarthy since 2018, there is a huge voice that will be helping direct everyone to where they need to be. McCarthy has gone through his own adjustments in his career while he was away from Rodgers. While there is some change for two guys that have worked together for many years, having that familiarity will be a tremendous help.

Knowing the playbook is one thing, but it's an entirely different game with bringing the play-call to the huddle. Former quarterback and now Steelers analyst Charlie Batch gave some insight about how valuable Rodgers is to the offense this year before Training Camp gets under way.

"When you’re in this west coast system, it’s very verbal," Batch explained. "So, when you have an extension of the coaching staff in the huddle, who’s been in this offense, it now gives a leg up to everybody on that offensive side because he knows where people are supposed to line. That’s why I like [Rodgers] in Mike McCarthy’s offense this season."

Batch also explained how McCarthy wants the players at the line within 15 seconds after the play. He wants to move up to the line quickly and keep pressure on the defense with a fast approach. That will be a major adjustment to what the team is used to, and it will also have complicated the play calling that Batch described. Having a voice like Rodgers that understands it well will really help get this team going amid these changes.

Using that quickness to get to the line, that may open the door for significantly more scoring in games, but it may result in more time on the field for the defense. If the Steelers are able to move the ball down the field consistently at a quick tempo, that would naturally put them on the field more. 

Time of possession goes down, giving more reps to the defense. That comes at its own risks, considering how old the Steelers' defense is. More snaps could tax this defense quickly and if the offense doesn't progress the way that they envision, this could be a major gamble.

Nonetheless, all the weapons that this front office has brought in for McCarthy and Rodgers to work with provide confidence that their offense will work. There's still a lot that needs to be seen in Training Camp, but as of now, on paper, this core is encouraging to look at. Moving at a high tempo and coming away with consistent scoring would take some pressure off the defense, but the important thing here is putting points on the board at a high rate. 

If this is going to work out, it's great to have Rodgers in the huddle to help out. He may not be the player that he used to be, but he still has some tools that can help this offense work. He gave the Steelers a strong season last year and with better weapons on offense, he looks to end his career on a high note.

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Pittsburgh is due for a playoff victory. Improving the offense will play a major role in getting them there and with what McCarthy looks to bring, him and Rodgers might be able to make that happen. After getting over that hump, anything can happen, but for now, the Steelers need to get used to this new type of scheme under McCarthy.

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