Aaron Rodgers Discusses Building Connections with Steelers’ Receivers

Following the Week 13 loss at home to the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Aaron Rodgers would discuss a specific instance where he was unable to have that connection with tight end Jonnu Smith.

“When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up. When I check to a route, you do the right route. Jonnu [Smith] and I weren’t on the same page. I checked to his in-breaker and he ran an out-breaker. Jonnu is a true professional, so I’m sure he’s sick about that.”

The play that Rodgers is referring to happened with just more than 11 minutes in the fourth quarter with the ball on the Buffalo 15-yard line. Rodgers appeared to signal to Smith to break into the middle of the field, but the tight end would break towards the hashes. Rodgers would throw the football to the middle of the field where he intended Smith to be, falling incomplete. The drive would end in a turnover on downs.

Aaron Rodgers had a difficult time in his return to the field after fracturing his left wrist two weeks ago. He finished the game completing only 10 of 21 (47.6%) of his passes for 117 yards without a touchdown or an interception while also rushing once for zero yards and losing a fumble. With the injury and Rodgers about to turn 42 years old on Tuesday, it is going to be interesting to see how he looks as the regular season winds down and the Steelers fight for a playoff spot.