Steelers' Aaron Rodgers details what he does when players request the ball more

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a true leader at quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. At 41 and in his 21st NFL season, the four-time MVP and former Super Bowl champion has achieved just about everything at the professional level. He knows how to help teams reach elite levels and win games at a very high rate. 

Everything begins with his leadership. Even when a teammate is facing challenges, whether it's because he isn't getting the ball on offense or has lost confidence, Rodgers is always ready to support him. 

Rodgers was asked by the Pittsburgh media this week what he does when players start complaining about not getting the ball on offense. His answer was a fascinating one.

"I welcome those conversations. I do. If somebody wants more targets, I welcome the conversation. But I usually say, 'Let's watch the film. Let's talk about football.' I love doing that. I think what young players learn is that practice is very, very important. When you show it week in and week out in practice, it gives the quarterback a lot of confidence to come your way with the football," Rodgers explained. "I'll say it again just because it means so much to me. When a guy's not getting the ball and he still shows up to work in the same way every single day, every week, there's a lot to be said for that."

Rodgers continues to show why signing him was a smart move for the Steelers this offseason on a one-year deal. Not only is Pittsburgh leading the AFC North by multiple games, but Rodgers (17 touchdowns) is looking like a Pro Bowl choice, and he appears to be the much-needed leader on offense that the team has been missing since legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired. 

The unpredictability of the Steelers' offense is key

While offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's unit ranks around the middle or worse in total offense (288.1 yards per game), passing offense (200.1 yards per game), rushing offense (87.3 yards per game), and scoring offense (25.3 points per game), the team has performed very well in many situations. Rodgers has mostly protected the ball (with five interceptions), and the offense has only two fumbles so far. The Steelers are second in the NFL in turnover differential at +9. The key point is that if Rodgers and the team can handle the football and be efficient, especially in the red zone, they have a good chance to win any game.

Not only is this mistake risky when holding onto the football, but it is also dangerous given Rodgers' skill at distributing the ball. While pass-catchers might want the ball, having many options makes this offense much more threatening. In consecutive games, Rodgers has connected with nine different receivers. Sure, a star like DK Metcalf can dominate any game. Sure, Calvin Austin has shown flashes as a young player. However, Smith and Rodgers' willingness to leverage their four quality tight ends and versatile running backs is also noteworthy. 

In the team's upset victory over the Indianapolis Colts last week, seven different players recorded multiple receptions, including Metcalf, Austin, tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith, as well as backup running back Kenneth Gainwell. So, maybe it is good that Rodgers isn't necessarily force-feeding the ball to anybody in particular.