Steelers teammates share how Aaron Rodgers 'sets the standard'

Pittsburgh Steelers players have shown through their actions and words that they warmly accept quarterback Aaron Rodgers as their leader and offensive CEO. 

In a piece published Thursday, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo talked with several Pittsburgh players about what Rodgers has added to the Steelers as they hold a 4-2 record.

Why Aaron Rodgers "means a lot to" Steelers this fall

"Aaron’s the ultimate competitor," Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek explained. "If you mess up in practice, he’s gonna be on your a--. I think that’s a great thing to have a quarterback like that, to have a leader like that. It sets the standard, not only for the offense, but for the defense, special teams and everything. … He’s been at the top of the game for a couple decades now. To have a guy like that push you, I think it means a lot to all of us."

Much was discussed during and after Rodgers' two-season tenure with the New York Jets about how he supposedly caused distractions for the team and also "frustrated" people within the organization. That said, multiple Jets players publicly supported Rodgers shortly after the franchise's new leadership decided to part ways with the future Hall of Famer earlier this year. 

Rodgers has seemingly been a positive influence on the Steelers from his participation in the team's mandatory minicamp in June through October. 

"He demands a lot of perfection," Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth said about Rodgers. "But there’s a calmness to the approach during the week where you’re not stressed out from Monday to Saturday of what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it. He teaches you. He leads with grace." 

Aaron Rodgers has given Steelers a "boost of confidence"

ESPN shows that Rodgers started Thursday ranked 10th among qualified quarterbacks with a 105.0 passer rating and tied for fourth with 14 touchdown passes on the season. That second stat is impressive considering Pittsburgh already had its bye. 

"With a young team like us, I think it gives us a boost of confidence, just knowing you got No. 8 back there and he’s calling the shots," Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones said of Rodgers. "He’s making sure that everybody is right. He’s just the shot caller. It’s a big help for me, definitely, knowing that he’s back there, because I know he’s going to control what needs to be controlled on the field, when it needs to be done. I can say for me, it gives me confidence to play for him."

As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET listed the Steelers as 3.5-point underdogs for their "Sunday Night Football" home game against Rodgers' former team, the Green Bay Packers (4-1-1). If nothing else, the 41-year-old will seemingly do everything possible to ensure his teammates are prepared for whatever the Packers might try.

"He’s the head of the meeting," Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf added about Rodgers. "He does a lot of coaching up there on what he sees that we can do better. Everybody’s just listening to him and taking notes."