Aaron Rodgers' influence having 'different' type of impact on Steelers

Throughout training camp, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has repeatedly scoffed at the "laughable" notion that he and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers wouldn't jell.

On Wednesday, Steelers reporter Jeff Hathhorn of Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan touched upon Rodgers' influence regarding the team's offense after Smith and former starter Russell Wilson allegedly didn't have the best working relationship last season.

"I do think quarterbacks always have some kind of say in the offense," Hathhorn explained during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, per Jake Brockhoff of Steelers Depot. "But the level of say seems to be different with Aaron Rodgers...If he gets up in a meeting and says, 'Hey, why don't we do this,' it's not gonna be like, 'We're just going to listen to your suggestion and move on.' It's gonna be like, 'Yeah, we'll look into that.'" 

The Steelers giving Rodgers some control of how the offense will operate is understandable, considering players have "gravitated to" the future Hall of Famer since he officially joined the club in June. The 41-year-old has taken younger Steelers players, such as wide receiver and 2024 third-round draft pick Roman Wilson, under his wing. He also has the support of locker-room leaders such as longtime Pittsburgh defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. 

"Some of the language they've used, they've altered for Aaron," Hathhorn continued. "I'm not saying they're giving the entire offense over to Aaron. But Aaron has a lot of say."

Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger is among those who believe Rodgers' performances in training-camp practices show he could produce a "special" season with the Steelers. Hathhorn shared one way Rodgers could be an upgrade over what Wilson and fellow signal-caller Justin Fields offered the Pittsburgh offense during the 2024 campaign. 

"Where are the big plays we've seen for the most part in the preseason from the Steelers? The middle of the field," Hathhorn added during his comments. "We've seen them exploit the middle of the field a lot with this group." 

Rodgers and Smith reportedly kept in touch throughout the spring and during Pittsburgh's summer break. They seem to be on the same page heading into Labor Day, but it remains to be seen how Smith will react once Rodgers begins changing plays at the line of scrimmage during the Steelers' Week 1 game at the New York Jets on Sept. 7.