Aaron Rodgers clarifies comments about if Steelers players had missed film sessions

Shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers' 26-7 home loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 30, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers suggested that some Pittsburgh receivers had missed midweek film sessions and, thus, hadn't known the "right routes" to run during a game. 

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Rodgers attempted to clarify his comments.

Aaron Rodgers wants Steelers teammates to attend meetings with this mindset

"What I was talking about was when we have our meetings on Thursdays, I meant that everybody come there with an open mind, be self-critical, work on the things you got to work on, and let’s get better," Rodgers explained, per Chris Ward of Steelers Now. "As far as any off-the-field stuff, I’m not going to talk about any of that."

Rodgers made his original statements after he completed just 10-of-21 pass attempts for 117 yards with no touchdowns, no interceptions and a lost fumble that was returned for a score. Pittsburgh dropped its fifth game in seven tries to fall to 6-6, so Rodgers likely was feeling a bit frustrated on the final Sunday of November. 

Rodgers is attempting to play with a fractured left wrist he suffered on Nov. 16 and is on track to start this coming Sunday's matchup at the 6-6 Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are currently tied atop the AFC North standings. Those clubs will meet again at Acrisure Stadium in Week 18. 

Why Aaron Rodgers didn't deliver any message after latest loss

According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rodgers celebrated his 42nd birthday on Tuesday by inviting some offensive teammates over to his home "to watch film and go over plays." It sounds like the future Hall of Famer didn't deliver a passionate speech about Pittsburgh's pursuit of a playoff berth during that get-together. 

"I don’t feel like this team has a freak out or a panic that I need to send a message out to the zeitgeist that everyone needs to just relax," Rodgers added during his comments. "We’ve been playing inconsistent football, but we just have to play better." 

Steelers icons and pockets of Pittsburgh fans are calling for the franchise to part ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin amid the team's latest collapse. Such shouts will grow only louder if the Steelers fall to the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium this coming Sunday. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh as a six-point underdog for that showdown.