The Pittsburgh Steelers new-look offense got off a solid start at OTAs, per most in attendance, as Aaron Rodgers and his new teammates bonded rather seamlessly. This is not Rodgers first rodeo, though there is only so much one can take from OTAs. Training camp is where real relationships will be formed, and could determine just how successful the Steelers are this season. In hopes of mending any fences, Rodgers invited some of his teammates out to Malibu to run routes and practice Arthur Smith's offense.
Per social media, those in attendance appear to be Calvin Austin, D.K. Metcalt, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and Pat Freiermuth. It's unclear if any other of Pittsburgh's offensive weapons made the trip, or were invited at all. If they did, none were excited enough about their inclusion to volunteer sharing that information with the masses.
In fact, two Arthur Smith transplants that the Steelers acquired in wide receiver Scotty Miller and tight end Jonnu Smith do not appear to be in Malibu as of this writing.
What does Aaron Rodgers' special Steelers throwing session mean for Arthur Smith?
Smith and Rodgers have said all the right things about their partnership so far. Rodgers has studied Smith's offense in the past, as he is a student of the game. Smith should encourage Rodgers' blind throws, which were a key staple in his offense with the Tennessee Titans and QB Ryan Tannehill. Smith and Rodgers have vowed to meet in the middle, and the Steelers OC wants to build an offense around his quarterback, rather than forcing a square peg into a round hole. This is all good news for Pittsburgh fans.
That being said, Rodgers' primary invites to Malibu aren't players who will speak on Smith's behalf. While players like Freiermuth and Austin have played in Smith's offense for a season, Miller and newly-acquired tight end Jonnu Smith are fluent in it, and know exactly what the Steelers OC expects. Having them in attendance and at the center of such a team-building exercise would be beneficial for both Rodgers and Smith, as both men have the same goal for the upcoming season.
Will Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith get along for the Steelers sake?
Both Rodgers and Smith are strong-willed individuals. Rodgers has a long history of not getting along with key members of the coaching staff, but those he does like, he tends to carry with him from destination to destination – look no further than Nathaniel Hackett. Smith's offense is predicated on the run game and play-action passing. Rodgers is a gunslinger at heart, but has to know his mobility is lacking at this stage of his career. He is no longer the former MVP he once was. Being featured in a run-heavy offense could work to his benefit if he's willing.
In the end, this comes down to Rodgers. Smith is employed by the team to run his system and keep the ball out of the opposing offense's hands, while allowing Pittsburgh's high-priced defense to get some rest. He hasn't had a quarterback like Rodgers at his disposal in quite some time, if ever.
Assuming the Steelers win at a rapid rate, none of this will be a problem. However, if Rodgers and/or Smith's offense doesn't live up to expectations, then drama could bubble beneath the surface.