From cryptic hand signals to demanding high-stakes precision, Pittsburgh’s pass-catchers struggle to master the veteran quarterback’s complex silent language before the new season kicks off.
Aaron Rodgers is a special player, and one of the reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has been so good at his job for so long is because he knows how he wants to execute the offense.
Rodgers' main problem is getting his teammates on the same page.
The four-time NFL MVP is famous for giving his receivers hand signals before the play, expecting the gesture to tell them where to go on a given play even though the signals aren't exactly given to each receiver.
On Monday, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth said he's still learning the hand signals, and hasn't completely figured out where Rodhers wants him.
"I think me and No. 8 have always had a good connection," said Freiermuth, via the Steelers. "You're seeing it take off in camp so far based on the opportunities and stuff. So, I just got to continue to keep working and being where he expects me to be.
"There's a lot of signals out there. We're just understanding two years of what Aaron expects and what he wants. And like I said, it's just going smoothly. I think every single day whether we've scored or not, we've moved the ball down in two minutes. We haven't even really installed red zone yet. So, we'll get there and it's been good."
During an appearance on ESPN last week, former Steelers receiver Adam Thielen explained that Rodgers uses hand signals instead of going through progressions. Messing up a hand signal could mean not getting the ball for the rest of the game.
"I am in the game, and I don't know what the defense is doing because I have to have my eyes on Aaron the entire time," Thielen said. "That's because he could throw down a hand signal at any second right before (the snap). You're trusting that he knows what the defense is doing, and he does.
"He isn't going to go through a progression. He knows the defense. He's seen it all. He's going to find the guy that has the best matchup, and then give him a signal to get him in the right play."
It's a complicated scheme for the Steelers to run this season. In Year 2, things might be smooth with players who were around last season, but Germie Bernard and Michael Pittman Jr. will need to catch up.
