Rodgers and Middle of the Field

[Mojouw]

There seems to be an idea floating around that Rodgers is going to hit plays down the middle.

I know I am a broken record, but that isn't his game.

Here is one from the pre-Lefluer GB revival: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/b...selection-2019
Basically that Rodgers hits the sidelines more than just about anyone and the middle less than almost anyone.

Here is one looking at his Jets year: https://steelersdepot.com/2025/06/st...20the%20middle.
Bottom line is that Rodgers threw more over the middle than Wilson, but was not very good doing it.

Video Summary: https://youtu.be/NcZvnw1vmQ4?si=0-O2UHwpemAbfIrZ

I've watched a great deal of Rodgers career and the QB many Steelers fans seem to be describing/expecting doesn't align with how Rodgers plays.

Hopefully he is willing to change. He forced his way out of GB to avoid changing.

[Edman]

So the 41-year old Quarterback who was not the answer looks like he isn't the answer. Good to know.


If we can probably get 1-2 shots over the middle a game, then the team should be fine.

[El Kabong]

So we've had old Ben and Pickett and Fields and Wilson not throw over the middle, and now apparently Rodgers doesn't do it much, and I'm sure I saw an article at some point that the Eagles don't throw over the middle much. Maybe it's something that a number of teams/quarterbacks around the league don't do much?

[Mojouw]

So we've had old Ben and Pickett and Fields and Wilson not throw over the middle, and now apparently Rodgers doesn't do it much, and I'm sure I saw an article at some point that the Eagles don't throw over the middle much. Maybe it's something that a number of teams/quarterbacks around the league don't do much?

That might very well be true. I'm by no means saying that passing over the middle is any good or bad thing.

What I'm confused/intrigued by is the idea that Rodgers is going to pepper TEs with targets because of the Steelers roster construction and Arthur Smith.

He's never really done that. And his last and worst year in GB; the TEs and WRs couldn't win matchups and Rodgers struggled. It's a big part of why he pouted his way out of town.

Rodgers has made his HOF career on spreading defense out; identifying the outside/sideline mismatch, and ruthlessly exploiting it.

He's probably one of the most turnover averse QBs I've ever seen play. He tends to avoid the middle where a random tipped ball can spell disaster.

Rodgers makes his money on the boundary and screens/RPOs outside the hashes. Clearly it has worked.

Steelers seemingly lack the athletes to consistently win those match ups.

Should be interesting to see. Similar to last year; what Smith likes to do and what Rodgers likes to do are at loggerheads.

[Shoes]

I think Rodgers is going to be just fine, and if he stays healthy, he could absolutely have a great season. IMO, he is miles ahead of where Ben was in his final years, with his legs, arm strength, and football mind. Just because Rodgers didn’t throw over the middle a ton before doesn’t mean he can’t do it. And hey, the more tight ends we’ve got, the better! He’s going to have plenty of weapons to work with. Should be fun to watch!

[Born2Steel]

I think Rodgers is going to be just fine, and if he stays healthy, he could absolutely have a great season. IMO, he is miles ahead of where Ben was in his final years, with his legs, arm strength, and football mind. Just because Rodgers didn’t throw over the middle a ton before doesn’t mean he can’t do it. And hey, the more tight ends we’ve got, the better! He’s going to have plenty of weapons to work with. Should be fun to watch!

100%

The only reason to be a pessimist right now is if you choose pessimism. I'm really looking forward to TC and getting those daily reports on different players and personnel group choices and just the whole thing. Could be 5 new faces in our secondary with rotations. Cole Holcomb odd back. How will the DL rotations look? 2nd year leap for the IOL? WR, TE, RB rooms will all look different. I'm even excited to see how rookie QB Will Howard performs in TC and preseason.

I think this is a team that can make some real noise in the AFC. I'm not going to pretend there are some question marks, but that happens every year. I'm not going to focus on the 'what can go wrong' either. Let's just go play some football.

[Born2Steel]

As far as MOF goes, McDaniels and the Dolphins are the team that keeps showing up as the league leader in MOF usage. Season predictions show the Dolphins finishing 3rd/4th in the AFCE. The other offense that gets all the mentions is the 49ers. The 49ers were proven to be very player specific with their offensive success. They had a couple key injuries and ended up 6-11.

There are several articles and videos online that discuss Arthur Smith and his offensive philosophy. They talk a lot about strategic use of MOF regarding respect for certain defensive players, as well as the offensive personnel. It's not a black/white game plan to use the MOF more or less. It fluctuates game to game, situation to situation. It's like air yards when talking passing stats. There is more context and nuance than just raw numbers needed.

[Mojouw]

Hope you are right.

To me, this sounds like how Trubisky, Pickett, and Wilson were going to totally change how they played once they became Steelers.

They didn't. Doesn't mean it can't happen with Rodgers. But I'm not gonna hold my breath.

[Steeler-in-west]

Rodgers can read defenses and while not the most mobile has pocket awareness and a few inches on Russ. And he doesnt get rattled. Thats good enough for me, even though he is at the end of his career.

[tube517]

I think Rodgers is going to be just fine, and if he stays healthy, he could absolutely have a great season. IMO, he is miles ahead of where Ben was in his final years, with his legs, arm strength, and football mind. Just because Rodgers didn’t throw over the middle a ton before doesn’t mean he can’t do it. And hey, the more tight ends we’ve got, the better! He’s going to have plenty of weapons to work with. Should be fun to watch!

Shoes, what are your thoughts on Jonnu Smith?

[Shoes]

Shoes, what are your thoughts on Jonnu Smith?

I haven’t followed him at all, but he had a great season last year. To me, he’s a true hybrid TE/WR, and I think he’s going to be a real chain mover and red zone threat alongside PF and DW.

Joe Rose said, “He’s as good as any pass-catching tight end in the NFL — Kelce included. He’s a first-down machine. He won the Dolphins some games by himself.”

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/dol...160000734.html

Should be a fun season ahead!

[ALLD]

If you want Rodgers to throw over the middle sign a hot chick WR wearing a Trump bikini to run the pattern.