Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed confidence in his ability to manage the offense under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, despite Smith’s reputation for a rigid system. Rodgers emphasized that he expects to call plays and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage when necessary, affirming his role in shaping the offense. Speaking to ESPN, Rodgers clarified misconceptions around his involvement in the play-calling process, stating that he has frequently taken charge during critical moments in games.
I don’t understand that last term, ‘take over when I see fit,’ I’ve called some two minutes over the years. But the idea that somehow I need to, or have spent most of my career playing outside of an offensive system, is just not correct. I’m going to learn the offense, and Arthur and I are going to talk a bunch this summer. If there’s things that I like that I’d like to see in the offense, Arthur, I’m sure, is going to put it in. He knows how to call a game. I know how to get us in the right spot based on what’s called. There’s two or three plays called in the huddle sometimes. My job is to get us in the right play.
—Aaron Rodgers, Steelers quarterback
Bo Nix’s Growth Seen as a Bright Spot for the Broncos
Denver Broncos’ rookie quarterback Bo Nix made a strong impression in his debut season, earning praise from those protecting him on the offensive line. Offensive tackle Garett Bolles highlighted Nix’s exceptional talent and leadership, crediting his composure and work ethic as key factors in the Broncos’ offensive success. Bolles described Nix as a “freak of nature” with remarkable arm talent who quickly embraced his role as a team leader.
I’m so grateful I get to protect him and being his blindside protector, giving him all the time in the world. He’s a freak of nature. You look at the numbers that he put up last year, between him and [Jayden] Daniels, those were the two young quarterbacks in the league that’s gonna be very successful, and I have one of them behind me. His demeanor, his composure, his work ethic, just always wanting to get better, his arm talent and just the way he sees it, he has swag, man, he really does.
—Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos offensive tackle
Bolles also noted that Nix’s ability to lead and adapt quickly helped galvanize the locker room, adding that the experience he gained during his college career contributed to a smooth transition to the NFL game.
You would think a rookie like that would come in and it would be hard for him to adjust to the NFL life, I think it just pays dividends to all the snaps that he had in college and the coaching staffs that he had there with Auburn and Oregon, and then coming to Denver and embracing his role and being the leader that he is, to lead our team down the field to score points, it spoke to us. We scored a lot of points last year and we’re ready to build off of what we did and continue to get better each and every day.
—Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos offensive tackle
Ravens’ Rashod Bateman Confident in Team’s Direction Amid New Additions
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman expressed optimism about his future with the Baltimore Ravens as the team welcomed high-profile veterans DeAndre Hopkins and Jaire Alexander. Bateman shared his commitment to staying with the Ravens and his desire to change the narrative around the team’s receiving corps. He highlighted the veteran leadership and competitive atmosphere these additions bring to the squad.
That’s always been my mindset. It never really changed, No matter what I went through, I was always praying and hoping that it would work out here. There’s a lot of love and respect that comes with a team that drafted you and I wanted to flip that narrative of receivers here and I definitely think we’re on the right track of doing that. Not really looking for nobody else’s validation but it feels good, somewhat, to be in the midst now headed down that right track.
—Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Discussing Hopkins, Bateman acknowledged the veteran’s experience and guidance, which has positively influenced younger players. He also anticipates an intensified competitive edge within the team’s defense with Alexander joining their ranks.
You could just definitely tell that he’s been in the game a while and done a lot of great things, A lot of people respect what he’s done and what he brings to the table. But as far as right now, he’s been a very good veteran for us, giving all of us advice — not even just myself — he’s been very vocal about that. All of us are much younger so [our] ears are open and we’re taking all the advice we can get from him. He’s done great things, so hopefully we can take that, add it to our game, add it to our personalities to go help this team. He’s been good for us and I know he’s going to be big for us this season.
—Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
In practice, it’s definitely going to be a battle, It’s always a battle — this defense here is tough and adding Jaire to the group is definitely going to make us better. Going out, putting Jaire in the middle of our defense with the guys that we got now I think is going to be fun to see. It’s going to be some Ravens football.
—Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Team Dynamics and Expectations for Upcoming NFL Season
Players like Aaron Rodgers, Bo Nix, and Rashod Bateman reveal a shared determination to improve and succeed under new circumstances and leadership. Rodgers’ insistence on his active role in the offensive system suggests a collaborative approach with Arthur Smith, aiming to blend structure with adaptability. Meanwhile, Bo Nix’s development and Bateman’s embrace of veteran influence reflect a league-wide trend of balancing youth with experienced guidance.
As teams prepare for the new season, these perspectives indicate a focus on growth, strategy, and cohesion. Rodgers working closely with Smith over the summer is likely to set the tone for the Steelers’ offense, while the Broncos build around Nix’s emerging leadership. The Ravens’ strengthened defense and receiving core aim to establish a competitive edge.
Overall, the commitment from these key players offers fans reason for hope and excitement as training camps progress and the regular season approaches.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers friends?
A. NFL STATS CENTRAL provides the newest NFL scores, schedules, betting odds, and statistics. Over time, Rodgers mentioned that he and Brady developed a friendship. Both are fans of the Kentucky Derby and for many years, they attended it together. They would bring their respective groups to Churchill Downs and sit at tables next to each other.
Q. What did Peyton Manning say about Aaron Rodgers?
A. Manning expressed enthusiasm for Aaron’s new opportunity. He believes hands-on experience is irreplaceable and Aaron’s impact on the receivers will be important. Manning also emphasized that every team member must contribute.
Q. Why does Aaron Rodgers not speak with family?
A. In the documentary, he mentioned that during high school, he started moving away from his parents’ beliefs. Around this period, he felt less connected with his family, except for his younger brother Jordan Rodgers. “I wasn’t extremely close with everyone in the family,” he said.
Q. Why did Aaron Rodgers not hug?
A. Rodgers explained the situation, saying it was simply a mix-up caused by Coach Saleh’s usual way of avoiding hugs. He mentioned that Saleh typically doesn’t hug and prefers using a two-handed chest bump instead.