As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for an ambitious 2025 NFL campaign, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith are actively reshaping the team’s offensive approach during training camp. The integration of new playmakers like Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, and tight end Jonnu Smith has required significant tactical adjustments aimed at boosting the team’s passing game and overall explosiveness.
Arthur Smith acknowledged the need for adaptation in his scheme.
“Things we did from year to year, you played to your strengths and try to fit the strengths to your team. Necessity forces you to adapt,”
he stated in an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. This marks a clear shift from prior seasons when the Steelers ranked near the bottom of the league in passing yards, averaging only 192 yards per game last year.
Incorporating Aaron Rodgers’ Unique Play Style
Known for his on-the-fly adjustments and command of the line of scrimmage, 41-year-old Rodgers has brought a new dynamic to Pittsburgh’s offense. His ability to change calls, routes, and protections mid-play forces defenses to stay alert and adapt. Rodgers has praised Smith’s flexible approach to offensive design, appreciating a system that molds itself around the players’ strengths rather than enforcing rigid schemes.
Rodgers shared his thoughts on the collaboration via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and NFL.com:
“Arthur is not rigid in what he’s doing. He wants to tailor the scheme to the personnel that he’s got. … We’re trying to find what guys do best and implement that into the offense. I love that about Arthur, so we’re going to keep doing that.”
His veteran presence is expected to enhance the Steelers’ offensive creativity throughout the season.
Strategic Use of Tight Ends and Passing Enhancements
The Steelers plan to deploy more two tight end formations involving Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth to create mismatches and diversify the passing attack. Smith had a career-best season with the Miami Dolphins last year, recording 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, indicating his potential impact on Pittsburgh’s offense.
These changes underline a broader effort to elevate the Steelers from one of the NFL’s least prolific passing teams to a unit capable of delivering bigger plays and scoring more frequently. The combination of Rodgers’ leadership and Smith’s adaptable schemes aims to unlock the offense’s full potential.
Cleveland Browns’ Quest to Strengthen Wide Receiver Corps Amid Quarterback Uncertainty
Meanwhile, across the league, the Cleveland Browns are navigating their own challenges as wide receiver Terry McLaurin requested a trade amid ongoing contract negotiations with the Washington Commanders. Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, McLaurin’s former Ohio State teammate, publicly expressed his desire for a reunion by advocating for a trade on social media.
However, no clear indication has surfaced from the Commanders about interest in trading McLaurin. Simultaneously, the Browns are sorting through multiple quarterback candidates—including Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders—while grappling with injuries that complicate their preseason plans. Pickett, expected to start, suffered a hamstring injury, potentially opening the door for Sanders and Gabriel to receive more playing time.
On his injury status, Pickett told Kelsey Russo of the Browns’ website,
“I’m trying to get back out there as fast as possible. I’ve never had a soft tissue injury like this, so really a first-time experience in my career. I felt like I came in great shape, was hitting numbers speed wise that I’ve never hit before. So, it’s frustrating that it happened but, turn the page and just trying to be as good as I can be when I do return.”
Cincinnati Bengals’ Rising Star Shemar Stewart Impresses After Delay
On another front, Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart, an edge rusher, is rapidly making up for lost time after arriving late to training camp. Stewart displayed remarkable athleticism during the Bengals’ open practice at Paycor Stadium, earning praise from teammates and coaches.
Amarius Mims, Bengals offensive tackle, remarked via Mike Petraglia of Jungle Roar Pod,
“Dude’s an athlete. He just does unnatural things that I’ve never seen someone who’s 21 do.”
This highlights Stewart’s exceptional physical gifts despite his late start in camp.
The Bengals are deploying Stewart in various pass-rushing roles, including both edges and interior gaps, trusting his versatility to create matchup advantages. Defensive Coordinator Al Golden expressed excitement about Stewart’s unique skill set, noting,
“Whatever your opinion was of Shemar, that player is rare, coming out of the draft, somebody that can come off the edge one play, play in the B gap, two plays later play in the C gap, set the edge, do multiple things. To get a guy 280 that can do that with that kind of power is rare and we’re excited to have him.”
Looking Ahead: Impact and Expectations for the 2025 Season
The efforts by the Steelers to adjust their offense around Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith’s collaboration will be critical in reversing last season’s passing struggles. With new talents like DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith complementing Rodgers, Pittsburgh aims to transform into a more dynamic and unpredictable offensive force.
Elsewhere, the Browns’ ongoing search for quarterback stability and potential acquisition of new talent like Terry McLaurin add complexity to their 2025 outlook. Meanwhile, the Bengals anticipate Stewart’s breakout contributions could elevate their defense, reflecting an intense offseason all around the league.
As training camps progress, these storylines emphasize how critical adaptation, personnel fit, and player health will be in shaping the trajectory of several prominent NFL teams this season.