Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith Adjusting During Camp
New weapons like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Jonnu Smith have forced Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith to make major changes during Pittsburgh's training camp.
"I've had to adapt," Smith said via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "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."
Only five NFL teams averaged fewer passing yards than the Steelers last season (192.0 per game), but the Steelers hope to be far more explosive in 2025. Pittsburgh may use more two tight end looks featuring Smith and Pat Freiermuth. Smith had his best season with the Miami Dolphins last year (88 catches, 884 yards, eight touchdowns).
The 41-year-old Rodgers likes to draw opponents offside with his cadence and is used to changing calls, routes, and protections frequently at the line of scrimmage. Rodgers' strengths will be incorporated into Pittsburgh's attack and the veteran quarterback has enjoyed working with Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator so far.
"I like his flexibility," Rodgers said, 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."
Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward Wants to Be Reunited With Terry McLaurin
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin requested a trade last week as his contract impasse with the Washington Commanders continued.
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward and McLaurin were teammates at Ohio State. Ward used social media to urge Cleveland to trade for his buddy.
There were no indications as of Monday morning that the Commanders had interest in trading McLaurin.
Meanwhile, the Browns are trying to settle on a starting quarterback with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders all in the running. Pickett suffered a hamstring injury last week, making his status uncertain for Friday night's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. That could mean more reps for Sanders and Gabriel as Pickett works to get healthy.
"I'm trying to get back out there as fast as possible," Pickett said via Kelsey Russo of the Browns’ website. "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: Shemar Stewart Off to Fast Start Following Holdout
First-round pick Shemar Stewart was late getting to training camp, but the talented edge rusher is making up for lost time.
Stewart was one of the standouts during the Bengals' open practice Saturday night at Paycor Stadium, and his teammates were impressed.
"Dude's an athlete," said Bengals offensive tackle Amarius Mims via Mike Petraglia of Jungle Roar Pod. "He just does unnatural things that I've never seen someone who's 21 do."
The Bengals plan to rush Stewart from the left and right side, as well as the interior. They believe he has the athleticism to win one-on-one battles regardless of where he lines up.
"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," Defensive Coordinator Al Golden said, via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
"To get a guy 280 that can do that with that kind of power is rare and we're excited to have him."
