Aaron Rodgers knows there\u2019s a code. The offensive line literally and figuratively protects the quarterback. Anytime he gets knocked down, especially in a training camp setting where that\u2019s supposed to be off limits, the front five better pick him up and let the offender know that\u2019s not kosher. Rodgers shared that message to a young Steelers offensive line early in training camp.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd one thing, one really important moment, [QB Skylar Thompson] got knocked down early in camp,\u201d Rodgers said on Cam Heyward\u2019s Not Just Football podcast<\/a> recorded during training camp and airing Tuesday. \u201cAnd I walked out there like, \u2018What the hell just happened?\u2019 I looked back and nobody was walking out there. And I told the line, \u2018Don\u2019t you ever let that happen again.’\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said, \u2018We gotta protect each other. And you guys are the policemen out there on the field. You\u2019re the big brothers out there. You protect everybody from DK [Metcalf] to me to whoever\u2019s in there quarterback or whoever\u2019s in there running back. I don\u2019t care if it\u2019s pre-season practice, whatever. You gotta protect them.’\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s rare for quarterbacks to hit the deck in camp but it\u2019s one of the most egregious things a defense can do. When LB Elandon Roberts nailed QB Justin Fields during a practice last year, a massive scrum broke out.<\/a> Rodgers isn\u2019t asking for fisticuffs but a message that getting a piece of the passer is a no-go.<\/p>\n His story is similar to 2021 when a young and new Steelers offensive line forgot to help QB Ben Roethlisberger up in a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the group later apologizing and vowing to not let it happen again. This young group populated by second- and third-year players is learning the same.<\/p>\n Pet peeve of mine this new\/young offensive line needs to learn. If you’re going to get your QB absolutely crushed\u2026go help the guy up. Pouncey always did. <\/p>\n And man, what a brutal hit Ben took here. #Steelers<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/a6PtenZUXD<\/a><\/p>\n\n