Aaron Rodgers urges OC Arthur Smith to unleash $11,904,000 running back in Steelers' passing game

Aaron Rodgers had a thought for Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in the aftermath of Sunday’s 31-17 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. He thinks running back Jaylen Warren could feature more prominently in the passing game. Rodgers highlighted Warren’s game as a bright spot in the setback.

Now in his 21st NFL season and first year in Pittsburgh, Rodgers is working alongside a backfield led by Warren. The RB signed a two-year, $11.9 million extension this offseason after the team opted not to re-sign Najee Harris.

"Jaylen is a great player," Rodgers said, according to The Athletic's Mike DeFabo.

"That was an awesome catch and run. He brings a lot to the table. We might have to keep giving him more opportunities in the pass game, because every time he touches it, something good happens."

NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers - Source: Imagn

Jaylen Warren caught four passes for 86 yards, including a 65-yard catch-and-run that flipped field position in the third quarter with the score tied at 14-14. The catch put Pittsburgh in position to score, but a turnover halted their momentum and ended the drive.

Warren has 133 catches for 1,002 yards and one touchdown in his career.

Aaron Rodgers adds milestone as Steelers evaluate offensive direction

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets - Source: Imagn

Aaron Rodgers also reached a career landmark in the contest, pulling even with Brett Favre at 508 touchdown passes for fourth on the NFL’s all-time list. The tie occurred on a 9-yard throw to DK Metcalf late in the first half that gave Pittsburgh a brief lead. He began his NFL career as a backup to Favre in Green Bay before getting the starting job in 2008.

Through two weeks, Jaylen Warren has registered 108 yards on six catches. He is a dual-threat that allows Pittsburgh to run both spread and play-action looks, something Rodgers has historically relied on.

Aaron Rodgers has shown both production and influence early in his Steelers tenure. In Week 1, he threw four touchdown passes to power a 34-32 win over his former team, the New York Jets. One week later, he delivered two more scores against Seattle.