PITTSBURGH --Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth has a lot of experience around great quarterbacks.
As a player, he spent three years with the Indianapolis Colts learning from Peyton Manning. In 2006, he spent a summer with now Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and their reunion in Pittsburgh is one of familiarity.
Arth said he knew from the start Rodgers had a chance to be a special player.
“I had just come from Indianapolis and spent three years with Peyton [Manning], and obviously saw the way he played and threw the ball. And it was really immediate to me, seeing Aaron and saying, ‘Man, like, you know, this guy’s got some really special gifts,’” Arth said.
At 41 years old, Rodgers had his worst season record-wise in his entire career. Arth thinks other factors caused that decline, as when he watched the tape on Rodgers, he saw a player still going at a high level.
“I still think he’s at the top of his game. I think he’s a top quarterback in the league,” Arth said. “Aaron was extremely impressive. He still throws the ball very well. He’s accurate. He’s so smart. You can see his decision-making — doesn’t take a lot of sacks.”
Rodgers had 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 2024. He went just 5-12 in his starts with the Jets, and even after they acquired Davante Adams, went just 3-8. It was a tough season for Rodgers, who also had multiple leg injuries.
The Steelers think something remains in the tank for the former four-time MVP. They had zeroed in on him as their target, and even though they had to wait a while, Rodgers is now set to be their starting quarterback.