Roman Wilson
Roman Wilson
Will this be the year that Pittsburgh Steelers WR Roman Wilson actually produces on the field? The answer to that question has a lot to do with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Or more accurately, how much faith Rodgers has in Wilson to do the right things this season. Rodgers certainly praised Wilson recently, saying that he (along with fellow wide receiver DK Metcalf) had one of the five best training camps on the team.
However, Rodgers also called out Wilson on Wednesday, too. Rodgers used the phrase “repeat mistake” when discussing what happened on an interception. That’s not a good sign considering how frustrated Rodgers became with Wilson last year.
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spent a lot of time around Rodgers and Wilson last year. Tomlin joined the Rich Eisen Show on Thursday, and he shared his thoughts on Rodgers-Wilson.
“It’s a teachable moment,” Tomlin said. “He’s acknowledging that he is a young, developing player. He’s also educating him to the fact that as long as you’re having new issues, then progress is [not] being made. Repeat errors, there’s a price to pay for that. And so he’s rapping him on the beak while at the same time putting his arm around him. And I think Aaron does a great job of managing that and utilizing media opportunities to do both.
“I just think it’s a component of leadership. It’s certainly a component of his leadership style. And I’m sure because of his ability to develop individual relationships that it’s received in the right spirit from Roman.”
Aaron Rodgers wants as close to perfection as humanly possible. We all know that mistakes will happen, though. Tomlin believes Rodgers is much more tolerant of new mistakes made in the pursuit of growth rather than someone making the same mistake over and over again.
Aaron Rodgers certainly spends time praising Roman Wilson. Tomlin says that’s intentional. Rodgers is trying to get the most out of Wilson, someone he believes in. People are much more willing to listen to criticism when you spend time praising them when they do well.
That’s part of Aaron Rodgers’ leadership. Now, it’s up to Roman Wilson to listen and grow.