Game Analysis

‘I Wouldn’t Classify It As Normal’ – Steelers HC Mike McCarthy Addresses Heated Exchange With Aaron Rodgers

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Head coach and quarterback relationships aren’t always a walk in the park. No duo relates to that more than Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers, who have had more than their fair share of ups and downs in their relationship.

During the Pittsburgh Steelers’ matchup against the Cleveland Browns last Thursday, frustrations reached a boiling point, leading to a volatile exchange mid-game, which McCarthy commented on during a press conference this week.

Mike McCarthy Plays Down Tense Moment with Aaron Rodgers

Speaking to the media Monday, McCarthy said, “I wouldn’t classify it as normal, no. But I think the reality of it is, it’s a 20-year relationship.” The Steelers head coach added that it’s a positive sign that they were able to “sit and talk numerous times over the weekend about that and a number of things.”

The moment stemmed from Rodgers’ impatience, waiting for McCarthy to make a playcall during the first quarter.

It would go on to forecast the rest of the game, as the Steelers lost 27-24, sinking to a 2-2 record.

Rodgers put up a mixed but ultimately empty calories stat line, throwing for 299 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions on a 55% completion percentage, contributing to his 67.5 PFN QB Impact grade on the season.

Though McCarthy and Rodgers likely won’t be able to reignite the magic they found in the 2010s, one aspect they can definitely improve on is their communication.

The duo has been paired up for 14 total years, including 13 seasons during their combined tenure with the Green Bay Packers from 2006-2018.

At their peak in Green Bay, few defenses could stop them. They spearheaded the Packers’ last Super Bowl victory in 2010, and Rodgers was crowned the MVP in 2011 and 2014. Notably, Green Bay went 15-1 in 2011, with McCarthy finishing second in AP Coach of the Year voting.

A year after the Packers drafted Rodgers, McCarthy got hired as head coach, though it took a few years for Brett Favre to get out of the picture so Rodgers could start.

Once that happened, McCarthy and Rodgers didn’t look back.

It wasn’t until the late 2010s when McCarthy began to struggle, both in his playcalling and his relationship with Rodgers.

However, they were able to mend fences after eight years apart and join forces in Pittsburgh.

It’s been a rocky ride so far for the duo in their second stint with each other, and they’ll need to get their acts together before they face the 2-2 Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1 pm ET to get back above .500.

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