Steelers Rookie Reveals How Aaron Rodgers Tests His Receivers originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn't letting his young receivers coast through the week.
Rookie Germie Bernard says Rodgers quizzes him regularly during offensive meetings, testing his knowledge of opposing defenses and Pittsburgh's game plan. The goal is to make sure the Steelers' pass catchers are prepared before they take the field on Sunday.
"He interrogates me every single week," Bernard said on the Christian Kuntz Podcast. "We go into the offensive meeting, he's like, 'All right, Germ, you're up.'"
Rodgers' questions range from identifying opposing defensive players to explaining their schemes and knowing which plays are in the game plan. Bernard said the process has helped him understand what Rodgers expects and prepare to react more quickly during games.
"What I've learned from that is he wants us to be prepared in what we're doing and what we're gonna see," Bernard said. "What do we have in a game plan so we can play fast and everything like that."
The preparation is already paying off for the rookie. Bernard recorded six catches for 80 yards on nine targets in Pittsburgh's 34-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, leading the Steelers in targets and setting career highs in receptions and receiving yards.
Bernard's increased production came as Pittsburgh dealt with injuries across its receiving corps. Michael Pittman Jr. was already on injured reserve with a foot injury, while Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek also were sidelined during the Colts game.
Those absences could leave Bernard with another significant opportunity when the Steelers visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Rodgers has made it clear that preparation plays a major part in earning his trust. The four-time MVP said the quizzes help him identify which players understand the game plan and encourage everyone to stay on top of their film study.
For Bernard, that means answering Rodgers' questions throughout the week and translating those lessons into production on the field.
After his breakout performance against Indianapolis, the rookie will look to build on that progress against Tampa Bay.