Chargers Coach Jim Harbaugh on quarterback Aaron Rodgers:
“Nothing but respect. To do it at the highest level, (can be an) argument that it’s the highest. Tremendous competitor. He has a great desire to win. Does anything and everything for his team to win. Nothing but respect. Great player.”
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter on Rodgers:
“He’s still Aaron Rodgers. Super fast release. Super accurate. He sees everything. He’s obviously seen every type of coverage, every type of blitz imaginable. He manages their offense really well. They really have a combination of a Steelers brand identity, run game, big personnels and then some of the stuff he’s always done, spread you out, look for matchups, quick game, those types of things.
“They have a very versatile offense. He has a lot of unique weapons where three different tight ends that are capable of making plays in the run game and the pass game. A couple of backs that are really good in the pass game. Obviously, the receivers, DK Metcalf, big target. Matchup guy. He’s got a good skillset of players. And he is one of the best of all-time dishing it out. Doesn’t take a lot of sacks because he gets rid of the ball quick.
“A Hall of Famer, first ballot Hall of Famer that we’ll get a chance to go against. Something we’re excited about, and we certainly have a ton of respect for him.”
Linebacker Khalil Mack on Rodgers:
“Playing against Aaron, he’s the ultimate competitor. He’s going to do whatever he can to put his team in the best position to win.
“Playing against guys like that always, I look forward to it because you’re going against some of the greats. These are the games you’re going to look back on when you hang them up.
“It’s another challenge, another opportunity to go against the best competition.”
Cornerback Donte Jackson on Rodgers:
“He’s still one of the best decision makers there is in football. Regardless of position, he just doesn’t make bad decisions with the ball and he’s still one of the most accurate QBs in the league. He has a way of getting those guys going.”
Minter on Rodgers still doing it at a high level:
“It’s pretty incredible when you think about what he’s still doing. Obviously, takes great care of himself. He moves around really well. A couple of years ago it was the injury. But I feel like he’s moving now really well.
“It’s a great challenge. I think it’s fun to go against a guy like that. The mental side of it is a great challenge. He’s seen about every coordinator in the league in the last 25 years almost. I’m excited about the opportunity to go against him.”
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman on the Steelers defense:
“Looking at their defense, really since 1992 it’s always started with those edge guys. (T.J.) Watt, (Alex) Highsmith, (Nick) Herbig’s emerging, and you have Cam Heyward in the middle. You really see Patrick Queen’s game coming to a new level in the system. He’s doing a great job. You have (Payton) Wilson and (Cole) Holcomb in there. Those guys can run. Those linebackers can run.
“In the secondary they’ve had some attrition. They seem to be settling in now. They have (Kyle) Dugger, came in two days and played in the game. Pretty impressive there. They moved (Jalen) Ramsey to safety. They’ve got the venerable veteran (Darius) Slay and the young Lion there, (Joey) Porter. They’re a formidable secondary.
“They turn the ball over well. They sack the quarterback. They try and create negative plays. I really think they caught their stride a little bit against the Colts.”
Mack on what makes the Steelers offense hard to stop when Rodgers gets the ball out of his hands fast:
“It’s the timing. Everything is based on timing when you are playing against Aaron Rodgers. It’s just doing things to throw his timing off. Without getting too technical, just throw his timing off.”
