Aaron Rodgers overcomes a botched snap from Zach Frazier to throw TDs to DK Metcalf, leading the Steelers offense to a 4-3 win in the July 25 'Seven Shots' drill.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
One snap. That's all it took for Steelers fans to hold their collective breath. A low snap from rookie center Zach Frazier skittered past Aaron Rodgers to open the first 'Seven Shots' drill of 2025. But just as quickly, the future Hall of Famer showed why he's here, shaking it off and immediately firing touchdown strikes to DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth, setting the tone for a competitive and encouraging first day in pads.
The offense unofficially won the drill 4-3, but the real victory was the instant chemistry on display between Aaron Rodgers and his new weapons.
The 'Seven Shots' drill is the first real taste of competitive football in Latrobe, and Friday's session didn't disappoint. After the botched opening snap, Rodgers was nearly flawless. He hit DK Metcalf for a score on the very next play, a perfect example of veteran poise. The defense punched back when Joey Porter Jr., looking every bit a future star, broke up a fade intended for Metcalf. But the offensive firepower was evident. Mason Rudolph stepped in and found Scotty Miller for a TD, and rookie QB Will Howard connected with fellow rookie JJ Galbreath for another score. The 4-3 offensive win was a statement, showing this unit has multiple ways to attack in the red zone.
Beyond the scoreboard, the biggest takeaway was the budding rapport between Rodgers and his new weapons. The connection with Metcalf already looks potent, and his reliance on a trusted tight end like Pat Freiermuth was immediately apparent. It's exactly what the team envisioned when making its blockbuster offseason moves. The energy was palpable, and social media was buzzing with clips of the new trio. Even the initial miscue had a silver lining, as cameras caught Rodgers working closely with Zach Frazier on the sideline, a veteran mentoring a rookie in real-time. This is how championship habits are built.
It wasn't all perfect news, as the team is still exercising caution with a few key veterans. Starting guard Isaac Seumalo remains on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list with a soft tissue issue, though he can be activated at any time. Meanwhile, versatile weapon Cordarrelle Patterson and tight end Jonnu Smith are both considered day-to-day with undisclosed ailments. The good news? No new injuries were reported from Friday's physical practice. Keeping these players healthy is paramount, and their absence provides valuable reps for the younger guys looking to make their mark.
Day one is in the books, and the excitement is real. The Rodgers era has begun with a bang, showcasing poise, firepower, and leadership. The key questions moving forward are clear: Can the defense, led by Joey Porter Jr., adjust and win the next 'Seven Shots' battle? How quickly will key veterans like Isaac Seumalo, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Jonnu Smith return to the field? And can Rodgers and his new receivers continue to build on this electrifying start? The weekend can't come soon enough.
