The Steelers take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, both teams coming into the game with 1-1 records.
The Steelers are trying to bounce back from their Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, while the Patriots are coming off a win over the Miami Dolphins.
There will be a familiar face on the other sideline this week as Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel was originally drafted by the Steelers and spent four seasons in black and gold.
As the two teams prepare to meet, the Patriots are weighing in on the Steelers, including talking about Aaron Rodgers, Jabrill Peppers and more.
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Coach Mike Vrabel on the challenge facing Aaron Rodgers and if he still looks the same:
"I think the ball can go. I mean, when you see him extend the play to the right and throw it down 60 yards or whatever that was, his operation is excellent. His ability to find relief throws in plays that he doesn't think will be positive plays, he finds relief throws. It will be a great challenge to be able to find ways to affect him."
Quarterback Drake Maye on growing up a fan of Rodgers:
"I was just getting to the age of starting to really love watching football, and he won the Super Bowl when I remembered watching my first Super Bowl. They won it with the Packers.
"So, he's very talented throwing the football, and he's got some swagger to him. I think it's just special how he throws the football. I remember watching it last year when Jacoby (Brissett) was playing. I think we were playing at the Jets, and I was watching him warm up. It's just something you don't take for granted, somebody who throws the football that way. Like I said, his swagger, big fan."
Maye on if he tries to carry anything from Rodgers' game into his own:
"It's hard to emulate the way he spins it. He spins it with the best of them.
"I remember in eighth grade, I was playing baseball and different sports, and I looked up how to hold a football. So, I looked up Aaron Rodgers' grip, and I've had the grip ever since. So, just little things.
"His play fakes are unbelievable, the way he gets defenders. He got someone last week on a play fake. Just his intensity, his cadence is one of the best in the league. I'm not going to get there this early in my career but try to work towards it. He's so good at drawing guys offsides and taking advantage of big plays.
"He's just a special talent. Moving guys, moving defenders and throwing in tight windows. It's pretty cool to watch."
Maye on if he has had the opportunity to talk with Rodgers:
"I haven't. I said what's up to him after the game last year and then got knocked out with concussion in the game we had here at home last year. So, hopefully sometime down the road. But we'll be pretty focused on Sunday."
Vrabel on how much of the offense is Arthur Smith's and how much is what Rodgers brought with him:
"I think Arthur's done things with multiple quarterbacks. I mean, is he doing what he did with (Desmond) Ridder where they're running zone read? No, but there's also other elements that he's done a lot of.
"Aaron, having played quarterback as long as he has, is going to have things that he likes. So, I'd say it's a blend."
Vrabel on the Steelers defense:
"Pittsburgh has got veterans. They've got athletes. The linebackers are fast. T.J. Watt's going to be an issue. (Nick) Herbig, I have always had a lot of respect for his game. (Cameron) Heyward will push the pocket back in the middle and then you never know if Jalen Ramsey's going to be a corner, he's going to be a nickel or he's going to be a safety. So, it'll be a huge challenge."
Maye on the Steelers defense, including former Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers:
"First off, their down guys are good players, really good players. Their linebackers, their front seven is really good. They've got veteran guys in the back end that have been great players in this league. It's the Steelers. They're going to play hard, they're coached well. For us, we've just got to, like I said, stay ahead of the chains.
"Pep (Peppers), if he's out there, he's going to compete. We know what he's like, so he's going to bring it."
Vrabel on missed tackles by the Patriots defense last week and the challenge with the Steelers if those reoccur:
"We'll have to tackle much better. We'll have to tackle (Jaylen) Warren, Jonnu (Smith), (DK) Metcalf, (Calvin) Austin. So, that's the focus. That will be a critical part of this game plan.
"Those guys are great with the ball in their hands. They run very hard, they're skilled, they're big and present a challenge."
