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Opponents on Steelers

Tomlin and Rodgers are the hot topic in Detroit

The Steelers take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Ford Field, a game that has playoff implications for both teams.

The Steelers are looking to hold onto their lead in the AFC North with a win over the Lions, while the Lions are battling to stay in the playoff hunt.

While the two teams haven't met much recently, they do know enough about each other, especially the Lions being familiar with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who they weighed in on.

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Coach Dan Campbell on the Steelers overall:
"Steelers, man. Got a lot of respect for this team, got a lot of respect for Mike Tomlin, been doing it for a long time, heck of a coach. Their brand of football, same style, always competitive. And once again, they're in the race for this division over there. They do it the right way, they do it the hard way, and they make you try to earn it at the end of the game.

"So, we know this'll be one of those physical battles. We've got to play smart, take care of the football and be very efficient. But he's always run a good program, and we know we've got our hands full."

Quarterback Jared Goff on the Steelers playing 'bully ball':
"I think that has been the hallmark of who they are for however long they have been successful there. Which is a long time. They are a tough, physical team. They are AFC North. They play downhill. They are strong. That's what they pride themselves on."

Campbell on how well he knows Tomlin:
"Yeah, I do know him, but I wouldn't say it's something where I call and we talk all the time or anything like that. I've just got a ton of respect for him. I know what he's about and the way he goes about his business. Anybody that I know that's ever come across Coach Tomlin speaks so highly of him, so he's one of one."

Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson on playing against Aaron Rodgers at Ford Field, where he had an interception against him:
"I'd love it if he threw me another one. That'd be great. He's a competitor. He's been doing it at a high level for a long time so we all have a ton of respect for him. He's a focus this week for sure."

Campbell on Rodgers:
"He plays fast. He plays fast and he's accurate. I mean, he's always had the accuracy. He's got such a quick release. I mean, he can process it like that. And it's with a flick of the wrist, the thing is in the receiver's hands at a perfect location to where they can do damage once they get it into their hands. So, that has gone nowhere, his ability to get it out and play fast is still there, very much there."

Goff on Rodgers:
"His ability to put the ball wherever he wants at whatever speed and pace he wants to. The mobility. All that stuff."

Goff on if he is friends with Rodgers:
"We're friendly and see him every once in a while."

Campbell on dealing with a running back like Kenneth Gainwell who is used in the passing game too:
"It just gives another element, right? Gives them another element. If you're able to get the running back out and he's a good route runner, then you get isolated on the linebacker. We're fortunate we've got some pretty good backers here, so that helps. But yet it's still a matchup that I would say most offenses are always looking for in general, is can you find that?

"And I like Gainwell, he's a good back. And he is, he's versatile. He's got vision, he's pretty sneaky that way, shifty. And he is a good receiver.

"And then (Aaron) Rodgers has done a great job of finding those throws, getting the ball out. He's got some big targets. (DK) Metcalf is still a load, he's a weapon, his run after catch has really shown up this year. I mean it's always been there, but a lot more underneath throws and letting him make something happen. They've got three tight ends over there that can block and run. Arthur Smith's doing a hell of a job, he's running his system, and it fits what they're about. It fits what they do."

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