Steelers QB Rodgers downplays heated exchange with McCarthy - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers downplayed his expletive-filled interaction with head coach Mike McCarthy captured on the «Thursday Night Football» broadcast, and he also called the outburst of emotions from teammates during the loss «a positive.»

Rodgers' explicit hot mic moment and McCarthy's ensuing profane response came midway through the first quarter as Rodgers urged McCarthy to get the call in faster during the Steelers' lengthy opening drive. It was just one of several heated moments between Steelers' players and coaches caught on the broadcast during the Steelers' 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Despite the Thursday night outbursts, Rodgers, his teammates and Steelers coaches have insisted this week that emotion is a normal and healthy part of the game — not an indication of a fractured group.

«I think it is a positive,» Rodgers said Wednesday of sideline emotion. «Player-led teams are the best teams. I think anytime you're seeing the fire and the passion from all those guys, it's a good thing.»

Asked if he considered the Steelers to be a «player-led team,» Rodgers urged his teammates to keep stepping up.

«It needs to be even more, probably,» he said. "… Accountability is an important part of this thing, so we're all accountable to each other."

Rodgers added that he and McCarthy have talked, including about the timing of the play calls, since the loss. Asked if everything was ironed out, Rodgers quickly responded, «It's always ironed out.»

McCarthy said Monday that while the interaction with his quarterback wasn't «normal,» it's the byproduct of having a long relationship with Rodgers, whom he coached for 13 years in Green Bay.

«I think the reality of it is, it's a 20-year relationship.» McCarthy said. «I think