As for passing over Rodgers for Smith while in San Francisco, McCarthy said he and Rodgers have talked about it. Smith has certainly had more playing time in his first three seasons than Rodgers, but without nearly as strong a supporting cast around him, the struggles have been evident.
Rodgers will have his ups and downs, too, in his first season as the starter, but he has more to draw upon now that his opportunity has arrived, and McCarthy has told him so.
"It's about the big picture," McCarthy said. "His opportunity to be able to sit and develop and prepare for his time is the way to go."