Early Insights Gleaned From Steelers Training Camp
Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
I grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Shortly after school, I made my way west to Colorado. I have missed my fellow yinzers over the past decade, and love the opportunity to return and reunite with those that worship the Black and Gold. This year, my family vacation aligned with the opening days of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp. We decided to make the pilgrimage to Latrobe on Friday, thus baptizing my two nieces, two nephews, and most importantly, fiance into full-on Steelers fandom.
Training camp is an ordeal. Food trucks, merch tents, and carnival games flank either side as you go to the field. As you reach the stands and grass hills littered with Steeler Nation, it grows quiet– interrupted only by cheers from those on the field and those spectating. Mike Tomlin and his staff are easily heard as are the back-and-forths between offense and defense. But I’ve got more takeaways than just the fan experience, as you’ll see here:
Russell Wilson Can Continue to Sit Out
The quarterback in pole position for the starting gig missed his first two days of training camp. Wilson was reported to have calf tightness and decided to sit out, or was told to. This allowed Justin Fields to step in with the first-team offense and show what he’s got. After hearing about his performance in Thursday’s practice, I was excited to see what Fields brought to the table.
I wasn’t disappointed, but I also wasn’t impressed. Fields showed his arm strength on a couple of big throws, but also looked lackluster in the intermediate and short passing game. His ability to run has come as advertised, but since turning in his Chicago Bears helmet, his arm still appears inconsistent. It’s early, but I can’t imagine Wilson feeling that his starting job is in jeopardy.
Cornerbacks Inspire Confidence
Move over, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, we’ve got a duo coming for your crown. Donte Jackson and Joey Porter Jr. showed up to camp looking like “The Sticky Bandits” from Home Alone 2. And much like Home Alone 3, I didn’t bother to turn on Carolina Panthers football last year, so I was glad to finally see Jackson in person, and he looked the part.
Last season, we got cold water thrown on our hopes for Patrick Peterson, making him a “Wet Bandit” in this metaphor. It won’t be a sequel with Jackson, who looks like he has more in the tank than Peterson ever showed last year.
Jackson was smooth, anticipated reads, and managed to lock down every receiver that came his way. He shadowed Pickens on several go routes and had a beautiful pass breakup that could have gone for big yardage. JPJ continued to show no fear while lined up against Pickens, Roman Wilson, or Van Jefferson. At no point did either of the outside corners give up significant separation, something Tomlin and company should be encouraged by.
Van Jefferson Looks the Part
As has been discussed all off-season, the wide receiver room in Pittsburgh is a giant question mark. They are unquestionably thin at the position, and many are wondering if the front office should have been more aggressive in free agency or the draft. While it was only one practice, Van Jefferson looks like he can provide the Steelers more than what he did for the Los Angeles Rams. Mostly because they are going to ask him to do so.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound wideout seemed to be a comfortable target for Justin Fields, particularly at the goal line. He showed great awareness and had a fantastic grab in the corner of the endzone. While he may not be the blockbuster name many fans hoped for, he and Wilson could provide the Steelers with enough depth to be a real passing threat.
Pickens Needs to be Pushed
There was a lot of buzz after the first day of practice that included a dramatic interaction with the new receivers coach, Zach Azzanni. With training camp just beginning, it makes sense for these things to make some waves, but overall it’s par for the course. It’s good to know Pickens will be held accountable.
As a quick observation, Pickens seems to be playing the part of a receiver who isn’t worried about his playing time or job. While he didn’t get many targets, he seemed to hold it together nicely and made an incredible grab in double coverage for a score.
A lot can be said about a single practice, but overall the group looked to be as in sync as one would expect this early on. The defense is dynamic, the offense looks more sure of themselves, and Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.
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