Steelers CBs ‘Advanced’ Communication to Boost Turnovers (+)

UNITY TWP., Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense must be about the business of forcing turnovers at a high rate in 2022. As the offense rebuilds with new quarterbacks and a reworked offensive line, the defense will need to be in the business of big plays.

Or as Mike Tomlin loves to call them, “splash plays.”

Those types of splash plays were on display during the Steelers’ Thursday training camp practice at Saint Vincent College. The defense forced several interceptions, including ones from Devin Bush, Robert Spillane, and backup cornerback Chris Steele.

Steele intercepted Kenny Pickett during 11-on-11 scenarios, and when asked about the play used Tomlin’s favored words.

“You know it was just about being a ballhawk,” Steele said. “I knew I was in a good position on his hip and I could make that play. I love making splash plays. That’s the best feeling in the world as a corner.”

Each of the Steelers’ quarterbacks in Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph have now thrown interceptions to the defense in the first two days of training camp. As the rain poured down for the first hour of practice, the defense saw more opportunities to make such plays.