Steelers Analysis Steelers Training Camp
Steelers Camp Takeaways: Russ Rolls With 1s, DL Battle Heats Up
Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Takeaways: Russell Wilson ran his first full practice with the first team. Defensive line battle heading up.
UNITY TWP., Pa. — Russell Wilson took a full workload at practice for the first time this season, and he looked good doing, while Justin Fields worked with the second team, despite the fact that he’ll be starting the Pittsburgh Steelers preseason opener this Friday against the Houston Texans.
SEVEN SHOTS
1) This is the first time I think I’ve typed this sentence this year. Najee Harris, off left side, untouched into the end zone. The left side of the offensive line, which was Dan Moore Jr. and Isaac Seumalo for this rep, opened a huge hole. Nate Herbig, replacing Alex Highsmith (groin) was over there, but he was walled off easily.
2) Russell Wilson looked left and found Calvin Austin in a corner route, in between Donte Jackson and Damontae Kazee for a nifty pitch and catch score.
3) Wilson tried the left side again, with Van Jefferson running a quick out, but the throw was ahead of him and Jackson had much better coverage this time.
4) Jaylen Warren into the game with the rest of the first team, and he took an inside handoff straight ahead. Isiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee and the rest of the second team defense stopped him cold, but Warren kept churning his legs and a rugby scrum broke out, with the offensive line eventually pushing him into the end zone.
5) It was all second teamers as Justin Fields entered the huddle. He was flushed from the pocket and scrambled to his right for what would have been a score, but Mike Tomlin generally does not count scrambles as wins for the offense. Breiden Fehoko was closest to him.
6) LaMical Perine took the handoff from Fields and scampered around the left edge for a way-too-easy score. Rookie Julius Welschof was the man on the edge for the defense.
7) Aaron Shampklin smashed into the line and was stood up by a hard-charging Payton Wilson, but he just had too much momentum, and the two fell into the end zone.
The offense stops a three-day winning streak by the defense, with four rushing touchdowns and a Wilson to Austin passing score for a 5-2 victory.
NOTES FROM STEELERS TEAM PERIODS
? Not a team period, but Darnell Washington went up and over Damontae Kazee in a 1-on-1 drill, making a one-handed catch on about a 30-yard route down field that probably would have exceeded his entire 2023 receiving contributions in one fell swoop.
? Pat Freiermuth made a couple of outstanding catches on the day. He made a one-haded grab on a crossing route from Fields that probably went at least 20, and also had a diving catch going out of bounds that saw him crash into the drink cooler on the sideline. Very strong day from 88.
? We’ve heard a lot about Arthur Smith’s love for his Windback Counter play from Derrick Bell at Steelers Now. So, apparently, has Steelers defensive back Thomas Graham. He sniffed it out and dropped Perine for a loss. Grayland Arnold also had a TFL in the team run period.
? Quez Watkins had yet another drop. If you’re looking to make a roster spot on the 53 to fit Brandon Aiyuk, I may have a suggestion.
? Lee got his most run with the second-team and didn’t look out of place. Pressure is starting to mount in that battle between him, Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal for two spots. Leal also had a sack and a pressure. He doesn’t seem bothered by the right leg injury.
? Rodney Williams torched new linebacker Easton Gibbs for about 30 yards up the left sideline. Hot Rod is back.
? Nick Herbig had a tackle for loss against Warren on a read-option. The plays where Fields gives it up don’t seem to work nearly as well as when he keeps it, but that could have to do with the way they’re defending the play in practice.
? Wilson’s last pass attempt came after about seven seconds of standing unfettered in the pocket, with no one open. He eventually found Darnell Washington, who shoved aside Meadors to make the grab. No refs to call OPI.
? Connor Heyward had a couple nice catches on the day. He’s been quiet as of late.
SCREEN GAME STRONG
George Pickens made a ridiculously difficult catch look easy. Fields fired a way high and off-target pass on a wide receiver screen. Pickens leapt out of the atmosphere and stuck one paw up for a spectacular grab. He makes those look so easy.
Jonathan Ward had his second consecutive huge play, taking a screen pass 80 yards after an 80-yard touchdown run for a score on Tuesday. His arrow is way up. Ward also worked as the first team kickoff returner.
MORE KICKOFF NOTES
John Rhys Plumlee worked with Ward as the first two men back, and he took the first kick he fielded to the house for a touchdown. Plumlee had most of the “starters” blocking for him, with most of the second-team covering. That brings up an interesting part of how hard this play might be to practice. The Steelers are going to use a lot of the same people on their top kickoff coverage unit and kickoff return unit.
2-MINUTE DRILL
The practice closed with another 2-minute drill, this time led by the third team with Plumlee at the helm after Kyle Allen got a go on Tuesday. It didn’t go much better, with the drive stalling quickly. Plumlee nearly thew an interception to Cam Sutton on a bad overthrow, then Perine dropped a pass and Plumlee was forced to throw it away. He had Duece Watts wide open on fourth down, but over-threw him.
SUMMARY
Another situation-heavy practice as the Steelers get ready for their first preseason, but plenty of competitiveness, especially in the run periods. I think these guys are about ready to hit someone else.
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