Another day down as Steelers continued their final week of training camp at St Vincent’s College in Latrobe with two joint practices with the Buffalo Bills. This was the first time the Steelers have held a joint practice with another NFL team during the eight-year tenure of head coach Mike Tomlin.
Both Steelers and Bills fans packed St. Vincent’s and were treated to great weather and plenty of action. Here’s some of the quick hits I can share with the readers as the Steelers get ready to take on the Bills on Saturday at Heinz Field.
*Number one, this was a lot different than the normal training camp practice. Nearly 200 players and a frenetic pace to the session. For the Steelers, Jarvis Jones, Ramon Foster, Vince Williams and Matt Spaeth were among those who sat out today. Rookie Ryan Shazier was limited with his knee.
*The practice began with coverage drills that gave a better glimpse at the Steelers WR’s and DB’s against fresh competition. Bills second-year WR Robert Woods opened up the drills by beating Ike Taylor for a long completion. This was the theme of the drill, back and forth, Steelers get a win, the Bills come back with their own play.
Cortez Allen had some nice plays during the drills, and was able to break up a sure completion to highly-touted rookie Sammy Watkins. Watkins was one of the more impressive players on the field, but was not the best receiver, that honor would go to Antonio Brown, who continues to display why he might be staking claim to being one of the tops in the game.
After an up-and-down showing by Markus Wheaton last week where he had some bad drops, Wheaton looked outstanding. He made some tough catches and his route running was once again sharp.
The Steelers are going to have some tough choices at WR. Lance Moore looked solid and reliable, and it seems clear the Steelers feel he can do yeoman’s work taking over for Jerricho Cotchery in the slot. The real question becomes where does Darrius Heyward-Bey and Derek Moye fit? Heyward-Bey, coming off of a slow start to camp due to injury, had a solid showing, no drops and had a long catch from Ben Roethlisberger at one point. Moye too played well, and he was consistently targeted much of the day.
*The Steelers have issues with RB depth. Though local product Jordan Hall had some nice runs today, there really does not seem to be anyone stepping up and producing beyond La’Veon Bell and LaGarrette Blount. Dri Archer got some carries out of the backfield, but was ineffective. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers consider more options as teams start to make cuts in the coming days. They did add Stephen Houston, who was just cut by the Patriots, but it might not be the last signing.
*QB is obviously set with Roethlisberger, but I have to say, the situation behind him is looking shaky. Though debate is raging as to whether the Steelers should keep Landry Jones on the 53-man roster, I can’t imagine they keep three QB’s after final cuts with so many quality WR’s, LB’s and safeties.
*Speaking of safety, Jordan Dangerfield, who has been an under the radar sleeper so far at camp, struggled in coverage. This was one of the sticking points with Dangerfield, so it will be interesting to see if he can prove he’s worthy of a valuable roster spot.
*I hate to say it, but i’m a little worried about Ike Taylor. He really does look like he’s lost a step. Always been a big fan of his game, but you have to wonder if he’s hitting the wall. If he has, the Steelers could be in trouble.
*Though I get the notion that CB’s are “not critical” in the Lebeau scheme, I think the Steelers are going to regret waiting to confront the need at that position in the draft. In a league that relies so heavily on the pass, i’m not sure the Steelers are strong enough there to get the job done. Time will tell, but I can’t help feeling like the Steelers missed out passing on Darqueze Dennard, who is shining at Bengals camp and has the look of a future Pro-Bowler.
*Another sleeper in camp is linebacker Howard Jones. The Steelers like this kid a lot, and after a solid game Saturday against the Giants, and a number of standout practices at camp, Jones might have a chance to make the team. With so much LB depth, who does he beat out for a roster position though? He’s a definite candidate for the practice squad, if he’s not claimed.
*With the news that veteran punter Adam Podlesh has been placed on the Injured reserve/did not report list due to family concerns, Brad Wing has been given a golden opportunity to get the job. Wing lacks consistency, and as we saw Saturday night, there are times when Wing booms punts with outstanding hang time, and times when he shanks 20 yarders. It was much the same today, and you have to wonder if the Steelers might look to bring in a veteran to challenge Wing for the job.
*After talk of “zero tolerance” for fighting, there was a few minor skirmishes, but nothing too crazy.
*If I was to give a judgement on which team had the better day, the Bills probably came out on top. With so much going on, I was unable to get a lot of time with the OL and DL’s but in 11 on 11’s and 7 on 7’s, I have to say the Bills get the nod.
The Steelers will hold their final practice at St. Vincent’s tomorrow in another joint practice with the Bills at 5:30. They will then play Saturday night at Heinz Field, kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
