The Pittsburgh Steelers took the field at Saint Vincent College Saturday in Latrobe, PA after the much anticipated Friday Night Lights practice had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. SteelerNation’s own, Jordan Schofield was at practice and caught up with two of the three quarterbacks who are participating in the highly publicized competition for the position.
“I think you see a different pep in your step with him [Diontae Johnson] out there,” Mitch Trubisky told reporters. “He can get open, he’s a special talent. Happy to have him back out here, he’s a dynamic part of this offense, he gets open and he also opens other guys. I’m excited to get all the pieces back. I think we will really see what this offense is all about.”
Trubisky has endured a lot of criticism this week as he practiced without Najee Harris, Chase Claypool, Pat Freiermuth and Diontae Johnson. The current quarterback on top of the depth chart has taken the criticism in stride and has made the best of his time with rookies Calvin Austin III and especially George Pickens who have operated with him out of necessity. Trubisky knows they are exceptional but pointed out:
“The young guys are talented right, but it’s the non-talent things,” Trubisky gushed. “Picking up the offense quickly. Attention to detail on the routes, knowing the difference man vs zone and when to run the route differently, they have been picking up the offense quickly and it allowed them to just get open and make plays and utilize their talent.”
Austin, the rookie from the Memphis Tigers was impressive again today and had two spectacular splash plays during the sessions including a 65-yard gain on a long pass. The rookie receiver has demonstrated how humble he is and that he expects to make impressive plays, but today credited Steelers wide receiver coach, Frisman Jackson for keeping him on his toes with his attention to detail.
“I have to continue to improve as a total receiver. Coach Fris and Coach [Mike] Tomlin, you don’t have a choice but to work on the things you need to work on.”“Coach is watching this,” shares Austin, “seeing the coverages, running my routes, leverages. When you come off the field, he’s going to ask you, 'Well what did you see? Did you do what we talked about?' You definitely have to be on all your P’s and Q’s.”
Kenny Pickett, Austin’s fellow rookie from the 2022 NFL Draft, has also noticed how hard the young receiver is working. He is also competing for first team reps and praised the young speed merchant's attention to detail in his comments after practice.
“Everyday we are all getting better,” Pickett pointed out to reporters. “We are more comfortable in the offense, and everything is slowing down. He knows what he’s doing and when he plays with that speed, he is awful tough to cover.”
Pickett, who has dramatically improved his performance ever since the Steelers put on pads this week, also had another solid day at practice. During the "7 shots" drill, he threw an impressive fade pass for a score. Later in practice, he found a wide open Connor Heyward in the end zone after a well executed play-action fake. The rookie quarterback is making his case for more reps and when asked, commented about how he felt about his performance thus far:
“It’s just really reps with these guys, getting to know how fast they are getting to certain points on the field. Right now, it’s still early, the two’s and three’s, the guys I play with the most are who I feel most comfortable with.”
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin participates during 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The rumblings for Pickett to get an opportunity with the first team are getting louder in Pittsburgh. However, until Trubisky gets to play with the full contingent of Steelers weapons, it is unlikely that Head Coach Mike Tomlin is going to adjust the depth chart. When asked about the depth chart and if anything can be gleaned from it by the reporters gathered around him, Tomlin replied in his usual unflappable fashion:
“No, it’s just that I have to give you guys a depth chart.”
Many established first-string players see very little action or sit out completely during the first annual preseason game. The Steelers quarterback competition is far from established and should start to come into focus after next Saturday’s preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Based on the injuries, it would be surprising to see Harris or Claypool on the field, but Steelers fans should get their first extended look at this year’s rookies during the first taste of 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers football.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you counting the hours until next Saturday and who do you want to see most? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
