The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has dominated an overwhelming majority of training camp in Latrobe, PA so far. The group seems to be getting healthy, which has led to struggles for the offense. Star safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, returned to practice but the offense has been missing key contributors like Najee Harris and Diontae Johnson for several practices, as well as adjusting to two new quarterbacks.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
While Harris remains out, the offense showed some signs of life on Tuesday. They won the "7 shots" drill 5-2 over the defense, as mentioned by our very own, Brandon James Wallace. The defense has won that specific drill consistently in the first two weeks of camp.
7 shots! Jack and Bush starting middle LB’s. Minkah back at safety!
— B-Wall (@BWall) August 9, 2022
1. Benny stuffed
2. Benny TD
3. Trubisky to Claypool TD (great toe tap catch back of the end zone)
4. Trubisky roll out rush TD
5. Pickett incomplete
6. Pickett to Warren TD
7. Rudolph to Boykin TD#HereWeGo
Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett and off-season signee Mitch Trubisky have had their own issues adjusting to the new offense. Facing the likes of Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt is quite the introduction to a new team, or for Pickett, the NFL. In the long run, facing a stout first-team defense like the Steelers' will only be beneficial to this offense. Iron sharpens iron.
Now, as you see from the list of plays, Benny Snell Jr. got the ball on the first two, one of which went for a touchdown. With Harris still out, Snell has stepped in as the running back on the first-team offense over the last few days. The four-year veteran has made the most of that opportunity, which was much-needed for the running back. Other running backs like Anthony McFarland Jr. and Jaylen Warren have boosted their stock in camp, so it was crucial for Snell to display his skillset offensively.
Speaking of Warren, he caught a touchdown from Pickett on the second-to-last play. Wide receiver Miles Boykin got in on the action as well, scoring on the last play. That would be Mason Rudolph's only pass attempt in Tuesday's "7 shots," as he continues to surprise people. As for Boykin, his prospects of making the 53-man roster seem very slim, but he could wind up on the practice squad.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Trubisky's athleticism has been underrated in the past, as not many give him enough credit in that department. Going back to his days with the Chicago Bears and even the University of North Carolina in college, he has shown the ability to take off with the ball when the pocket collapses. In 2018 with the Bears, he ended up with 421 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in 14 regular season games. After a rough start to camp with his new team, Trubisky seems to be finding his footing a bit.
It's also nice to see Chase Claypool back at practice, as the wide receiver group has arguably had the best training camp of any position on the Steelers. His toe-tap touchdown will hopefully be a sign of things to come, as the black and gold dig his big-play ability this season. Throughout this off-season, former NFL star wideout, Brandon Marshall, has helped mentor Claypool. The first-team wide receivers feature Claypool in the slot, with Johnson and George Pickens on the outside. That trio will present all kinds of problems for opposing defenses, as they have a unique blend of size, speed, and route running.
What are your guys' thoughts about Steelers training camp so far? Who are the winners and losers? Are you confident in the offense? We shall see on Saturday in the opening preseason game. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
#SteelerNation
