LATROBE, Pa. — Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offense made probably the most of a mulligan coach Mike Tomlin awarded them throughout the second day of coaching camp.
Friday’s observe marked the season debut of Seven Pictures, a best-of-seven collection between the offense and the protection from the 2-yard-line. On the collection’ first play, heart Zach Frazier fired a low snap that led to a giant lack of yards for the offense. However as an alternative of the protection taking a 1-0 lead, Tomlin determined to start out collection over.
With a clear slate, Pittsburgh’s offense performed effectively and recorded a 4-3 win over the protection that included a pair of landing passes from Rodgers, who regarded considerably higher on Friday than he did the previous day.
Rodgers’ spectacular day began throughout Seven Pictures together with his landing move to coaching camp suite mate DK Metcalf. The duo practically linked for one more rating moments later, however Rodgers’ move was damaged up ultimately zone by Joey Porter Jr., who has been routinely matched up towards Metcalf throughout the first week of camp.
“That is what I anticipate,” Tomlin stated of the Rodgers-Metcalf landing. “I am not going to throw a pep rally. That is what I anticipate. That is what I envisioned all summer season.”
Each first-team models left Seven Pictures for the subsequent 4 performs earlier than coming again on the sector for the seventh and deciding play. Rodgers, in a scene that Steelers followers certainly hope to see play out quite a few instances when the 2025 common season begins, gave his facet the win after hitting tight Pat Freiermuth for the rating.
Tomlin was requested concerning the offense’s response after getting a do-over. He used the query to supply some perspective.
“It is gonna be ebb and move. I do not journey the emotional curler coaster on Day 2, and, ahhh (pumps his fist),” Tomlin stated. “We’re gonna preserve snapping.”
Whereas he is not throwing a pep rally but, Tomlin needed to like what he noticed from Rodgers, who continued to play effectively for the rest of observe. Whereas most of his work consisted of quick passes to his operating backs, Rodgers introduced the gang to its ft when he rifled a move downfield to receiver Calvin Austin III, who caught it in stride after getting behind the defenders.
As Tomlin careworn throughout his publish observe presser, the Steelers are within the early improvement phases of coaching camp, so it is essential to not look too deeply into the day-to-day performances of gamers and models. That being stated, how the offense — and Rodgers extra particularly — regarded on Friday is an efficient signal from each a tangible and intangible standpoint.
This is a take a look at what else transpired throughout and earlier than Friday’s observe.
Eight Seven Pictures recap
Whereas it was instantly dubbed “Eight Pictures” by the assembled media, Friday’s scrimmage will go down within the books as a typical Seven Pictures after Tomlin gave the offense a breakfast ball after Frazier’s low snap.
On the third play, Mason Rudolph discovered receiver Ke’Shawn Williams open at the back of the tip zone, however Williams was unable to make the catch after the move was tipped. The offense tied the rating, although, on the subsequent play as Rudolph hit Scotty Miller on a slant.
After rookie quarterback Will Howard accomplished his second move of the scrimmage after firing incomplete on his first, Rodgers got here again on the sector earlier than delivering the successful strike to Metcalf.
Steelers add veteran security
Earlier than observe began, the Steelers signed veteran cornerback and former longtime Baltimore Ravens security Chuck Clark. Clark, who attended observe shortly after signing, is now a part of a rebuilt secondary that additionally consists of fellow newcomers Jalen Ramsey (who was acquired within the commerce that despatched Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami), fellow perennial Professional Bowler Darius Slay and fellow security Juan Thornhill.
Tomlin stated that what he sees throughout coaching camp will decide what function Clark will finally fill within the secondary when the common season begins.
Watt on the transfer
As anticipated, TJ Watt is lining up at totally different spots throughout camp in an effort to assist him proceed to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Throughout consecutive performs throughout Seven Pictures, Watt lined up on the precise facet of the road as a pseudo defensive finish as an alternative of being in his customary spot on the left facet.
Whereas Tomlin downplayed it after observe, Watt lining up in numerous spots is certainly vital. Watt had simply two sacks throughout the remaining 5 video games final season as offenses made it a degree to restrict his affect. That stretch of video games made it clear that Watt and the Steelers wanted to get inventive if the previous Defensive Participant of the 12 months desires to proceed to provide as such shifting ahead.
Based mostly on Friday’s observe, it is clear that Watt and the Steelers are exploring their choices so far as him lining up at totally different positions.
Climate cuts observe quick
The ultimate moments of observe regarded like the ultimate scene of the unique “Terminator” when Sarah Connor drove off the display screen and beneath an ominous sky. With storms threatening to engulf the world, followers had been instructed to exit Chuck Noll Discipline roughly 30-40 minutes earlier than observe was anticipated to finish. The gamers shortly adopted swimsuit.
Tomlin initially held out hope that he would be capable of end observe earlier than deciding towards it.
“Oftentimes in soccer, we’re confronted with adversity, sudden adjustments, if you’ll, significantly because it pertains to climate,” Tomlin stated. “We had a giant delay final 12 months once we performed the Cowboys, for instance.
“We do not run from days like at the moment. We simply work to attempt to take care of it to one of the best of our potential and get as a lot work completed as we will whereas protecting the group protected.”
What’s subsequent: Pittsburgh will host two practices over the weekend earlier than getting a time off on Monday. The Steelers can even announce their 2025 Corridor of Honor Class previous to the beginning of observe.