OTA's start this week

**RuthlessBurgher** · 05-25-2017, 03:44 PM

Smith-Schuster adapting; Watt is focused
Posted 19 minutes ago

Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

A look at Steelers' OTAs, including the latest from JuJu Smith-Schuster and T.J. Watt.

Making the adjustment: The Steelers first week of OTAs have wrapped, and for rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster it’s been a week of learning and adapting to a whole new pace compared to what was being worked on during the team’s rookie minicamp.

“It’s a lot different,” said Smith-Schuster. “The tempo is faster. Everyone is faster and smarter on the field. I am learning a lot. Just with these past few days, I am learning so much information that will help me along the way. Coach (Richard) Mann is a great coach. Everything he has been teaching me has been working.”

Staying focused: Number one draft pick T.J. Watt already has a good handle on what it’s going to take for him to be successful in the NFL, and it’s not much of a deviation of what he did all through college. It’s all about hard work, but keeping a balance as well.

“You don’t want to get overloaded with information yet,” said Watt, who is about as focused a rookie as you will ever see. “You want to absorb as much as you can, but not get overwhelmed.

“You have to be smart about your studies. You have to take study breaks, it’s just like school. I will go back to the hotel, study my plays, take a break, and do it again. This is my job now. So it’s my job to get that playbook down. There’s no excuse not having it down.”

Settled in: As he is preparing for his third season in the NFL, Jesse James can see a difference in himself. He has matured, adjusted to being the team’s go-to tight end after the retirement of Heath Miller and now the release of Ladarius Green, and is using his experience to help him.

James played in only eight games his rookie season, starting two, and had eight receptions. But last season, without Miller and Green sidelined most of the season with injuries, James played in 16 games, starting 13, and finishing with 39 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns.

“It’s great,” said James. I have a year under my belt playing full time. From this time last year, I am way further ahead. I feel really good about where I am.

“Last year I played the season, was 22 years old and made a lot of mistakes that I learned form. I knew going into the offseason they wanted me to improve to help the team. I think I did a good job with that. I need to keep improving through this camp and when we get to Latrobe.”

A whirlwind: It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for rookie Matt Galambos. After not being drafted, or signed as an undrafted rookie free agent, the former University of Pittsburgh linebacker was invited for a tryout with the Kansas City Chiefs during minicamp. And then he got an invitation from the Steelers to tryout during their minicamp, and made a strong enough impression to be signed by the team.

Galambos, who came to Pittsburgh with only enough clothes for a weekend, headed back to the Philadelphia area right after minicamp, and within 24 hours was back in Pittsburgh and getting to work.

“I knew if I went out and gave all that I had, learned the plays, the installs to the best of my ability, I would be okay with it,” said Galambos. “Right after the final practice of minicamp (General Manager) Kevin Colbert came up and talked to me about staying here. It was an honor. Being a tryout guy you standout, you have to work harder. It’s good that the work you put in stood out, the coaches saw it and they wanted me to stay on with the team.”

Galambos understands, though, that the hard work is just beginning.

“You know nothing is guaranteed,” said Galambos. “Getting signed is the first step. You are in the camp. Now you have to keep going. People think you are all set. But there is a long way to go. There is so much work to put in. But it’s awesome. Nobody in my family has ever experienced anything like this.”

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Smith-Schuster-adapting-Watt-is-focused/7b4819b4-c808-4481-8184-8e1fbc7e3585

**SanAntonioSteelerFan** · 05-25-2017, 07:05 PM

Nice post, thanks!

**RuthlessBurgher** · 05-30-2017, 10:49 AM

It's never too early for extra work
Posted May 29, 2017

Mitchell leading defensive youngsters by example at OTAs.

During the first week of OTAs, on the very first day of OTAs, Mike Mitchell was already in mid-season form.

At the conclusion of OTA No. 1 on Tuesday, the veteran free safety remained on the field at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex to get in some extra work.

Mitchell even had a plastic water bottle with him to ensure he’d be able to maintain hydration throughout his preparation.

“We came up short,” Mitchell said, reflecting for a moment on the loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game that ended the Steelers’ 2016 season. “The goal here is to win a championship.

“I’m trying to lead by example.”

The group of potential followers has been expanding.

Last year’s draft yielded cornerback Artie Burns, safety Sean Davis and nose tackle Javon Hargrave.

This year the Steelers have brought in linebacker T.J. Watt (first round), cornerback Cameron Sutton (third round) and cornerback Brian Allen (fifth round).

“A lotta young guys, man, that’s kind of been the swing,” Mitchell observed. “We’ve been getting younger every year, but they’re good, young guys and that’s always important.

“Hats off to our coaches and our scouting staff, finding these good, young players to bring in. It’s up to guys like me, (cornerback) Will Gay, (linebacker) James (Harrison), (defensive end) Cam Heyward, the leaders on the defense to really get them up to speed and let them know how we play ball.

“Part of that is staying out after practice, getting extra work every day, working on our craft.”

The young guys have made a positive first impression, Mitchell said, in part because they’ve been paying attention.

“T.J. was out there with the ones (the first-team defense), but he doesn’t say a whole lot, which is a good thing for a young guy,” Mitchell said. “I know Cam (Sutton) and Brian a little bit better because they’re in my (defensive backs) room and i’m a little bit more hands-on with them. But I think they’re all good, humble, young guys, which is what you want. Those are the type of guys you want to be trying to coach up because they’re willing to learn, they don’t have an ego.

“That’s what we need here.”

Another reason Mitchell has been so committed so early in the process is he’s recognized the trend of losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion in each of the past two seasons and would like to write a different ending this time.

“That’s kinda been our story the last two years,” he said. “We need to be the team this year. We need to make the road go through Pittsburgh and get the job done.”

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Its-never-too-early-for-extra-work/d68413db-d057-4caf-b0d3-d0ec323b7e9f

**Slapstick** · 05-30-2017, 11:05 AM

Man, a lot of people don't like Mitchell's on field conduct, but I can see why the Steelers like him so much...

**RuthlessBurgher** · 05-31-2017, 10:21 AM

Rookies ready to 'play ball'
Posted 13 hours ago

Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

The Steelers' rookies headed to PNC Park to check out the Pirates game.

Steelers’ rookies gave up football for a few hours on Tuesday night and headed to PNC Park to watch the Pirates take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“It’s important to take your relationship outside of football,” said Joshua Dobbs. “We are around football all day and love it, but you have to do stuff outside of football. This is great for us to come together and be a strong rookie class and continue to grow together.”

The rookies got the red carpet treatment from their baseball counterparts, watching batting practice from the field before settling in to watch the game.

“It’s awesome,” said JuJu Smith-Schuster. “We are all rookies, a young group of guys. To see another professional team work in the city is good. Seeing them in the batting cages, putting the time in to get better is cool.”

The PNC Park crowd gave the rookies a warm welcome, especially when T.J. Watt threw out the first pitch to his catcher, fellow rookie James Conner.

“I grew up playing baseball,” said Watt. “My dad was my coach until eighth grade and that is when I stopped playing. It’s a special night, a great atmosphere.”

Conner, who threw out the first pitch for the Pirates on opening day in 2016, said he just wanted to see Watt outdo him.

“I know he won’t bounce it like I did,” said Conner. “I am excited to catch it from T.J. It will be a different experience.”

The two nailed it, with Watt not having to worry about bouncing it.

“It was fun. It was really fun to have James right here by my side,” said Watt. “We didn’t have any practice, but I think we made it look like we’ve practicing for a while now. It turned out really good.”

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Rookies-ready-to-play-ball/129649a0-019b-460e-bc26-c59c1bf2f2ba

**pfelix73** · 06-01-2017, 05:49 PM

Javon Hargrave leaves practice today with injury. Hope it isn't serious.

**RuthlessBurgher** · 06-05-2017, 02:02 PM

Fun and games instead of football
Posted 46 minutes ago

Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

Players enjoyed arcade games in place of practice on Monday.

Who says Mondays aren’t fun days? For the Steelers, this one certainly was. Instead of taking the field for a scheduled OTA practice, they headed to Dave & Buster’s at the Waterfront for arcade games and team building.

“It’s probably my favorite day of the offseason,” said Mike Mitchell. “We are just out here being kids, having fun. You get to have fun with the guys that you don’t always get to do at work. This is for sure fun. It’s good team bonding for us.”

Coach Mike Tomlin has made it an annual tradition to give the players a day off during OTAs, a day for them to have fun and build camaraderie that will come in handy during the dog days of training camp and into the season.

“We acknowledge that camaraderie and togetherness is very much a part of team development,” said Tomlin. “Our closeness is going to get us out of tough situations. We know that. We show respect for that by taking a team activity day and doing something that fosters that togetherness and brotherhood.

“The guys will take it from here. They do a great job during the course of the season. Guys open their homes to teammates. The older guys teach the young guys to take care of their body. Things that good teams do. We like to show a respect for that through this process by utilizing one of our days to do something fun like this.”

Players were interacting with teammates they might not always have the opportunity to do so with on the field, going against them in games, but also just talking over lunch.

“This is awesome,” said Sean Davis. “Like Coach said, we have team bonding, working on building chemistry. We are a new team this year. If we want to start that process early, this is great. Coming out here instead of practicing serves a purpose. You get off the field and do something like this. I am loving it.”

The players did bring one aspect of football with them…their competitiveness. Bragging rights were on the line, and nobody was holding back.

“We are out here trying to win in basketball, get as many tickets as possible,” said Joshua Dobbs. “The competitiveness never stops. It’s all a part of it.

“It’s cool to come out and have fun, get around different guys, and just be a kid. You get to know your teammates on the field, in the weight room and training room, but you want to get them off the field in settings like this when we kick back, relax, and enjoy the time together.”

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Fun-and-games-instead-of-football/6f454736-0ceb-429d-b80a-a09a7210bade

**RuthlessBurgher** · 06-05-2017, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by pfelix73

Javon Hargrave leaves practice today with injury. Hope it isn't serious.

Javon Hargrave shoulder injury not serious but team must be smart with defensive line

By: Curt Popejoy
June 4, 2017 1:30 am ET

Pittsburgh Steelers reporter Dale Lolley reported that the shoulder injury suffered by defensive tackle Javon Hargrave at OTAs last week wasn’t serious and he should be fine.

Javon Hargrave tweaked a shoulder Thursday and had to shut things down early. But it doesn’t look to be anything serious.

This is great news for the Steelers as Hargrave is going to be counted on heavily in 2017. He started 13 games as a rookie, but it was when he moved outside in place of Cam Heyward that his value was clear.

Right now the Steelers are dealing with several injuries along the defensive front, even removing Hargrave from the equation. Defensive end Stephon Tuitt is still recovering from a hand injury and Heyward is back but still on the mend. Even free-agent defensive lineman Tyson Alualu hasn’t been able to join the team yet because of a calf injury.

All this really brings to mind the notion that the Steelers might want to shuffle the roster a little and add another defensive lineman or two so these guys can all be 100 percent at the start of the season.

http://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2017/06/04/javon-hargrave-shoulder-injury-not-serious-but-team-must-be-smart-with-defensive-line/

**Steel Maniac** · 06-06-2017, 12:24 PM

Depth on the D-line was a concern coming into the off-season and the draft.

**Slapstick** · 06-06-2017, 12:57 PM

It really wasn't. The Steelers had Heyward, Tuitt, and Hargrave returning...they had McCullers, LT Walton, and Johnny Maxey returning, all of whom played some snaps for us last year...they signed former 1st round pick Tyson Alualu...that's plenty of depth, and quality depth at that...there is just a run of bad luck...

**RuthlessBurgher** · 06-11-2017, 11:47 AM

2017-06-10 11:58 AM | Mike Prisuta
They said it

With the conclusion of OTAs this week, the Steelers are down to next week's three-day mandatory veteran minicamp left on the offseason schedule.

Following is a recap of some of the more intriguing utterances during the past three weeks of workouts at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex:

"Everything is earned, not given. All I can do is just take care of my business and do what I have to off the field. As long as I do that, they will see the change in my ways. As long as I continue to pass my tests, go to my meetings and maintain my sobriety, I will be fine." _ wide receiver Martavis Bryant on winning back his teammates' trust.

"It's fun to get back out here. Coach Munchak (offensive line coach Mike) made a joke. He said, 'Hey, I just thought I would introduce myself as probably the guy closest to your age around here.' I was a sophomore in high school when (wide receiver and second-round pick) JuJu (Smith-Schuster) was born. That makes you feel really old. To be out here playing football does rejuvenate you. It does make you feel a little young again." _ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on returning for his 14th season with the Steelers.

"Last year should be the worst that I play. Hopefully, I can make some steps forward with healthy shoulders." _ Safety Sean Davis on offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum suffered last season in Week Three.

"Produce, just produce when it's time for me to go in." _ Cornerback Senquez Golson on carving out a role for himself after missing the last two seasons due to injury.

"(Linebacker and first-round pick) T.J. (Watt) was out there with the 'ones' (the first-team defense), but he doesn't say a whole lot, which is a good thing for a young guy. I know (cornerback and third-round pick) Cam (Sutton) and (cornerback and fifth-round pick) Brian (Allen) a little bit better because they're in my (defensive backs) room and I'm a little bit more hands-on with them. But I think they're all good, humble, young guys, which is what you want. Those are the type of guys you want to be trying to coach up because they're willing to learn. They don't have an ego." _ Free safety Mike Mitchell on the first three rookie defenders drafted by the Steelers.

"We don't want anybody getting too comfortable. I think it's great to have competition. It's something we believe in here in Pittsburgh a bunch. We obviously didn't accomplish all of our goals last year. Wide receiver was an area we know we can be better." _ Offensive coordinator Todd Haley on competition at wide receiver.

"I'm not out here competing with anyone. I'm out here competing with myself. I'm just trying to get better every day. We'll see how that plays out." _ Wide receiver Eli Rogers on competition at the position.

"When I'm thrown in there with Ben, I get too excited. At the same time, I have to keep calm. At the end of the day I just have to make my plays." _ Smith-Schuster on playing with Roethlisberger.

"Ben is a warrior. He's been through it all, seen it all, done it all. You never know what's his motivation, what's his drive to keep him going? But I knew if he was going to be out here, he was going to give us everything he's got. You can see that from him just from a couple of days, his intensity, his details in the meeting room." _ Wide receiver Antonio Brown on Roethlisberger's return after contemplating retirement.

"Just to be yourself, learn as much as possible, keep your mouth shut and work. If you come in mouthing off and thinking you're the man, that's not a good start. I'm just trying to keep my mouth shut, learn my plays and do the talking on the field." _ Watt on advice he's received from his brother J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans.

"It's really just a mindset. Since Day One when I stepped on campus as a freshman I knew my ultimate goal was to make it to the National Football League. Every day for four years straight I made sure I put myself in the best situation to make it here. Dreams come true." _ Guard Ethan Cooper on signing with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie out of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

**RuthlessBurgher** · 06-14-2017, 11:00 AM

Tomlin talks variables, reps & Bell's absence
Posted 14 hours ago

Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

Coach Mike Tomlin addressed a variety of topics following the first day of minicamp.

•Change of plans: The Steelers kicked off their minicamp on Tuesday under blue skies and summer like temperatures. But it didn’t last long. Midway through practice the skies opened up, forcing the team to move inside to finish practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

And Coach Mike Tomlin liked the way they responded to the change of plans.

“I told the group today is really reflective of football,” said Tomlin. “We had a plan, the variables changed, and we had to be light on our feet and adjust. I thought the guys did a nice job of that, going from outside to inside and finishing off the work that was necessary for today.

“That is what this week is about. It’s a culmination of the offseason, but it’s also continuing to acknowledge that we are learning lessons in this very early stage of team development. It was a good start today. We’ll see what tomorrow holds for us.”

•Getting reps: As Tomlin said, minicamp is a culmination of the team’s offseason program, which has included three weeks of OTAs and now the three-day minicamp. It’s been an opportunity for players, both rookies and veterans, to get the work in areas they need, as well as work as a refresher course.

“The great thing is, everybody needs the reps,” said Tomlin. “Some need it from a different perspective, whether it’s a new exposure, and some are getting re-exposed. Some need more than others. The volume is just catered to the individual, all within this team concept that is minicamp. I think a lot of that is getting done and getting done in a very coordinated way with how we parcel out reps.”

•Bell not at minicamp: Le’Veon Bell, who has yet to sign his franchise tender offer, was not at the first day of minicamp, and Tomlin didn’t have too much to say about his absence.

“It’s a waste of my time to focus on the guys that are not available to me, whether it’s injury or otherwise,” said Tomlin. “I tend to focus on the guys that are here and working. I think that’s appropriate when you are in my position.

“I’m not getting into any of that attendance, excused or unexcused. The bottom line is that the guys that are here working are getting an opportunity to get better. Guys that are not are losing that opportunity, for whatever the reason may be.”

Alejandro Villanueva, an exclusive rights free agent who also hasn’t signed his tender, was in attendance.

“I am glad he is here getting better,” said Tomlin.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Tomlin-talks-variables-reps--Bells-absence/1f8fb762-5bfc-4672-b002-61c4ec0f37c6

**RuthlessBurgher** · 06-14-2017, 11:05 AM

'I'm really excited about this group'
Posted 4 hours ago

By Mike Prisuta

Haley, offense taking significant steps in minicamp.

The arrival of mandatory veteran minicamp advanced the Steelers one step closer to the conclusion of the offseason, and one step further away from 2016’s season-ending loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

Offensive coordinator Todd Haley is happy to make strides in both directions.

“It obviously was a painful loss,” Haley acknowledged regarding the 36-17 setback the Steelers absorbed at New England. “It took a long time to get over for me personally because the closer you get, the harder it is not to get to that final game.

“We just didn’t make plays. We had opportunities that I think could have changed the outcome. We didn’t get it done. It’s in the past for me.”

And the opening of training camp on July 27 at St. Vincent College is on the horizon.

Haley addressed a number of topics on Tuesday relating to how the Steelers intend to forge ahead.

Among them:

Eye-catching rookies: “It’s still very early and we have not had pads on, but I think (wide receiver and second-round pick) JuJu (Smith-Schuster) on our side of the ball has looked like he has a chance to compete. Not a rookie, but (running back) Knile Davis is a guy that I’m excited is around here. He’s a veteran and played a lot in the league but I’m excited about what he’s shown.”

Tight end Jesse James: “He’s a big guy and he did nothing but make progress. The most encouraging thing with Jesse was he went through a rough patch last year and he rebounded. He didn’t go in the tank, so to speak. He kept battling and working hard on the practice field and he got some opportunities. He ended up helping us down the stretch.

“The more you’re here as a skill-position player with a quarterback the better you’re going to get as long as you’re working hard and doing what you’re supposed to do because you’re developing chemistry. I think there is and has been some chemistry developing between (quarterback) Ben (Roethlisberger) and (James).”

Managing running back Le’Veon Bell’s touches: “We’ll have all those discussions. His injuries have been kind of oddball-type things, even the (groin). He’s a guy that gets stronger every game. He does not want to come out of the game. But he’s a year older and we gotta make sure we cover all that, which we will and do as a staff.”

The value of minicamp for the offense: “We have a long way to go but this is another step for us. There’s a different intensity, different length of time you’re on the field. This is much more like training camp, minus the pads, obviously. This is the next step. We’re bringing back a lot of guys that have done a lot of good things for us. I would expect us to continue to grow as a group.”

The expectations for the offense: “I’m really excited about this group. The only thing is we do have a long way to go. We have to get to Latrobe, get the pads on, make it through that healthy and have developed some physicality, because we’re not able to work on that right now, and then we can talk more.”

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Im-really-excited-about-this-group/ad0a64fe-0c10-4eb2-a062-88f44fd339d8

**Steel Maniac** · 06-14-2017, 11:11 AM

Injuries are always a downer. But we can hope that everyone makes it through injury free.

OTA's start this week

OTA's start this week

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