Training Camp 8/2

**Iron City Inc.** · 08-03-2017, 07:40 AM

Just some additional notes and observations.

2nd team dl is 94 96 95 as of today. Walton on the nose and Alualu appears a lock on one side leaves room for only 1 player if we go 6 on dl. Maxey more of a de build and though he is leading the way as of today nut it's real early. Kallon is very athletic n Hooks can anchor well but it is still wide open.
Db Hilton has showed nice coverage skill getting extra reps with 20 n 27 out.
44 calling out defensive changes has looked so much better then a year ago. Bulldog type of player who has excellent motor n now knows the D.
We are seeing cover 2 in camp but mix is there with some cover 1 with man under. We are also not teeing off against our own qb's so we'll have to wait on seeing our full blitz packages till preseason games.
JuJu impressive yesterday. Another good day for Dobbs. Decisions are quick n accurate passes. Slowing the roll there qb's they know they are not getting leveled and it's not on the road ifo a hostile crowd. But it has looked better then expected.
OL terrific and even 2nd team O has looked okay with Cooper on 3rd team O looking solid there as well.
Odom catches better then I expected and has straight line quickness but can't block well. Neither could that Green guy so who knows.
Watson from Azuza Pacific has a nice skill set. He didn't break Christian Okaya's school records by accident. Big kid who has impressed me in that he does all little things well... hand catches,stays on his blocks keeps feet moving, one cut n up field no dancing, ball held high n tight n he is being used on ko returns. He will need to do more but he is an interesting prospect.
T J Watt running against the 1's and almost every play against AV he has been okay. He doesn't look lost and shows that motor. He hasn't been spectacular but has made plays. So far I would say he's been fine. Got banged on a goal line play yesterday stayed in but Tomlin pulled him to give a breather. He didn't want to come out.
Back there today for more.

**Ernie** · 08-03-2017, 07:45 AM

Excellent stuff! Thanks for the info. What's your take on Dobbs? I've been hearing some good things out of him in camp. I am wondering if a good pre-season may ramp up a QB#2 battle with LJ.

**Iron City Inc.** · 08-03-2017, 08:19 AM

Originally posted by Ernie

Excellent stuff! Thanks for the info. What's your take on Dobbs? I've been hearing some good things out of him in camp. I am wondering if a good pre-season may ramp up a QB#2 battle with LJ.

Dobbs has to perform in preseason games where he is going to get hit or at least know he could get leveled. Then if he shows what he has shown at camp we'll know more about him. I like his accuracy with the passes n he has made quick decisions. I would say he has been sharp the last few days but the sample size is small and the defense has been vanilla so it's positive to this point however we just need to see more reps.

**williar** · 08-03-2017, 08:57 AM

Thanks ICI - this is the best camp news I get. Would be lost without your write up and opinion. Thanks!

**Ernie** · 08-03-2017, 09:51 AM

Originally posted by Iron City Inc.

Dobbs has to perform in preseason games where he is going to get hit or at least know he could get leveled. Then if he shows what he has shown at camp we'll know more about him. I like his accuracy with the passes n he has made quick decisions. I would say he has been sharp the last few days but the sample size is small and the defense has been vanilla so it's positive to this point however we just need to see more reps.

Agreed. Thanks again for the info. I guess I'm hoping (way too prematurely) that Dobbs could eventually be the guy to replace Ben. lol

**RuthlessBurgher** · 08-03-2017, 10:30 AM

Awesome stuff yet again. Sounds like Juju was making the routine catches, making the spectacular catches, and also owning the Oklahoma drill as well. I'm happy that he got his participation medal today.

**feltdizz** · 08-03-2017, 10:37 AM

Originally posted by Ernie

Agreed. Thanks again for the info. I guess I'm hoping (way too prematurely) that Dobbs could eventually be the guy to replace Ben. lol

I think he will be a nice transition QB until we find the next franchise QB. His decision making under pressure in college was sketchy but he had more big play ability than Landry Jones. Also can tuck and run to extend plays or move the chains. He had to do it a lot in college last year because the OL was trash.

**RuthlessBurgher** · 08-03-2017, 10:49 AM

2017 Steelers Training Camp Nuggets: What you need to know from the 8/2 practice

Getting you caught up on the Steelers training camp practice following their mandated day off.

by Kelly Anozie and Jeff Hartman
Aug 3, 2017, 9:21am EDT

The Steelers were back on the field after having their mandatory day off. One thing for certain, even with the day off, today’s practice was perhaps their most eventful yet.

Here is a summary of what took place.

Notable Absences and Returns

One of the biggest stories at camp were the players that were absent. Both Cameron Heyward and Antonio Brown were not present at camp, as both of the we busy welcoming their new children into the world. Late Tuesday, Brown welcomed his fifth child; while Heyward welcomed his second child.

Steelers rookie James Conner was present at camp but did not participate in any of the drills, yet his presence was a good sign that he was on the right track. Vince Williams made his first appearance in pads, which was a welcomed sight for the Steelers fans in attendance. Speaking of first appearances, JuJu Schuster-Smith made his first appearance in pads after suffering an ankle injury on Sunday. As seen in this clip, courtesy of Pittsburgh AP Sports Writer Will Graves, JuJu appears to be 100-percent.

JuJu back at work #steelers pic.twitter.com/dpVKQ3rtNO
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) August 2, 2017
Injured Steelers

While some players were given the day off as a day of rest, there were several who were hampered by injury. Here is a quick run-down of the injury report:

Senquez Golson (hamstring), Cameron Sutton (lower body/leg), Landry Jones (abdomen), Mike Mitchell (ankle/foot).

Golson’s injury, while possibly sidelining him for the short-term, is not thought to be the type of injury which would end his preseason. Good news for fans who finally want to see what he can do when healthy and given a chance to prove himself on the actual gridiron.

7-Shots Goaline Drill

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was the offense going 0 - 4 with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback with the first team offense. The defense stood tall and prevented the Roethlisberger-led offense from scoring. This speaks volumes about the defense that has been trending in the right direction.

Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Le’Veon Bell were obviously absent, but the Steelers should have enough depth to actually put at least one touchdown on the board. This should not be a cause for concern for fans, as all reports from camp stated how Roethlisberger mis-fired on a couple throws, and Darrius Heyward-Bey was unable to keep his feet in bounds on another play.

Either way, it proves the defense is forcing the offense to fit passes into extremely tight windows, and that is a good thing. Iron sharpens iron.

T.J. Watt is becoming a phenom

To say the least, T.J. Watt was Wednesday’s top performer. For starters, in the LB vs TE drill, he swatted the ball away for Jesse James (who is struggling as of late), and beat David Johnson soundly. His only noted weakness was in coverage, as he has a tendency of holding; however he is very capable of covering both tight ends and receivers. In the defense vs offense drill, he was everywhere making tackles in the backfield and downfield as the one seen in the clip below. This young man is becoming a real find and there is no evidence of him slowing down anytime soon.

Tomlin screamed for "tackle football" and that's exactly what he got #steelers pic.twitter.com/Mf2JNNt6Pq
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) August 2, 2017
Mike Hilton’s performances could mean trouble for Senquez Golson

The fact that Mike Hilton is playing at the level he is playing should come at no surprise to anyone. At the time when he was signed, many spoke about the fact that despite his 5-foot 9-inch stature, he plays much bigger than his size suggests; in addition, he has very high level ball skills. Wednesday he accounted for an interception off Joshua Dobbs, and he forced Bart Houston out of the pocket on a corner blitz; what made this more impressive was how he turned away running back Trey Williams in process.

Hilton is essentially what Senquez Golson should be, if he were healthy. If Hilton continues producing strong performances, and Golson remains sidelined, this could mean trouble for Golson.

The LBs were on fire

This day was all about the linebackers. Tyler Matakevich displayed some coverage skills by breaking up a pass intended for Xavier Grimble, but his specialty is playing the run. L.J. Fort had a strong showing with several hits, including a tackle for loss on running back Terrell Watson, in which he ran over offensive guard B.J. Finney in the process. Vince Williams made the biggest impact, literally speaking he did. His hit on David Johnson was by far the biggest hit of the day. In addition, he made a big hit on Brandon Brown-Dukes and made tackles on Fitzgerald Toussaint and Knile Davis to show his range. The Linebackers were pretty much on point the entire day.

Tale of two Dobbs

Of all the players at camp, Joshua Dobbs is perhaps the biggest enigma. At points in Wednesday’s practice he would have great sequences, then he would follow it with a costly error. In one sequence, he made two straight completions downfield to JuJu Schuster-Smith and Trey Williams; a few plays later, he throws a pick-six to Arthur Moats. He threw another interception to Mike Hilton, then redeemed himself with a back foot throw to tight end Xavier Grimble downfield. The one good thing that can be said about Dobbs is the fact that he does not wither under pressure, and he bounces back after mistakes.

Other Nuggets

•Receiver Juju Schuster-Smith had a strong showing on his first day. Made several impressive catches and demonstrated incredible body control. From all accounts, he was the best blocking receiver in the WR/DB full contact drill.

•As was the case last year, Anthony Chickillo is having a strong camp. In the offense vs defense scrimmage, he had two sacks. The main question with Chickillo is whether or not his training camp success will translate in the regular season.

•Outside linebacker Keion Adams is a name to keep in mind. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he’s good enough to push for a roster spot.

• Marcus Gilbert is in my opinion, the best offensive lineman on the team. He has yet to be beaten in any of the one-on-one drills. Seems that he’s primed for his battle against Cleveland Browns’ first overall pick, defensive end Myles Garrett.

•Although he has not been spectacular, cornerback Coty Sensabaugh is quietly having a good camp.

• Cobi Hamilton is still dropping passes which does not bode well for him making the roster.

Free Martavis Counter: 7 Days

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/8/3/16087760/2017-steelers-training-camp-nuggets-what-you-need-to-know-from-the-8-2-practice-nfl-preseason

**Oviedo** · 08-03-2017, 11:08 AM

Anyone notice Brian Allen? I looked for him when there on Saturday but didn't see anything

**RuthlessBurgher** · 08-03-2017, 11:08 AM

Getting back to work
Posted 15 hours ago

Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

The Steelers were back to work at Saint Vincent College, and so was JuJu Smith-Schuster.

LATROBE, Pa. – It was back to work for the Steelers on Wednesday, after a day off on Tuesday that seemed to get some guys energized.

“We were really excited to get back out there today,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “In many ways the process we went through today reflects the process of the regular season, Tuesday being a player’s day off and Wednesday having to get back into the grind of preparation and work. I thought the guys did a nice job with that.

“Just great to roll the ball out and feed the development process. Good day’s work.”

The defense seemed energized to be back on the field, right off the bat winning seven shots, 6-1. Artie Burns set the tone when he broke up a pass to Justin Hunter. Steven Johnson closed it out when he leveled Marcus Tucker over the middle.

The defense continued their menacing ways when linebackers and tight ends went against each other, with T.J. Watt batting away a pass attempt to Jesse James. It was one of many plays where Watt stood out on the day.

L.J. Fort drew praise from Joey Porter, who kept yelling ‘hold down the Fort,’ as he was making play after play.

“It felt great out there,” said Fort. “You have to keep doing the little things. Eventually it’s going to pay off. I made mistakes too. You learn from it. You make the plays you visualize yourself making in the game. It’s great to make them and builds your confidence.

“Hearing Joey saying good job on a play means a lot.”

Injury Update: Rookie James Conner is still sidelined with an AC sprain that Tomlin said, ‘appears to be minor.’ He isn’t expected to miss much more time. In addition to Smith-Schuster returning, Vince Williams practiced in pads for the first time.

Antonio Brown and Cameron Heyward were both excused from practice for the birth of their children. Brown welcomed son Apollo, while Heyward and his wife Allie welcomed daughter, Chloe.

JuJu on the beat: Rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster was back at practice on Wednesday after missing time with an ankle injury, and was happy to get back to work.

“It was frustrating,” said Smith-Schuster. “I stayed positive. God has a plan for everybody. I stayed that way and it feels good to be back out here in pads and to run with the guys.”

His timing couldn’t have been any better. Hines Ward joined the team at training camp on Wednesday, and will be working with the receivers as a coaching intern during camp.

One of the first players Ward worked with was Smith-Schuster.

“I was asking about what he did to get to his level, how he was to be one of the greatest guys to come through this organization,” said Smith-Schuster. “He told me do extra stuff after practice, conditioning, stuff like that.

“It’s super valuable. You take a guy like that and you just keep picking at his brain. What should I do? He tells us great information. It’s more motivation for me to be out there. It’s my first day back, but when you have him out here and we are doing blocking, which he is known for, you put it all on the line.”

The receivers spent time working on a blocking drill against the defensive backs, and Ward watched closely.

“He said I am good, but I am not close to where he was,” said Smith-Schuster. “After every rep he told me what I can do better, the little things.”

Coach Ward: And speaking of Ward, he was all smiles back on the field at Saint Vincent College. Ward, who works for CNN and is a regular on HLN’s Morning Express, will be with the team for a good portion of training camp, working with the wide receivers.

“I am teaching guys things I have done my whole life,” said Ward. “I love football. I have always loved football. Why not give these guys all of the knowledge of the game that I have. I did that when I was here with younger guys. Why not come back and see what this was like. I didn’t know what went on behind the scenes. This gives me good experience to learn things, from meetings to how to run a practice and everything else.”

Ward said he gravitated toward Smith-Schuster because he sees parallels between him and the young receiver.

“I see me in him. It’s crazy,” said Ward. “I see the way he attacks it. Why not help this kid as much as I can. Helping my organization, helping him prosper and do stuff. I get enjoyment out of it.”

Whatever @mvp86hinesward is telling @TeamJuJu, listen. Good advice from a guy who has been there, done it. pic.twitter.com/aBdkOxfyo1
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) August 2, 2017

Ward reported for work at CNN first thing on Wednesday morning, then made his way to Latrobe and it brought back a lot of memories.

“This is where the foundation is started,” said Ward. “Fans are excited about football. The players are bonding. Coming back brought back so many memories. Being here working today, working with the young guys, it’s a great start.”

Tomlin welcomes having Steelers’ alumni at camp, as Ward, Kendall Simmons, Ike Taylor, Alan Faneca and Charlie Batch are all helping and learning with the coaches and scouts.

“It’s an awesome thing we have going on with some of our alumni players,” said Tomlin. “I am fortunate enough to have been here long enough that I have coached some of those guys. We embrace the tradition that is Steelers football. It’s great to see oral history be shared from older to younger and the teachings. It’s one of the interesting things about having been here and it’s fun to watch it develop.”

The Moore the merrier: It’s pretty common to see Steelers’ alumni at camp, but you don’t often see players from other NFL teams, especially when they are dressed in black and gold.

Former Detroit Lions star receiver Herman Moore was at camp, visiting with General Manager Kevin Colbert, who was with the Lions when Moore was, and watching the team he grew up a fan of.

“The Steelers were my childhood team,” said Moore. “As a former player I can go to the Lions camp any time. This is really big because it’s a team I grew up watching and loved. This is awesome.

“I love Pittsburgh and John Stallworth was my favorite player. In high school I got No. 82 because of him. It’s a dynasty, a great organization. When I watched (Lynn) Swann, (Terry) Bradshaw, Stallworth, (Rocky) Bleier, and (Franco) Harris, that was the group. I used to emulate them when I started out playing football. You latch on to a team and luckily I latched on to a winner.”

Former Lions great Herman Moore (@HMAN84) visiting w/@mvp86hinesward & @VinnyVidiVici98 and yes, he is a life-long @steelers fan. pic.twitter.com/h0onvsLXaL
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) August 2, 2017

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Getting-back-to-work/5b677287-0c91-4e22-8093-32240250721d

**Iron City Inc.** · 08-03-2017, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by Oviedo

Anyone notice Brian Allen? I looked for him when there on Saturday but didn't see anything

He has mostly taken 3rd team reps at RCB. Up n down bad play good play. Haven't seen him in slot and has mostly played off coverage in 11 on 11. Try n watch for him a bit more today.

**Captain Lemming** · 08-03-2017, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by feltdizz

I think he will be a nice transition QB until we find the next franchise QB. His decision making under pressure in college was sketchy but he had more big play ability than Landry Jones. Also can tuck and run to extend plays or move the chains. He had to do it a lot in college last year because the OL was trash.

Two things give me hope Dobbs "might" exceed expectations. Not a prediction, more of a "hope":

1. He is "smart" but I wonder how divided he was as a "real" high achieving student who put a great deal of focus on education. His "play" seemed to exploit his raw talent, doesn't look "cerebral", which you would expect from such a sharp guy.
Is it possible that now for the first time he will make football as his primary focus and take his game to a whole new level?

2. Our offensive line might make the game "easier" than at Tenn, where his linemen were overmatched by the defenses in the SEC. That is kind of Prescotts experience.

**RuthlessBurgher** · 08-04-2017, 03:30 PM

Football can be a cruel game

August 2, 2017

Former Steelers head coach Chuck Noll is often credited for the saying, “You can make the club in the tub.”

Noll probably wasn’t the first coach to come up with that pithy statement. But it is true - to a point.

You can make the club in the tub if you’re a veteran starter, key backup or highly drafted rookie.

If you’re an undrafted rookie, good luck.

Waynesburg’s Scott Orndoff found that out Wednesday, when he was released by the Steelers just a couple of days after pulling a hamstring.

The Steelers needed his roster spot. They only brought five tight ends to camp and when he went down, it put too much on the plate of the other guys.

So out the door went Orndoff.

Such is the hard and cruel life in the NFL.

For every James Harrison or Wilie Parker that makes it, there are hundreds like Orndoff who don’t thanks to injuries.

Others are released because a coach doesn’t like them.

I remember talking to a coach in 2002 about James Harrison. Harrison obviously had something. He was unblockable in one-on-one drills.

His problem was that he saw any coaching or critque of his play as a personal attack.

It wasn’t until Joey Porter and Jason Gildon convinced him that he couldn’t get ticked off at the coaches when they yelled at him, that he started to get it. And he still got cut more times than Sylvester Stalone in a Rocky movie.

We had Kendall Simmons on the Steelers Nation Radio morning show Wednesday and I was reminded of the 2004 training camp when he came back after dealing with a diabetes diagnosis the previous year.

He looked great. He looked like the Steelers’ best offensive lineman.

Then he tore his Achilles’ tendon in a training camp practice. The team moved away from him as he was down on the field and continued to practice while doctors attended to him.

It can be a cruel game.

@ Young Josh Dobbs, who had not looked great early on, looked much more comfortable today with Landry Jones out with a abdominal issue.

Dobbs is no danger to replace Jones any time soon, but it was a nice step forward for the young man.

@ JuJu Smith-Shuster returned to practice today and also had a nice day. He was especially forceful in the one-on-one blocking drills the receivers did against the defensive backs.

Hines Ward was here today and Smith-Shuster mentioned that Ward redefined the game as a blocking receiver.

I think Smith-Shuster wanted to show his respect for Ward.

He also made a couple of nice catches, particularly one where he laid out on a throw from Dobbs to catch an out.

@ Cam Heyward was with his wife celebrating the birth of their child today and that gave Tyson Alualu another shot to work with the first team. The more I see of him, the more impressed I become.

He’s not Hewyward or Tuitt, but he’ll fit in just fine here.

Because of that, and the way the team feels about Johnny Maxey and L.T. Walton, I think Daniel McCullers’ days are numbered unless somebody gets hurt.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/20170802/football_can_be_a_cruel_game

Training Camp 8/2

Training Camp 8/2

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