Fans from all over descended upon St. Vincent college today to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers engage in their first (unpadded) practice of the 2014 training camp.
While it was just “football in shorts” as Tomlin affectionately calls it, there was still plenty of excitement for those in attendance. Starting on the offensive side of the ball, Ben Roethlisberger was sporting a number 99 jersey today, to show support for his old friend Brett Keisel.
https://twitter.com/Teresa_Varley/status/493106697624248321
“That’s my boy,” Ben said regarding the jersey. “He’s been one of my closest friends (he) has been in my wedding. It was an honor to wear it. I miss him.” The gesture was noticed.
https://twitter.com/bkeisel99/status/493128030965862401
You might notice that Ben looks a little more svelte today. The quarterback says he lost weight, though he wouldn’t say how much specifically. He credits the weight loss to working with nutritionists and a personal trainer this offseason, the first time he’s ever done so. “You get 32 years old and you’re entering your 11th year, it’s time to do something extra.”
On to practice notes. Ben and the receivers put on a show today. Many media accounts contained phrases like “new hot arm” and “live arm” to describe Rothlisberger’s gun slinging today. Justin Brown was said to have a great practice, and is carrying the momentum from this spring well.
https://twitter.com/ScottBrown_ESPN/status/493131814580396032
https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/493154123525939200
Martavis Bryant didn’t garner a lot of talk today, but he did reportedly display a great show of his athleticism while snatching a high ball on a comeback route. He later would get some instruction from Roethlisberger after making an error in his route. From ESPN:
“Don’t come in that way!” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger yelled Saturday afternoon to the rookie wide receiver. Roethlisberger proceeded to gesture to Bryant how he should have retraced his steps and run back toward the quarterback instead of cutting toward the middle of the field.
Wheaton and Antonio Brown were the starters at wide receiver when the Steelers were running 11-on-11, and Lance Moore was the No. 3 wide receiver. Darius Heyward-Bey drew oohs and ahhs when he pulled in a deep touchdown pass from Big Ben, but he spent a good amount of time catching balls from Brandon Kay.
Antonio Brown was still Ben’s favorite target.
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AB was the punt return man in the early session, but Archer took over the duties later in the day, and had everyone excited. The small speedster had two youtube worthy runs in which he turned on the burners down the sideline. On his second dynamic return, he cut back and reversed to find the opposite sideline where he took it to the house. Archer also saw time at left slot receiver today with Bradon Kay under center.
Moving on to the offensive line. While Ramon Foster is out grieving the sudden loss of his mother, Cody Wallace is filling in at 1st team left guard. Mike Adams was 2nd team left tackle. Former Steelers lineman Jeff Hartings was at camp today giving direction, as he helps out as a coaching intern for the first half of camp. Here’s a quick video of Coach Mike Munchak running stretch zone drills with the linemen, courtesy of Mark Kaboly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZAjUBHpQZY
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On the defensive side of the ball, S Will Allen is with the 1st team defense while Mike Mitchell is out with a groin injury. Robert Golden backed him up, and Shamarko Thomas was #2 behind Troy. Cam Heyward was in at right defensive end, the position Brett Keisel long buttered his bread with.Cam Thomas got first team reps, and in the later session, Tuitt, McCullers, and Arnfelt all got some time with first team. Tuitt reportedly drew praise from John Mitchell on the sidelines after blowing up a run play by getting off the ball with a burst. McCullers reportedly had his hands on his knees after every play, ie. the work was harder for his big body than it was for his colleagues. Brian Arnfelt drew praise for his high motor as he chased Antonio Brown to the endzone.
The linebacking rotation looked like Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds at OLB, and Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons at ILB. 2nd team looked like Arthur Moats and Chris Carter with Sean Spence and Vince Williams manning the inside. Terrence Garvin took Kion Wilson’s spot on 3rd team, and Jordan Zumwalt rotated between there and OLB.
The team reconvenes at St. Vincent tomorrow for another day of padless practice per the CBA. The hitting starts on Monday.