The Official Steelers Training Camp Thread 2026 the new era begins

I think the AI got you on this one...or maybe that's the joke?

Either way, I laughed.

 

Especially the stuff with no OL/DL.

But it still looks good for the O IMO.

And the placement of the ball you showed from Howard looks really good. It would be amazing for the team if he (or Allar) turns into something.

 

I just do not get the deployment of inside linebackers or 3rd and long. Last year it was an unmitigated disaster. Queen was victimized in convergence, and P. Wilson was just a little better.

Might a safety have done a better job? I tend to think they would. Situation football favors the coach who understands the game and situation.

On 3rd-and-5 or longer overall, teams run the ball only 15–20% of the time. That is. Now ask yourself who is better in coverage: a safety or a linebacker? Unless your linebacker is Ryan Shazier...
Last year under Tomlin's boobery we had a 6 foot tall, not so fast linebacker covering wide receivers and deployed on the field as the nickel and dime defender who made few plays vs the pass. Our soft middle was an open secret and easily exposed. Tight ends and wide receivers ate him alive.

Well see what type of DC coach Graham is. Right now Holcomb is our best pass defending linebacker in the early phases of camp. Maybe he should have seen the field in 2025 more often in pass situations?

 

We certainly sucked at 3rd (and 4th) down conversions last year. Odd because it just cratered from the year before. Hopefully we can get back to normal in that regard.

Interesting that you think Holcomb is the best of the three ILBs at defending passes. My guess is that he's 3rd of 3, with his strength being more run D. But who knows?

 

But the top three receivers have been DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson.”

I can’t open the link either but if you tap on the blue “show more” you will get the rest of the verbiage

 

The top 3 WRs are Metcalf, Pittman, and Wilson so far. Wilson not succeeding last year is between him and Rodgers.

 

Peyton is fast but he needs to learn to shed blocks better.

 

OTM! That is definitely not allowed.

 

That really was a nice layered throw by Howard. Also I'm glad to see #83 Heath Miller back.

 

Apparently Howard also threw a pick to Castro trying to thread one in.

And again, I get conflicted.

Is this a good sign for Castro, who's going to be fighting for a place on the 53?

Or is it bad that Howard threw a pick to a guy who might not make the team?

Probably neither? I think the real answer is that the sample size is too small to really know anything yet. But in general, I think it's probably better for Castro than it is bad for Howard.

 

This leads me to believe starters will play little and Rodgers none in preseason

 

And not just one but two over the middle

The middle

The middle of the field I tell you

 

LOL. That wasn't AI. That was me at about 430am this morning....

 

To be fair, I'm sure it's true factually true that Roman Wilson would not be good against the run at ILB.

At least we got rid of Russel Wilson, so it's slightly less confusing talking about the roster than it was 2 years ago.

 

LOL... another "laser" eye test coming....

 

A healthy Holcomb may be the best ILB we have in coverage. But the man was badly injured (tore up his knee) years ago and can’t seem to stay healthy. I took a look at his injury history .Major Career Injuries

Right now, yes — he might be our best ILB in coverage. A low bar to clear. But like I said the man can not stay healthy. It is his 7th NFL season. With his injury his history it would not surprise me if he retires by 2029.

Holcomb in his rookie year was a 4.5 guy. He defended 12 passes and had 3 interceptions during his NFL career in 59 starts. That is good pass defense for an ILB.