Today pads and helmets were popping as the team engaged in their first live contact practice of the 2014 training camp. The highlights being the team drill and Backs on Backers. Joey Porter played quarterback as he encouraged, shouted, and cursed the linebackers as they attempted to get the better of the running backs in protection. Like last year, someone managed to grab some video footage of the drills. While not very long, you get an idea of the intensity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwNGKt2mrDk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tanq1DxBpF8

Ryan Shazier had people talking with that renowned lighting fast speed. In one set, he blew by rookie running back Jordan Hall. In another, he got the best of LeGarrette Blount in the first two of their three matchups. In the first two, he was bull rushing and swimming to get through Blount while Joey Porter was yelling, “Speed is your asset! Speed is your asset!”  During the third and final contest, Blount got the better of Shazier with a quick hit to the helmet. Both appeard visibly dazed according to onlookers.

When it was over, Blount said, “I like him. He’s fast. He can run….He’s a big hitter. When they put a young guy in against a vet you know he’s pretty good. He got my attention.” About the last battle, Shazier said, “It was a hit. We’re going to lay some to each other. He’s going to give me some; I’m going to give him some.” He ended with, “I knew he was going to bring a punch on the last one… he’s a power guy” Not sure if the humor was intentional, but it wasn’t lost on me.

Shazier also went up against tight end Eric Waters, but with slightly less success. The first go Shazier had Waters beat, but the tight end recovered to keep him off the quarterback. During the rematch, Waters grabbed a bunch of jersey to keep Shazier at bay, which resulted in the linebacker pulling his own helmet off in anger. Waters would also get the best of Howard Jones later, drawing ire from Joey Porter. “That sh*t ain’t violent at all. You’re creeping up on him!”

Other notes from the backs on backers drill- Vince Williams got the better of Rob Blanchflower for the most part, who reportedly struggled overall in the drill. Arthur Moats did well throughout practice, and got the better of David Paulson. These drills favor the linebackers by design, so one would hope he could best David Paulson. 5’9″ RB Jordan Hall leveled LB Terence Garvin.

Not long into 11 on 11 team drills, RB Dri Archer got creamed by Lawrence Timmons. The play of the day involved Dri Archer, but Jason Worilds was the playmaker. Worilds followed Archer on a wheel route and made an impressive leap on the sideline to intercept Ben Roethlisberger. Later Coach Tomin said, “That’s the first time Jason Worilds has caught a ball in any fashion out here in practice, in a walk-through,” Tomlin said. “I call him the defensive end from Blacksburg. I’m going to paint that ball and give it to him.”

During one set, backup NT Daniel McCullers got pancaked by David DeCastro. McCullers later redeemed himself by blowing up a run play through a double team. CB Shaq Richardson had the crowd cheering as he made a diving interception from an errant pass by Bruce Gradkowski. Not long after, the rookie cornerback successfully battled Martavis Bryant for a high pass. On one play, Shamarko Thomas bull rushed Mike Adams and knocked him to the ground. Justin Brown reportedly had another solid day.

During one on one drills, Chris Elkins was a quiet star. He won battles against two rushers before keeping Cam Hewyard subdued twice in a row. Another winner in one on one drills was Jarvis Jones. He got the better of Kelvin Beachum 3 times in a row. The first two times with speed and jukes, and the third time with a powerful punch move.

Here’s a couple random videos. The first is Ben working with the receivers and the second is coach Mitchell working with the defensive linemen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkvMhOK7OiU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXepsqp_bcw

The Steelers have tomorrow off, but resume practice on Wednesday.