A hot, sunny day greeted the players and the legion of fans who came in droves to the field at St. Vincent College for a Saturday afternoon session. Prior to the beginning of practice, head coach Mike Tomlin took the time to address the crowd in attendance by welcoming them back and showing his gratitude for helping contribute to making it one of the best training camp environments in the NFL.
Today's training camp storylines include a dominant day for the defense, an under-the-radar linebacker has a big day, and a rough day for the offensive line.
So Steelers fans, let's go!
Injury Report
With quarterback Russell Wilson still out, backup Justin Fields to the reins as the starting quarterback for a third straight day. Wilson was later seen in cleats going through stretches during team warm ups.
Veteran offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo was out for this afternoon's session. Taking his place on the first team was last year's seventh-round pick, Spencer Anderson. Tight end Rodney Williams injured himself diving for a catch during team drills. He was later seen walking off the field.
Injury list -
QB Russell Wilson: Calf
LB Cole Holcomb: PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) List
DL Dean Lowry: PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) List
RB Cordarrelle Patterson: Active/NFI (Non-Football Injury) List
Steelers Camp Day 3 Recap
Defense Dominates Offense
From beginning to end, the defense owned the day. In the "seven shots" drill, the defense beat the offense by a lopsided score of 6-1. During team drills, the defense accounted for several would-be sacks and passes broken up. The offense had a few good moments, such as Fields' big completion to tight end Connor Heyward. Is there concern that the team does not have enough weapons on offense? What should be kept in mind is that they performed admirably in the first two days.
Kyron Johnson Rises To The Occasion
A name that has not been mentioned much this offseason is linebacker Kyron Johnson. In today's session, Johnson made a big impression with his speed and agility during team drills. With depth needed at outside linebacker, Johnson is a name to keep in mind to make the roster if he is able to replicate today's performance when the pads come on.
The Offensive line Struggles
Despite not wearing pads, the offense struggled to protect the quarterback behind them, allowing pressures and potential sacks on several occasions. Broderick Jones was cited for an offside at one point, and as punishment, he was forced to take a lap. It was a difficult day on the offensive side of the ball, but perhaps they can redeem themselves in the following days.
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