LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Collect your bets, it was Day 2 for the first fight at Steelers training camp. It happened about two-thirds of the way into practice during 11-on-11 drills.
Mitch Trubisky running a series where ‘every play is third down’. His throw over the middle was intercepted by linebacker Robert Spillane. Center Mason Cole explains what happened next.
“I was chasing down Robert Spillane,” Cole said. “He didn’t like that. He charged me. I was on the defensive sidelines, so I was in enemy territory.”
That’s when Cole was swarmed by defenders and ended up on the ground. John Leglue led a charge of offensive linemen to come help, but it quickly settled down.
“A bunch of us ran over,” said guard Kendrick Green. “That’s a great addition to the room. Mason is a great dude, brings a lot of energy. He’s always kind of the enthusiasm guy.”
“It’s part of camp,” Cole said. “It’s fun, it’s competitive. That’s what makes teams like this special it’s fun to be in those competitive situations. Then you go around in the locker room and joke around with the guys.”
“We are in camp, it’s a part of development and doing so appropriately,” said Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. “Displaying that passion, but also using those displays for an opportunity to teach and learn. That’s also what we are doing here.”
7 shots
One of the highlights of practice is 7 shots. The offense lines up at the two-yard line and gets seven opportunities to score. Here is the rundown of what happened Thursday.
· Mitch Trubisky threw a nice pass to Chase Claypool in corner of end zone, TD
· Trubisky pass tipped by Terrell Edmunds and picked by Devin Bush
· Trubisky to Anthony Miller for a TD
· Trubisky to Zach Gentry towards the back of the end zone, TD
· Mason Rudolph pass knocked down by Justin Layne
· Rudolph pass knocked down by Tre Norwood
· Rudolph to Tyler Vaughns right at the goal line for a TD
Kenny Pickett did not compete in seven shots. Pickett was 2 for 4 in the first 11-on-11 drills including an interception by Chris Steele. Rudolph was 3 for 4 and Trubisky was 3 for 4 as TJ Watt batted his one incompletion high in the air and Trubisky had to knock in down.
We’ve talked a lot about Pickett and Trubisky, what does Tomlin think about how Rudolph has performed so far.
“He’s been Mason,” Tomlin said. “He’s taken advantage of the opportunities. He’s been detailed. He’s doing a good job of communicating with others. He’s been competitive. Not anything out of the usual in terms of his approach to business.”
Rudolph did have the nicest deep throw of the day, a perfect strike to Gunner Olszewski on a fly pattern down the left sideline.
Injuries
TE Pat Freiermuth didn’t finish the last couple of periods with lower body tightness. Tomlin says they will exercise precaution to not let little things become big things.
Defensive lineman Chris Wormley did practice full, while status quo for Larry Ogunjobi-foot (did not practice) and Minkah Fitzpatrick-wrist (who was out on the field and started catching with both hands).
Rain, Rain, it’s ok
Through light and then a period of heavy rain, the Steelers continued to practice on the artificial turf field at St. Vincent College. Tomlin was not going to stop.
“I love the uncertainty of the weather,” Tomlin said. “It forces us to be light on our feet and adaptable. It challenges them from a mindset standpoint. It’s opportunities to teach and to learn and for guys to display their football character and their enthusiasm and passion for the game in spite in whatever adversity the elements of the game may present.”
“When the weather is less than ideal it’s a great opportunity for defenders to ball search. It’s a great opportunity for offensive guys to focus on ball security and making routine plays.”
“There’s some coaching points to look at tonight. Days like today are good because they provide a platform to grow.”