LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – It's become a fan favorite drill and something Steelers most often do at practice. Friday was the first 'seven-shots' of training camp as the team battled the heat and their first-round pick got some first-team snaps.
Broderick with ones
Dan Moore has been running first team until this point and then during practice on Friday Broderick Jones got work from offensive line coach Pat Meyer he would go in with the first team the next series.
"You never know with coaches," Jones said. "They may tell you to just go in. You may be in the bed up there and they will tell you to go in. You never know when they throw you in so you have to be prepared and have that open mind to go in and perform to the best of your ability."
He went mainly against veteran Markus Golden and it was 'good work'. He was excited about it because of the jump in competition level.
"I feel like each and every day I'm getting better at something," Jones said. "Just continuing to stack those days and perform to the best of my ability."
The former Georgia star said he's ready to get into pads next week and show his physicality. As he put it, he's ready to show what he can do.
Injuries
A few players dealt with heat related issues as the temperatures in the low 90s with a heat index near 100 degrees. Diontae Johnson left in a cart and wasn't able to finish. DeMarvin Leal missed some time but was able to return as was tight end Connor Heyward. Tomlin called the heat uncomfortable, but welcome to see how players handle the fatigue.
7 shots
It's the Steelers drill where they run a lot of first-teamers with the ball at the two-and-a-half-yard line, simulating a two-point conversion. Here are the series of plays:
· Kenny Pickett threw low and incomplete to George Pickens
· Pickett threw a crossing route in the back of the endzone for a touchdown to Allen Robinson, who dragged his second foot in.
· Pickett flushed out of the pocket, his throw knocked down by safety Damontae Kazee
· Pickett touchdown in the flat to RB Anthony McFarland
· Mitch Trubisky pass to McFarland broken up by Elijah Riley, but Tomlin called for a redo for a potential pre-snap penalty. On the next play, Trubisky scrambled through the middle for a touchdown
· Trubisky threw a short, inside route TD to Gunner Olszewski
· Trubisky threw short, middle again, this one a TD to Dez Fitzpatrick
Tomlin said Friday was the first day to handle some situational things including third down work as the first three quarterbacks varied from 3rd and 3 to 3rd and 8. The defense got the better of those drills with Robinson making a diving catch over the middle. Darnell Washington had one in his hands but it was knocked away.
Porter on notice
Robinson caught some attention not by a catch, rather by a player during those situational drills. As he went out for a pass in 7-on-7 drills, he knocked down Joey Porter, Junior and caught the ball. Probably wouldn't have been flagged and you heard Tomlin say that it was a welcome to the NFL-type moment for the second-round corner.
Hall of Honor
Steelers will announce their Hall of Honor Class at 1p at St. Vincent College before open practice at 1:55p.
