The Steelers finally had their projected starting offensive line on the field Sunday – but still not together.
Kendrick Green continued to center the first unit, with Trai Turner at right guard, Zack Banner at right tackle (although Joe Haeg did most of the work in team drills) and Chuks Okorafor at left tackle. Kevin Dotson was back at left guard but with the second team.
So how did Dotson look? "Man I can't tell you," Mike Tomlin answered. "I'll have to look at the tape first but it was good to have him back out there today."
But when Tomlin was asked why Dotson, who by all accounts performed well his rookie season, was running with the second team, the coach got a bit harsh. "He has done nothing to earn first team reps," Tomlin shot back. "What are we talking about? He's a second year guy who hasn't worked."
Rashaad Coward lined up with the first team as he has most of camp and while Tomlin was complimentary of Coward's efforts expect Dotson to be back with the first team sooner rather than later; in fact, Dotson himself laughed it off on social media.
Interestingly, Tomlin cited Coward's "veteran demeanor and mannerisms." Coward is also a second-year player.
Major Mismatch
The Steelers have spent a lot of time on match-ups – one-on-one blocking and one-on-one pass coverage with receivers versus cornerbacks, tight ends/running backs versus safeties/linebackers. It's certainly time well spent considering the way passing games have opened up.
Sunday, fans saw Ben Roethlisberger complete a rope to Eric Ebron who was well-covered by Terrell Edmunds and arcing a throw to Anthony McFarland who made an over-the-shoulder catch in stride. Later, Dwayne Haskins completed a sideline pass to Zack Gentry who was covered by . . . Cam Heyward?
Huh? How did a defensive lineman sneak into that drill? "(Cam) is always looking for competition," Tomlin laughed. "He thinks he is an oversized athlete. Notice that I said HE THINKS he is an oversized athlete."
This Week
Practice at Heinz Field Monday and Tuesday at 1:30, Walk-through Wednesday, Second pre-season game Thursday at Philadelphia, 7:30 on KDKA-TV.
