Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Thursday.
The Kickoff
Hyperbole. It’s something very synonymous with sports and quite frankly life in general. Who among us hasn’t embellished a bit about a fish we caught? When it comes to the Steelers, hyperbole is just as common. During the very first session open to the public, there was no shortage of hyperbolic comments. Many of these centered around the quarterbacks and especially the younger and newer guys which wasn’t surprising. Never mind this session was without full pads and without tackling as well. I deal in realism and while I can probably get as excited as the next fan, I’ve learned to temper my excitement with reality. So if you lost your mind over Drew Allar throwing a TD pass in 7 on 7, never mind that he wasn’t under pressure or under threw the receiver. But hey, if that’s what excites you then be my guest.
A Full Force Pod!
It’s been roughly a month since all four of us were together for the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc. Therefore, we’re very excited to have the band back together to open the season tonight! Join us at 10pmET on our YouTube channel.
A Lot Changed When He Passed…
A Good Problem
One of the guys who wasnt on the PUP list was Broderick Jones. I have no problem admitting I thought he would be coming off neck surgery. Mike McCarthy was pretty honest in that Jones may be a bit limited starting out but if he comes on quickly, then suddenly the Steelers could have a plethora of tackles. Troy Fautanu, Dylan Cook and Rookie Max Iheanachor join Jones as a nice group of young tackles. Again, this is something that could happen which would be a really nice problem to have. Jones by the way worked with the twos at left tackle on Wednesday.
How Bad is Ramsey?
Chris Mack and Mark Kaboly discussed Jalen Ramsey being on the PUP List after practice yesterday. They seem to think that Ramsey could miss a decent portion of Camp and perhaps preseason games as well. The good news is that Asante Samuel, Jr had an excellent first day of Camp so let’s hope that continues.
Don’t Sweat the QB Situation
Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph got the bulk of the snaps yesterday. Drew Allar and Will Howard split the reps with the third team. Because this is a bit of a departure from OTAs, some fans are frustrated. Mason Rudolph was really solid yesterday which tells me he isn’t going to just hand this backup job to Howard or anyone else. If Howard continues to improve then he will get his opportunities in Preseason games. Until then, let the process take its’ course.
JPJ Latest
The Steelers said yesterday that Joey Porter, Jr had a back issue that flared up and that’s why he’s on the PUP list. OK, maybe he does but let’s be real. They don’t want a guy they are likely to invest a lot of money in getting hurt before that happens. Gerry Dulac, the Post-Gazette reporter and longtime Steelers’ mouthpiece, said the following, “He did not do himself any favors by coming in with a new coaching staff and not doing anything in the spring. That did not sit well with them. I don’t know that that’s going to affect the contract that he’s gonna sign. He’s gonna get a nice piece of money, and he should because they can’t afford not to sign him … I don’t think he’s gonna get $25 million. This idea that he was gonna set the market. They do not believe that he is a top-five corner and this idea that he’s a shutdown corner. They don’t believe that.” I have hard to buying this. Mike McCarthy has been around a long time. A player not participating in some drills during OTAs cannot be a big deal. Obviously we will need to monitor this closely.
Random Reads
For those of you who like to gamble, the Rams are the Super Bowl favorites at +500. What was surprising was that Buffalo is second at +1000. I have a feeling they will slide back this year… Rookie Gennings Dunker is still primarily working with the third team right now at guard. I admit, I thought he’d be pushing a little more for a starting spot but it’s still early… Is it just me or does it feel like most sports’ leagues are out of control right now? WNBA, Pro Golf, College Football to name a few. Maybe it’s always this way… Taysom Hill, the ‘do-everything’ backup QB for the Saints will not play for New Orleans this year according to numerous reports. Not sure if he’s retiring or not… Remember when players would have Achilles’ tears and miss a full year or maybe see their careers end ? Now guys are coming back from Achilles’ injuries in eight-nine months. It’s pretty incredible… Looking forward to the show tonight. Hope you can join us!
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