Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Wednesday.
The Kickoff
We learned quite a bit on the first day of Mini-Camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Rodgers is now married. T.J. Watt is still holding out. And the Pittsburgh media got a first-hand look at just how much media Rodgers can pull in. Believe it or not, there was actually some guys doing things with footballs too.
Rodgers
Albert Breer of SI.com had a terrific breakdown of how the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers came about. To paraphrase, this has been in the works since they met a couple of months back. Arthur Smith knew what was going on as did Art Rooney II and even Mason Rudolph had a solid idea of what was coming. As for his on-field work yesterday, Rodgers looked like I do when I get up from the couch. For a 41-year old? Not surprising at all. He is what he is now in the post Achilles injury era of his career which means he will need to rely on his arm strength and smarts more than ever.
Low WATTage
As expected, T.J. Watt was a no-show yesterday which means I doubt we’ll see him until Training Camp at the absolute earliest. Do I believe a deal will get done? Yes, it will and it will be enough to make him the highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL. Should it get done? I’m less confident in that question. I really do like the idea of guys playing their entire careers in one helmet but the NFL has changed significantly. I’m guessing there have been a few calls regarding his availability but Omar Khan has more than likely not taken them too seriously.
At Least One…
Of the young men drafted back in April, we already know that first round selection Derrick Harmon will be a starter. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar confirmed this yesterday. I don’t find this surprising at all considering there really isn’t anyone better that should start ahead of him.
Media Surprise?
Several of the Steelers Beat Writers commented on the large contingent of media on hand Tuesday. My question is why were they surprised? Aaron Rodgers isn’t just an athlete, he’s become a pop culture standard in my ways. Did they really think that the national sports and entertainment outlets wouldn’t be there on day one? And then to find out he was recently married?? Oh man, the people were in their feelings!
Random Reads
Myles Garrett wants to add Aaron Rodgers to his Halloween Graveyard of Quarterbacks. Good for you Myles, good for you… Steelers Center Zach Frazier said that Rodgers addressed the team prior to practice and claims the former MVP is “all in.” I would hope so… The NHL postseason is 100 times more interesting than the NBA. I would have never said such a thing 40 years ago… All people considering a run for an elected position in government should have to pass a basic skills test of understanding the Constitution… What is it with these 18-year old high school graduates posing with cigars? I guarantee they don’t finish those and that’s a disgrace!
Hot Reads is presented by frankwalkerlaw.com
