The Pittsburgh Steelers hopped on the big yellow school buses last night for the short trip to Latrobe Memorial Stadium. The annual “Friday Night Lights” scrimmage brought out a record crowd of over 13,000 fans. The event culminated the first full week (and then some) of Training Camp for the Black and Gold and already, some things are starting to come into focus.
Gunner is Gonna Be Here
Steelers Nation has a collective memory like an elephant. We don’t forget. Gunner Olszewski knows it too. After fumbling a punt return in week two against his former team, the fan base has literally had no use for him. Well, I hate to disappoint you but right now Gunner is going to make this team. He’s getting all of the first reps as both a punt and kick returner and there’s a wide open race for a final receiver spot too.
Minkah
As we discussed on the podcast this past week, we’ve been told things. We believe the people telling us know exactly what’s going on with Minkah Fitzpatrick but are not at liberty to say. We respect that and we aren’t going to speculate further. The all-pro safety has been in Camp but has not been participating. Mike Tomlin calls it a personal issue. Right now, I’m not concerned. If this continues deep into the preseason then my concern grows significantly.
Fullback Green
With Mike Tomlin in Canton for Ronde Barber’s Hall of Fame induction, Matt Canada went rogue. Well, sort of. He used guard/center Kendrick Green as a fullback/H-Back and it was very entertaining. Green went in motion on one play and pancaked a defender and then he actually caught a seven-yard pass as well. I don’t believe this is a sign of anything to come but it’s clear the Steelers like the former third round pick but his opportunities are limited on the OL for sure.
We Tried to Tell You
Hakeem Butler has all of the traits you love in a receiver. He’s tall, long and weighs in around 220lbs but the NFL is not the XFL where Butler found success. He’s had struggles with catching the ball and isn’t getting the separation needed either. No disrespect to Butler at all, but we told fans who were thinking he’d be a huge part of the offense that it’s just not that easy.
HerBIG Surprise?
Not going to lie… I thought Nick Herbig would be a bit of a project this year. He has the desired length, quickness and relentless attitude you want in an outside linebacker but it was no secret that he needed to add weight. While that remains true, he’s been impressive. Herbig has been a constant thorn in the side of numerous offensive linemen in terms of pass rushing and he’s been better against the run than I had anticipated. I still think he’s likely a situational pass rusher and core Special Teamer this season but things are going in the right direction for him.
Point Break
OK, I couldn’t help myself. The Keanu Reeves movie references were coming at some point and today is that day… Steelers rookie Keannu Benton is probably used to it by now. Anyway, I find that the best way to gauge how a young defensive lineman is doing is to listen to what the offensive linemen have to say. James Daniels compared him to Packers’ DL Kenny Clark and I’ll take that kind of performance from Benton all day. With Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi being relied on heavily, Benton’s performance will be vital to the success of this unit.
Concerns…
Besides Minkah not practicing, both Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee are both banged up which leaves the Steelers very short at safety. Keep an eye on the front office here because if they bring a guy in then it’s likely for more than just a “camp body…” Last season Marcus Allen picked up one of the dumbest penalties I’ve seen a Steeler make when the team was dominating the Carolina Panthers. His taunting penalty gave life to the Panthers and forced the defense right back on the field. I mention this because already in the first week, George Pickens and Kenny Robinson have both been flagged for taunting. This shit irritates me and if it’s happening in practice then it’s more likely to happen in games.
Other Tidbits
Starting to see more and more 12 personnel from Matt Canada and not just in the traditional sense. He’s had both Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington flexed out and occasionally brings them in motion. I hope this continues… Speaking of Washington, he caught a long TD last night as he torched Mark Robinson who was in coverage. This is Robinson’s Achilles heel and he didn’t look good covering the big tight end… I’ve heard a lot of things about our inside linebackers but one thing I hear and see a lot is that they will smack the crap out of you on every single play… The Steelers will kick off the preseason Friday night in Tampa Bay. I expect to see limited play by the veterans for two reasons. First, the new guys need more evaluation time with one less preseason game and second, it’s going to be hot and humid so there’s no reason to push your stars.
Photo courtesy post-gazette.com
