Steelers Pro Bowler off to a rough start at training camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers are now fully entrenched in training camp. The day-one jitters are over, and everybody is easing into what will be a critical three-week stretch for Pittsburgh. With that in mind, here are the sights and sounds of day two in Latrobe: Diontae Johnson Exits Practice Early After what turned out to be […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are now fully entrenched in training camp.
The day-one jitters are over, and everybody is easing into what will be a critical three-week stretch for Pittsburgh.
With that in mind, here are the sights and sounds of day two in Latrobe:
Diontae Johnson Exits Practice Early
After what turned out to be just a scare yesterday when Steelers Pro Bowl WR Diontae Johnson came up clutching his leg, today seemed to be more serious as Johnson left the field early on in practice with a cart being brought out:
And while it may speak to concern about his condition, Mike Tomlin just gave Steelers fans a sigh of relief as he told reporters that Johnson left early due to heat issues, which is understandable given the fact it was triple digits with the heat index in Latrobe today.
But Johnson is looking for a bounceback year in 2023, with no intent to replicate a 2022 season that saw him record zero touchdown receptions. Hopefully, it's just a hydration issue and he's back on the field tomorrow.
Allen Robinson Shows Out in the Slot
Robinson was someone I've been intrigued to watch this camp, even highlighting a battle between him and Calvin Austin.
Well, the early returns have certainly favored Robinson, who's not only been getting first-team reps at slot WR but doing the most with them:
Robinson also had a red-zone TD reception in the Steelers' famous "7 Shots" period, helping the offense win the drill against the defense by a score of 5-2.
It's good to see him back healthy and showing promise from the slot, with hopefully even better results to come as he and Kenny Pickett continue to form chemistry.
Alex Highsmith Showing no Signs of Complacency
Despite signing a recent contract that ensures he's set for life, Highsmith's humble personality was never going to lend him to rest on his laurels, but he has looked even faster and more furious through two days in camp:
This play may have resulted in a TD, but let's just say that if Pickett was a certain Ravens QB and everyone was in full pads, that's likely a strip sack fumble with scoop and score written all over it.
Highsmith would continue terrorizing the offensive line, recording a for-sure sack later in practice and proving how special this pass-rushing duo can be if they remain healthy in 2023.
Welcome to the NFL, Joey Porter Jr.
The man they call Peezy Jr. has had a solid start to his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a birthday gift that he will remember for the rest of his life. But like many of the opposing corners that George Pickens has faced, Porter Jr. learned he's not to be trifled with:
All in good fun, Pickens might as well trademark his patented stalk block.
One of the reasons I fell in love with Pickens' skillset during his draft process was his omnipresent physicality.
But Porter Jr. is no slouch of his own when it comes to showing off his brawn, meaning Pickens better watch out tomorrow.
More Explosion in 2023?
The Steelers opened up camp yesterday with a deep pass down the sideline from Pickett to Pickens. And while the pass was incomplete thanks to Patrick Peterson sticking his Hall of Fame gloves on the ball, it sent a clear message, even if George Pickens thinks it was just a hint:
"That's more of an explosive hint," said Pickens when asked but yesterday's opening deep shot. "Like we're gonna probably take more shots this year. Try to mix it up a little bit."
Time will tell just how true that is, but the pressure in Pittsburgh has reached the boiling point with offensive coordinator Matt Canada. One of his biggest criticisms has been his unwillingness to attack despite the plethora of weapons at his disposal.
Expect that to change this fall.
To summarize day two, I fully expect Johnson to overcome the heat-related issues that plagued him, and look forward to seeing how he responds to a lackluster start to camp. I still believe Johnson can be a top-10 receiver in his league, and he has the numbers and tape to prove it.
Pair the must-watch pass rush with the development of the passing offense, and plenty of camp battles, and you can see how this is going to be a fun three weeks.
Steelers Training Camp Battle: Offense
The time for action is upon us
Featured image via: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
