Behind the Steel Curtain
LATROBE, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers put the pads back on for Tuesday’s practice, and the offense had what was their best day of camp thus far. The unit won seven shots 5-2, and there were several noteworthy performances from likely practice squad locks, as well as a receiver with a lot to prove and a great day from No. 8 – let’s hop into it.
This was the Aaron Rodgers the Steelers were hoping to see when they signed him ahead of mandatory mini-camp. In seven shots, he had three consecutive touchdown passes. The first was a lob to the back corner for DK Metcalf, which the star receiver caught by dragging the toes for a score. The second came on a play that had tremendous protection from the offensive line, which gave Jonnu Smith enough time to spring open on the right side for a touchdown. The third was the best throw Rodgers has had all camp. He sidearmed a pass into a tight window for Roman Wilson, who came back to the ball that snuck through multiple defenders for the score.
Rodgers also had several throws in one-on-ones and team drills that looked like vintage Aaron Rodgers. Running back Max Hurleman caught a ball that was placed perfectly over his shoulder and out of reach of the defender. Later on, Rodgers hit Connor Heyward on his back shoulder coming across the middle. The pass somehow didn’t touch the hand of Patrick Queen, and it looked like Heyward was surprised the ball made it through to him. This was the kind of day Rodgers and the offense needed, and it was refreshing to see him dealing all over the field.
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There was a lot of buzz after Roman Wilson was listed as the No. 5 receiver on the Steelers’ initial depth chart, but the second-year receiver responded with perhaps his best day of training camp, as well. He had the aforementioned touchdown grab, but also had a long catch during team drills on an in-breaker in which he got behind the defense.
Wilson will be one of the players everyone is watching in the preseason opener against the Jaguars on Saturday, and he needs to have a big showing.
Running back Max Hurleman is cementing a spot on the practice squad. He made the aforementioned catch during one-on-ones, but has a versatile background. He played both slot receiver and running back in college and has also returned kicks. His play continues to be excellent in Latrobe, and he’ll have a practice squad spot ready for him.
Wide receiver Roc Taylor continues to impress as well. He made a great catch in tight coverage in one-on-ones, where he stopped and came back to the ball on the sideline, dragging his feet for the catch. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he appears...
