Behind the Steel Curtain
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a weekly Steelers links roundup at BTSC. But first, let’s take a look around the AFC North:
Now, onto some Steelers news and discussion:
(From ESPN’s Brooke Pryor): “That’s something that this time of year is perfect for, to move around to get comfortable,” Watt said. “It’s not about winning every single rep and having to be on the left side and having to get everything mastered on the left side. It’s about trying new things and moving around.
“… We just have so much depth. … I’m sure we’ll have some cool packages and some new stuff for you guys to see.”
While we’ve yet to see what the final result will be, the hype around T.J. Watt transforming his game entering his age-31 season seems to be real. This feature from ESPN does a good job breaking down some contextual statistics around Watt’s usage so far in his career.
The other big question mark surrounding Watt this season: Can the aging speed rusher continue to win with quickness? Or will he need to add more power to his arsenal in 2025 and beyond?
(From USA Today’s Ayrton Ostly quoting The Pivot Podcast): “All the essence of what football is about, he emphasizes it,” Ramsey said. “Toughness, being well-conditioned… it ain’t no gray area. It’s black and white. This what we about around here.
Were y’all tough today? Were you well conditioned? Were you running to the ball? Were you on your alignment, your assignment, your technique? Like, it ain’t no excuses.”
It remains to be seen what Jalen Ramsey will look like in the Steelers’ defense, but one thing is for certain: He’s bought into Mike Tomlin’s philosophy with the Steelers.
(From Yahoo Sports’ Andy Backstrom): The Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD didn’t meet the league’s new safety standards, so Rodgers has been practicing in the Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II.
To say he’s ticked off about the wardrobe change would be an understatement.
“I don’t like it, no,” Rodgers said Tuesday, per ESPN. “I’m trying to change. We’re in the process still. It looks like a damn spaceship out there.”
Rodgers’ favorite helmet is banned per the NFL’s new safety standards, and the veteran quarterback is not happy. While it’s unlikely to result in Antonio Brown levels of drama, it’s still a situation to watch ahead of Week 1 as Rodgers has said that “we got to change it.”
[Pranks, custard, camp...
