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 TribLive’s Joe Rutter): For someone who received a three-year contract in the days leading up to the opener, Warren was conspicuous by his absence for portions of the game. Warren, at times, seemed to take a back seat to Gainwell while rookie third-rounder Kaleb Johnson primarily contributed as a kickoff returner.
It was an unusual distribution of snaps considering the Steelers seemed intent on establishing Warren as the top running back with Gainwell serving as a change-of-pace and third-down specialist. Gainwell, however, often was on the field on second down and had the edge in playing time — 30 snaps to Warren’s 25.
While Jaylen Warren did get more touches than Kenneth Gainwell, the latter saw more time on the field despite Warren’s presumed feature role in the team’s running back room.
Will it last? I’d expect Warren and the rookie Kaleb Johnson to get bigger roles in future weeks. But the fact that Tomlin stuck with Gainwell after a fumble is telling. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s Aaron Rodgers’ preferred blocker in pass protection. That’s an easy way to gain a lot of extra snaps on offense.
(From Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley): That desire to give back is felt to this day by those at the Catholic Youth Association (CYA), a local organization that Art Rooney Sr., known as ‘The Chief,’ stepped in to help when he saw they were struggling financially back in the 1970s. He wanted to help one of his favorite charities, one that embodied the Catholic faith that was a major part of his life, ensuring that they would be able to continue with their mission.
It was from that passion that the Art Rooney Award Dinner was born, an annual event that benefits the CYA. It’s an event that has embodied what he believed in, and one Art Rooney II and Dan Rooney are also an integral part of.
Another quality feature from Steelers.com discussing a tradition started by Art Rooney Sr. that carries to this day.
(From Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders): Former Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston is signing with the Buffalo Bills, according to a report by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Watching the Steelers’ punter battle this preseason, it was clear that it was made up of two NFL-caliber specialists. Corliss Waitman, of course, won the Steelers job, and it...
