Rookie running back Le’Veon Bell was a big part of today’s back on ‘backers drill (Photo Credit: vader29)
Two highlights of the day. As we noted yesterday, it was the first opportunity for the team to be in pads. That led to arguably the most popular drill of training camp, backs on backers.
Mike Pristua broke it down.
– By his count, the linebackers won the drill 30-17. Le’Veon Bell was tested often, taking place in the drill 11 times. He won five and went 2-2 against 1st rounder Jarvis Jones.
He tweeted a picture of the two rookies going at it.
No. 1 and No. 2 get acquainted during “Backs-on-‘Backers.” Jarvis Jones, Le’Veon Bell split 4 reps in the drill pic.twitter.com/BpXPWVrSnJ
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) July 29, 2013
Prsiuta also liked Curtis McNeal’s “mean” quality in the drill while Tunch IIlkin was impressed by LaRod Stephens-Howling. Baron Batch and Marshall McFadden nearly got into a fight during the drill to the ire of RBs coach Kirby Wilson.
– Speaking of McFadden, Bob Labriola was impressed by his play in practice.
Marshall McFadden is somebody to watch. Looks like James Harrison, hits like Harrison, nasty like Harrison.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) July 29, 2013
– Cornerback depth was lacking today with three cornerbacks out due to injury. Cortez Allen (knee), DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring) and Terry Hawthorne, who had knee surgery in the spring, as reported by Jim Wexell.
Looks like Terry Hawthorne’s sitting this one out. Missed most of spring after knee surgery.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) July 29, 2013
Tomlin did not provide much of an update on the injuries in his press conference, calling all three “day to day”. Added he hoped Hawthorne’s injury will not be a “long-term” injury.
He added. “One man’s misfortune is the opportunity for others. Some guys are getting the chance to do that.”
– Ken Laird had more on Bell.
Le’Veon Bell on the field w 1st team O for 4 of 1st 5 3WR sets in team drills. Redman 1 rep. Hmm
— Ken Laird (@Ken_Laird) July 29, 2013
QUOTES TO NOTE
Jonathan Dwyer
How much weight he lost: I worked my butt off all offseason to be in the best shape I can possibly be. [I lost] 25, 30 pounds. I’m like 230 right now, hopefully get around to 225 before the first preseason game. Just continue to put in big work and be the best I can be.”
How he lost so much weight: “It was diet and just working hard. I probably worked out 2-3 times a day. Sometimes on Saturdays and Sundays too. Running hills, all type of stuff. Not just to lose weight but be conditioned. I feel like this is the best shape I’ve been in since I’ve been in the league.”
On who he trained with: “Lawrence Timmons, Antonio Brown, Sean Spence, DeMarcus Van Dyke, Marcus Gilbert, and some others in Miami.”
David DeCastro
His advice for rookies: “Just go out there, don’t worry about making mistakes, and play full speed. Don’t be scared, just play full speed. Make mistakes at 100%.”
If he still feels like a rookie: “I definitely don’t feel like a rookie anymore. Having to get up in the dining hall and sing, stupid stuff like that. You’re just more comfortable, you don’t have to worry about this stuff you’ve already seen. There’s no surprises which is nice.”
If he sees a difference in scheme from last year to this year: “It’s all the same, playbook hasn’t changed at all. Maybe more emphasis on running outside zone. I don’t know, we’ll see.”
Mike Tomlin
Matchup up Jones and Bell in drills: “It’s an easy match. Two young guys, high draft picks. To pit one against the other in competition, I think it’s appropriate.”
On deciding the running back situation:“If someone can distinguish themselves from the pack, we’ll give them the ball. If not, we’ll ride the hot hand.”
—–
NOTE: The team is off tomorrow and will return to practice on Wednesday.
