The Steelers’ lineman work on the bucket step in their new zone blocking scheme (Photo Credit: vader29)
With Friday’s practice being late, we decided to just condense yesterday and today into one article. Starting with easily the most exciting night of training camp for fans; the Friday Night Practice.
Of course, it was a little different than usual. With the event being moved from Latrobe High School to Saint Vincent College due to field conditions, it technically was an “evening practice” beginning around 5:20 (SVC does not have lights for the field). Still, the change of venue did not deter fans as over 18,000 showed up to support the Black ‘n Gold.
Over 18,000 @steelers fans showed up at @mysaintvincent today for the FanFest and practice. Concert and fireworks still to come tonight.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) August 2, 2013
This is by far the best atmosphere for a @steelers training camp practice in my nine years with the team. pic.twitter.com/5HJ7RVBwvb
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) August 2, 2013
– Players had a twenty minute autograph session beforehand. Coach Tomlin might have been the most excited one there, even going into the stands to sign.
– MMQB’s Peter King was on hand and his RV got a special autograph.
Ryan Clark of the Steelers signs @themmqb RV! pic.twitter.com/xRZwCOtgHb
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) August 3, 2013
– King also called it the most physical practice he’s seen so far.
LATROBE, Pa.-Steelers far more physical in this evening practice, w/tackling and not just “thud” stops, than at any of our previous 8 stops. — Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) August 2, 2013
– Onto what actually occurred once the players put the pens down and the pads on.
LaRod Stephens-Howling is very quick and a tough runner. Also at 5-7, he’s tough for the defense to see behind the O-line. — Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) August 3, 2013
Over 3 strait plays in team drills: Curtis Brown supports and tackles Bell for NG; Bell jukes Brown and gains 12; Brown blasts Bell for -1 — Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) August 3, 2013
– The Steelers suffered their first season ending injury. Rookie guard Nik Embernate, as feared, suffered a season-ending knee injury, tearing his ACL and MCL. He has been waived/injured and will end up on IR after passing through waivers.
Nik Embernate tore his ACL and MCL. surgery date hasn’t been set. #Steelers — James C Wexell (@jimwexell) August 3, 2013
Said Tomlin Friday Night: “ACL, MCL. Obviously, he’s got a long road ahead of him. First thing’s first, we gotta zero in on a surgery date and go from there. When we decide that, I’ll let you guys know. Obviously, he’s down and out.”
– To replace him, the Steelers’ signed D’Anthony Batiste, a veteran tackle who was with Arizona last season.
Steelers signed D’Anthony Batiste, who opened last season as the Cardinals’ starting left tackle.
— NFL: AroundTheLeague (@NFL_ATL) August 3, 2013
Of course, the Cardinals’ offensive line was a mess last season and Batiste graded out even worse than Guy Whimper. Depth along the offensive line is a major concern for this team.
Kelvin Beachum is the top backup and quickly becoming the next Trai Essex, a man who can play all five spots along the o-line. Batiste will wear #64.
– Regarding other uniform numbers, Steelers.com mistakenly listed Ryan Steed as #30. He will wear #38. Buddy Jackson will wear #37 while TE John Rabe will sport #49.
– Matt Spaeth reportedly had his knee drained on Friday and is not practicing today.
Matt Spaeth had his right knee drained Friday. Sitting out today. But says no big deal. #Steelers
— David Todd (@DavidMTodd) August 3, 2013
– Bumps and bruises sidelined many others.
Le’Veon Bell not practicing today. Has his left knee wrapped. On the field watching — Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) August 3, 2013
Jarvis Jones & Adrian Robinson also out today, with Jason Worilds of course. #Steelers — James C Wexell (@jimwexell) August 3, 2013
Keisel, McClendon, and Timmons (personal) also did not participate.
– Two fights in today’s practice. Ramon Foster and Hebron Fangupo. Fangupo involved in another scrum, scolded by Dick LeBeau as a result per Labriola.
– Backup QB John Parker Wilson is having a strong showing in camp. If he continues that, there will be a logjam at QB.
QB John Parker Wilson, who couldn’t hit anything in the spring, can’t miss anything here at camp.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) August 3, 2013
– Kevin Colbert admits to being interested by the play of UDFA Alan Baxter.
Kevin Colbert Admits Rookie Undrafted LB Alan Baxter Has His Interest #steelers #repost http://t.co/wgpCVxIfQA
— Steelers Depot (@Steelersdepot) August 3, 2013
QUOTES TO NOTE
Curtis Brown
What he needs to work on the most: “What I have been working on, just getting comfortable with the defense. Doing more note taking, learning the in’s and out’s of the playbook and feel comfortable enough to go out there without thinking as hard.”
If there’s added pressure with so many injuries at CB: “No. I came into this camp with a lot of pressure on my back to show I can play in this defense. Right now I’m doing the same as I did Day One. Just going out there and doing everything I can to make myself valuable.”
Mike Tomlin
Thoughts on Le’Veon Bell’s play: “He had some good moments as did some others. He’s working hard and trying to do what we ask him to do. That’s a great place to begin for a young guy.”
If Cortez Allen’s injury happened after the first practice: “Yes. We evaluated him, and we felt like it was worthy of a cleanup. There were no surprises, very positive actually. We look forward to getting him back out here soon.”
Practicing Mike Adams at LT: “[It’s position flexibility]. We’re looking for the very best combination of people and that might even include within groups. Both guys [Adams and Gilbert] are left tackle capable, both guys were left tackles in college. We just want to provide an opportunity to show what those guys are capable of and find the best combination. …Read into it what you’ll read into it. If Ike Taylor was playing left corner than swapped to right corner, it’s about the same thing. I know we make more out of it than what it is. But it’s just that. ”
Thoughts on today’s practice: “Not good work today, great work. Red zone was an emphasis today. Nice ebb and flow. Offense won the red zone, defense won the goalline.“
Giving the trenches a lot of work in camp: “We’re young in a lot of areas particularly in the lines…The only way to improve is to play football. I’m going to give them an opportunity to do that and show what they’re capable of. ”
