Notes and quotes from Week One of OTAs:

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SETTING THE TONE:** The "Seven Shots" drill that features the offense trying to convert seven two-point plays against the defense at the outset of practices has already been competitive and intense, which is the way it's supposed to be.

"We knew it was going to be like that, we expected it," G Ramon Foster said. "That's going to be one of our biggest team-builders right there, the 'Seven Shots.' The competition of understanding that we are sharpening each other and getting better and it starts with 'Seven Shots,' that sets the tempo for practice."

ON THE SAME PAGE: WR Markus Wheaton cited QB Ben Roethlisberger's ability to make sure all the pass catchers understand what's required of them and when as a critical component of the Steelers' ability to move on when the lineup shuffles due to injury or unavailability.

"Ben is good at communicating with us and letting us know exactly what he wants, how he wants it," Wheaton said. "I think that's good for when somebody does go down, you have guys that step up and they can now communicate with Ben and he's easy to communicate with.

"I think he gets his point across very well, makes it easy for everybody."

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FIRST THINGS FIRST:** CB Senquez Golson, last season's No. 2 pick, is participating in OTAs for the second time. But after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury sustained in OTAs, he's taking a one-thing-at-a-time approach to getting back onto the field.

"I don't feel like a rookie," Golson reported. "But as far as practice goes, I have to make it to Latrobe (for training camp). Then I will get the pads on and see how that goes."

FREE TO STAY: CB William Gay had an opportunity to leave the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent, but his stated intention at the conclusion of last season was to return and the 10th-year pro is understandably happy it ultimately worked out that way.

"I did leave (for Arizona in 2012) and I'm back here," Gay said. "I'm not doing it again. Pittsburgh gave me my opportunity to start the dream and then gave me another opportunity to continue it. Now, they gave me a (contract) extension for three years.

"Me being the older guy now, I didn't want to leave the locker room being the father figure and walk into another locker room and play the rookie role again. The owners and coaches all care about you and your family, and that's big for me."

DENVER REMEMBERED: Wheaton still has last season's 23-16 playoff loss at Denver on his mind, albeit in the back of his mind.

"Yeah, man, I had a dropped punt in that game and that bothered me," Wheaton said. "But outside of that, it's in the past. I watch a lot of the games, all of the games, really, and try to learn from them.

"But it's in the past, we're moving on."