LATROBE, Pa. _ What we learned during Week Two at Saint Vincent College:
DOING THEIR HOMEWORK: The new players on defense have gotten outside linebacker T.J. Watt's attention because of their preparedness and their performance.
"You need to know what you're doing in order to show who you are," Watt maintained. "The new guys have done a great job of studying as best as they possibly can and not being afraid to let it loose on the practice field to earn that respect."
Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has clearly been one example of what Watt was referencing, a player willing to put in the necessary work with the playbook and with honing the proper techniques on the field.
Porter ended the first-team portion of the first two-minute drill of training camp on Thursday when he intercepted quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Wide receiver Cody White ran a comeback route along the sideline. Pickett stepped up in the pocket and fired on the run but in response Porter knew what to do and how to do it and ended up with his second interception in three days.
"I work on that basically every day before and after practice, coming back to the ball, finishing, toe-tapping," Porter explained. "We were in a Cover 3 situation, it was scramble rules. I saw the guy he was looking down.
"I just trusted my instincts and went after it and I got my two feet in."
Porter had just one interception in 34 career games at Penn State.
He's getting his hands on the ball with regularity with the Steelers because "they're trying me a little bit more," Porter noted.
Another factor, in Porter's estimation, has been "coaches letting me play.
"They trust what I can do," he continued. "They grabbed me for a reason and they just let me ball out. Obviously, they coach me on little stuff and techniques I need to get right.
"But other than that, they just let me be me, and that's what I love."
NOT JUST A BLOCKER: Rookie tight end Darnell Washington's reputation as a blocker preceded him on campus.
Washington put that aspect of his game on display when he got the best of Watt twice in two tries in "Backs-on-'Backers," the pass rush/pass protection drill the Steelers unveiled for the first time this summer on Tuesday, the first day in pads.
But Washington has since established he's also capable of catching passes, something he wasn't often asked to do at Georgia.
First there was a lob in the red zone that turned into a touchdown, and then the next day another. And finally, there was a 20-yard strike from quarterback Mitch Trubisky that produced the touchdown that won the second-team portion of Thursday's two-minute drill for the offense.
"When you're that tall, you'd expect that," Trubisky noted. "He's so tall, he has strong hands, they're gonna have to double-cover him to probably stop that. We just gotta keep working on that, keep giving him opportunities to make plays.
"He's gonna be a big red zone threat for us. He's picking up this offense quick so he's definitely gonna be a dynamic threat for us."
Washington only caught 45 passes for 774 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons at Georgia. But Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin "didn't see any deficiency in that area of his game" during pre-draft study of Washington and cited a one-handed catch Washington had made on his Pro Day as attention-getting confirmation.
He's an inviting target.
Still, Washington's No. 1 asset remains his ability to block.
"I feel like if Darnell would come practice with the O-Line for about a week he could probably play right tackle," left tackle and former Georgia teammate Broderick Jones insisted.
INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS: A number of players continue to play a number of positions in the secondary, in part because of time missed by Minkah Fitzpatrick and it part because that's how the Steelers are apparently planning to play it on the back end.
"I think it's gonna be a lot of moving pieces," safety Keanu Neal offered. "It benefits us, it helps us out.
"It's playing chess, not checkers."
The idea is to induce doubt and confusion in opposing quarterbacks pre- and post-snap.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is confident the secondary can execute what it intends to without miscommunication potentially adversely affecting the on-field results.
"No, I don't worry about that," Austin emphasized. "If we put multiple groups out there to do different things, then it's our job to make sure they're taught well and they understand what the communication issues are, what has to be done, what has to be said.
"I don't worry about that one bit."
Check out the best black and white photos from the first week of the 2023 Steelers training camp
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jason Huntley (38) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Keanu Neal (31) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Elijah Riley (37) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback coach Mike Sullivan and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Monte Pottebaum (40) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and legend Aaron Smith at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland (26) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II (11) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Chapelle Russell (49) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back coach Eddie Faulkner trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (89) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21), and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II (11) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Chapelle Russell (49) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kenny Robinson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Elijah Riley (37) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Armon Watts (94) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kenny Robinson (41) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Chandon Sullivan (34) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is anticipating a fast start for the offense this season based on what he's seen on the practice field.
"Last year we had a problem with that but this year you can see it at practice, we're moving the ball way better than last year," he observed. "The chemistry is there with all the guys. We're moving as one unit, that's what you need.
"We do that as one, nobody can stop us."
Check out the best photos from the first week of the 2023 Steelers training camp
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland (26) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Keanu Neal (31) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Elijah Riley (37) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Chapelle Russell (49) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Mason Cole (61) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Mason Cole (61) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back coach Eddie Faulkner trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II (11) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Chapelle Russell (49) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (89) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Tanner Morgan (5) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Elijah Riley (37) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Elijah Riley (37) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Friday, July 28, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21), and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end James Nyamwaya (66) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Chapelle Russell (49) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kenny Robinson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Elijah Riley (37) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and legend Aaron Smith at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers legend Aaron Smith at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kenny Robinson (41) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kenny Robinson (41) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Armon Watts (94) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Chandon Sullivan (34) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2023 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
MAN WITH A PLAN: Washington wasn't expecting to get matched up against Watt repeatedly in the first "Backs-on-'Backs" drill of camp, but emerged with an understanding as to why Tomlin orchestrated things as he had, pitting a rookie against a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and letting everybody know about it in the process.
"He's gonna put you on the spot," Washington observed. "Kinda how he did me, 'No. 80,' he called me out there, in front of everybody, and all eyes on me at that point. I feel like Coach 'Mike T,' probably just his way, getting all eyes on you, just singling people out, just seeing where their head is.
"If they lose, just see how they react. Or if they win, just see how they react and just go from there."
