The Pittsburgh Steelers held a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium ahead of their preseason game. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver DK Metcalf, though not playing in this week’s preseason matchup, continued to develop their connection during training camp and Thursday’s session.
“It’s just been fun, getting the timing down, getting the offense down,” said Metcalf. “Trying to find my footing in the offense and just trying to build one day at a time.”
Rodgers, now in his 21st season, has worked closely with Metcalf and challenges all his receivers both on and off the field.
“He’ll challenge me on the field, off the field,” said Metcalf. “Throwing signals at me. Asking me questions in the hallway. Trying to see what I would do against different coverages.
“So, it’s always a learning experience for me.”
Metcalf appreciated practicing against another team but noted that it did not fully show where the offense stands.
“I wouldn’t call it a measuring stick because it’s always our job to go out there and put points on the board,” said Metcalf. “Nine times out of ten, we’re going to stop ourselves by either poor technique or not finishing drives. That’s the way you look at it. We can go back and watch the film and try to decipher what we need to do better.”
After practice concluded with both teams running two-minute drills, Metcalf reflected on areas for improvement as well as progress made by the offense.
“We can do better, always,” said Metcalf. “I had a drop on the second play. I can run my routes better. So, it’s always something that I feel like I can do better.
“Today I wouldn’t say is a measuring stick of it. Going against our defense every day, we’re going to get better.
“Just waiting until September 7 to go and put a real product out on the field.”
Coach Mike Tomlin discussed his expectations for rookie running back Kaleb Johnson during his weekly press conference before Saturday’s game versus Tampa Bay.
“I just want to see him trust himself more,” said Tomlin. “I want to see him play more instinctually, trust his talents. That’s reasonable to expect between the first experience and the second experience.”
Johnson echoed those expectations about growing more comfortable on the field.
“I’m more comfortable,” said Johnson. “Getting out there last time, just getting my feet wet and getting used to the new atmosphere and stuff like that.
“So, it should be better.
“It just comes to me being comfortable and going out there and doing what I need to do.”
Tomlin wants Johnson’s instincts as a runner to continue developing with each opportunity he gets.
“Yeah, I was running a little bit timid,” said Johnson. “Just trying to get the feel of it, the feel of a little different flow of the offense.”
Johnson intends to apply lessons learned from earlier experiences moving forward.
“Little details matter, every little detail matters,” said Johnson. “If you mess up a little bit on the detail, it can mess the whole game and throw you off. So, I’ve just got to be detailed on everything I do.”
Tight end Pat Freiermuth described Thursday’s joint practice as “solid,” seeing value in facing an unfamiliar defense with different schemes than their own team uses regularly.
“There’s a lot of value, obviously,” said Freiermuth. “Just seeing different coverages, what other teams are doing, what they can do against Aaron (Rodgers), what they see our offense like, and what we can figure out how to do versus those coverages.
“So very valuable to go against a different team in this practice setting…”
Freiermuth highlighted success during competitive drills such as seven-shots but pointed out room for improvement in two-minute situations.
“I think we won like 7-0, 6-1…It was great to see the guys on offense fired up…” Freiermuth added later: “We’ve got to be better…We’re taking steps in the right direction…”
He expressed optimism about offensive line performance and overall growth within the unit as preseason continues:
“I thought Aaron (Rodgers) played really well…We have to continue to grow…”
For wide receiver Scotty Miller—who previously spent four seasons with Tampa Bay—the session provided an opportunity both for competition against new opponents after weeks of intra-squad practices as well as reconnecting with former teammates:
“It’s always fun to compete against new faces,” said Miller…“It’s fun going against a new look…”
Linebacker Patrick Queen welcomed heightened intensity from competing outside their own roster:
“It was good,” said Queen…”It got juices flowing…”
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers shared his perspective on joint practices becoming increasingly common among NFL teams who don’t meet during regular season play:
“Most of joint practices…they’re less worried about showing things they want…” Rodgers explained benefits while emphasizing hopes for clean competition without altercations: “(The Jets) went against Tampa…it was pretty clean practice…”
Coach Mike Tomlin weighed in that he values both games and practices equally for development:
“I don’t necessarily compare it in terms of what has more value than other…” Tomlin remarked…
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., entering his second year participating in joint sessions after last year’s experience versus Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium, looked forward especially toward lining up opposite veteran Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans:
“Going against Mike Evans. I’m excited for that,” said Porter…
Porter also credited coaches for encouraging versatility within secondary roles throughout training camp:
“I give it our coaches because they’re teaching us…”
Tackle Broderick Jones commented honestly when asked about camp accomplishments:
“Nothing honestly,” Jones replied before clarifying that true progress becomes evident only once facing unfamiliar opponents:
“You really won’t know until first game rolls around…” Jones emphasized ongoing development within offensive unit heading into regular season…
In related news via social media announcement from the official Steelers Twitter account, fans have one final chance this week for an all-expenses-paid trip package—including airfare—to watch Pittsburgh face Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park stadium in Dublin later this year.
