Steelers Start Interesting Camp
Image Courtesy of: Charles LeClaire USA Today Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to St. Vincent College for training camp for the first time since 2019, and were greeted by a sea of fans decked out in black and yellow wanting autographs and photos. As the 2022 campaign approaches, the Steelers still have some questions heading into a tough schedule.
The biggest one is who will be the starting quarterback come week one against the defending AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals. Most local analysts think it will be Mitch Trubisky since he is the veteran that has been to the playoffs twice. But not all are convinced that he will be the starting quarterback come for the whole season. The Steelers are taking a chance on rookie quarterback and Pitt product Kenny Pickett. In 1983, the Steelers passed on hometown kid Dan Marino as Terry Bradshaw’s career was in question due to injury. We all know how that one turned out.
Pickett is entering training camp as the third string quarterback which was to be expected. Although according to reports Trubisky had rough start to his camp which led to some spectators calling for Pickett to be put in with the first team.
Another noticeable factor from camp was Diontae Johnson’s absence. He is withdrawing from practice until his contracted situation is sorted out with the team. This however has opened an opportunity for second round pick George Pickens out of Georgia to show off his capabilities with the first team.
Both Pickens and fellow rookie wide receiver Austin Calvin III have had strong starts to training camp, showing off their speed and athletic abilities. If Johnson and the Steelers don’t resolve his contract situation by the regular season then Chase Claypool would be the number one receiver followed by Pickens and Calvin most likely. This would also be Claypool’s chance to put away TikTok and focus on being a leader in the locker room. Because until Johnson comes back, he is the leader of the receivers.
Other notes that are of interest is the offensive line that struggled mightily last season. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers will split the reps between guards Kendrick Green and Kevin Dotson. Last year, Green transitioned to be the starting center, and he was really bad at it. So perhaps keeping him at guard will prove dividend. But we will see who wins out this small but important battle.
All in all, the Steelers still have questions that need answered. But now is the time to figure out the flaws in the team and workout their differences. But this definitely is one of the most intriguing training camps that the Steelers have had since before Ben Roethlisberger. But boy it’s good to have football back!
