Playing the Bully: Offense Makes a Statement in Heated Friday Night Game

No place was that more evident than the backs on ‘backers drill.

Coach Mike Tomlin made sure the defense was aware of the offense’s victory after Seven Shots (more on that later). The top two running backs each put up strong performances as a result, setting up a number of intense altercations between important players.

“I can’t say enough about those top two backs, (Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren),” coach Mike Tomlin said. “They set the tone for the drill. That’s a drill that’s advantage linebackers. When you’ve got some strong-minded runners, man, it makes it highly competitive. Those two in particular, they don’t run from the fight. They run to the fight.”

Those final two phrases can be interpreted literally in certain cases. Harris made an impression on Friday. He was a passionate participant throughout the mid-week back on ‘backers time. The Steelers’ best back won the rep against Patrick Queen, one of the most well-known free-agent signings of the offseason, and then flipped and slammed Queen into the ground for a dramatic finish.

His propensity for trash speaking has followed him to Pittsburgh. He barked instinctively, demanding Round 2. Once more, Harris maintained his position.

Another five-star duel followed that one, pitting downhill thumper Elandon Roberts against one of the league’s top pass-protecting backs in Warren, who routinely shows up on tape as a de-cleat offensive lineman. Roberts was physically stronger than Warren on both reps, and he loaded the ball with bull rushes. Warren’s visor needed to be fixed by the equipment staff due to the force of the impacts. There were many heated exchanges, and eventually it was necessary to divide the participants into the attacking and defensive teams.

this doesnt help us win

in case people are hype that we keep fighting

none of that translates to winning

— Darren Leif Evans (@duckyevans) August 3, 2024

“I did my absolute best,” Warren said. “If I was 1 percent off, he’d have definitely ran me over and embarrassed me, so I couldn’t let that happen.”

Wilson watch

Russell Wilson’s workload was almost exactly the same as it has been all week. The quarterback in the “pole position” did not take part in Seven Shots. He only received a few reps in 11-on-11 situations and always passed the ball, probably to avoid having to avoid a live rush or worry about a lineman tripping over him.

In addition to participating fully in almost every individual exercise, he also completed some first-team reps during seven-on-seven play.

“I’m getting as many reps as I can, especially fundamental-wise and everything else,” Wilson said. “And then it’s good to do the seven-on-seven, the timing, the rhythm. Guys are looking great. We’re really working our tail off.”

Seven Shots report

Fields led the attack during Seven Shots, and the team won 7-0 overall. The quarterback appeared to be performing at his best in this environment thus far throughout camp as he was decisive and accurate with his passes.

• Fields finished his out route to Pat Freiermuth, the tight end. He was exposed due to what seemed to be a miscommunication in the secondary. (1-0 on the offensive)
• Fields hit George Pickens at the goal line. The receiver wrestled with safety Damontae Kazee and hung on for the score. (2-0, offense)
• Harris followed fullback Jack Colletto up the gut and into the end zone. (3-0, offense)
• Fields hit Pickens over the middle. (4-0, offense)
• Kyle Allen connected with a tumbling Dez Fitzpatrick. (5-0, offense)
• With a second effort, running back Aaron Shampklin broke through the arms of rookie linebacker Payton Wilson. (6-0, on the attack)
• Fields threw a fade intended for Pickens, drawing defensive pass interference on Joey Porter Jr. (7-0, offense)

More turnovers

The offense struggled a little bit on Friday with ball security. It seems like Fields and Harris mishandled a handoff early in a team session. In order to prevent a turnover, the running back quickly recovered the bouncing ball.

Others, meanwhile, were not as fortunate. Warren has previously had to cope with such problems. During his first two seasons, he dropped the ball five times, with the offense recovering some of those balls. On Friday during team period, he cleared his throat.

Cameron Sutton, a defensive back who has been experimenting with safety during camp, has been suspended for the first eight games of the season for breaking the league’s personal behavior rules. After he caught Allen at the goal line, Tomlin gave him some words of encouragement. Another one came in after a late ball by fourth-string quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, which was caught by rookie Ryan Watts, who is switching from cornerback to safety.

The other QBs

In relation to Allen and Plumlee, the two quarterbacks vying for the third quarterback place have clearly distinct training regimens.

Allen has demonstrated his experience. Furthermore, despite the fact that he is unlikely to make this “camp fight” for QB1 more difficult, he has proven himself to be a trustworthy third quarterback. Up until Friday, he has been largely precise and decisive, so his interception was an outlier. It appears he is securing his position.

Plumlee’s representations, however, have been scarce. In addition, he has been returning kicks and fielding punts. To earn his place in Pittsburgh, probably on the practice squad, he may need to prove his worth in other capacities.

Another packed house

At the main event of training camp, the crowds turned out in large numbers. 12,268 people visited Latrobe Memorial Stadium from 38 states, five countries, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., according to officials there.

“It feels like a game,” Warren said. “There’s probably more people here than came to my high school games, even my juco games, so it means a lot.”

For newer Steelers, the turnout left an impression.

Scenes from Friday Night Lights at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. pic.twitter.com/9GrhWqXqZw

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 2, 2024

“It’s a worldwide brand in terms of Steeler nation,” Russell Wilson said. “Every time I go to Mexico, every time you go international — I played in London quite a bit — and it’s everywhere all around the world, the black and gold.

“This is what the Rooneys have done. The great head coaches, obviously including coach Tomlin. And the great players ahead.”

(Photo of Najee Harris: Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)