LATROBE, Pa. - Key takeaways from today's practice at Saint Vincent College:
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CHANGE OF PACE:** For the first time "Seven Shots," the practice-opening, 2-yard, 11-on-11 drill was scrapped in today's rain-delayed practice. The Steelers instead began preparation for their next preseason opponent, another first at St. Vincent College.
"Working off of cards in preparation for this weekend's game," head coach Mike Tomlin explained. "That's a big part of this process, as well. Part of our evaluation is evaluating a guy's ability to take in information off of a card and still create a competitive atmosphere so that we have good game prep."
Scout teams worked off cards depicting Green Bay offensive and defensive plays and ran out of Packers formations (six defensive backs on defense, two backs on offense, etc.) against the Steelers' offense and the Steelers' defense.
"Introduced that today, lotta good work in that area," Tomlin continued. "We'll continue to do similar things (on Friday)."
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The Pittsburgh Steelers participated in their second to last training camp practice.
LOCKED IN:** Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hit his first five passes in "Pass Under Pressure," two to TE Heath Miller, two to WR Antonio Brown and one to FB Roosevelt Nix, who made a leaping catch along the sideline. Roethlisberger also hit his first four throws in "Third Down," connecting with WR Markus Wheaton, WR Martavis Bryant, Wheaton and Bryant in succession.
BACK-TO-BACK: QB Landry Jones was intercepted on consecutive passes in 11-on-11 work, once by CB Kevin Fogg and once by S Jordan Dangerfield.
GOOD DAY: In addition to his interception, Fogg made several plays on or around the ball. His blanket coverage on a deep ball to Bryant that fell incomplete got Tomlin's attention. "Way to go, 'Two Gs,'" Tomlin hollered. "That's a play right there, 3-0." Fogg also had multiple passes defensed on the afternoon and was lauded by Tomlin for the coverage technique he employed on a deep ball to WR Jarrod West. Tomlin pointed out Fogg's good technique to CB Cortez Allen and suggested Allen watch the video.
HOUSEKEEPING: WR David Nelson, WR C.J. Goodwin, Allen, S Ross Ventrone, LB Lawrence Timmons and LB Vince Williams either didn't practice or didn't participate fully due to either an injury or a coach's decision. LB Ryan Shazier and FB Will Johnson didn't finish practice but Tomlin said both are expected back on Friday.
