By Jeremy Hritz
Another week of OTAs is complete, and we are another step closer to the start of training camp and the NFL regular season. While the games are a ways off, there is still lots to talk about in regards to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and this weekly piece provides a summary of what went down this week, along with some of my own reflections on the Steelers relevant to this weeks happenings.
Let’s get it started!
Big Ben Speaks, We Listen
Big Ben spoke to the media this week and hit on many topics of interest, including his pay cut, elbow injury, the new offense, and Najee Harris. It was good to hear talk about the upcoming season, and his words were imbued with a seemingly newfound optimism and energy. Most importantly, he talked about how last year was somewhat of a recovery period for his elbow and how he threw excessively as he worked to regain his comfort and confidence. Could this have led to his late season slump due to fatigue? He said his arm feels better than it did last season, and possibly, this could mean a better Ben in 2021.
Malik Hooker Not Just Visiting His Hometown
Word surfaced late in the week that safety Malik Hooker, who played with the Colts, was in Pittsburgh to which many people attributed to him visiting his hometown due to the fact that he is from Western, Pennsylvania. It turns out he was in fact in the ‘Burgh for a visit with the Steelers, and quite possibly, a contract could be forthcoming. There is no word yet on an agreement, but this is a situation worth monitoring this coming week.
Cowher Is All Heart and Steel
On June 1st, Bill Cowher released his much anticipated autobiography, Heart and Steel. In his text, he opens the door into his life as the Steelers coach and reveals interesting and fascinating stories about his time with the team. You can find the book on Amazon. Stay tuned for a review of Cowher’s book on The Steel Study in the coming weeks
Thoughts and Prayers to Stephon Tuitt and Family
Stephon Tuitt’s brother was killed in a hit and run accident over the weekend, a devastating tragedy that caused an outpouring of love from current and former Steelers and their fans. The Steel Study offers our deepest condolences and sympathy to the Tuitt family during this difficult time.
The Wide Receivers Report
All of the Steelers wide receivers showed up to OTAs this week, including Juju, rocking pink hair. James Washington had a chance to speak with the media, sharing his willingness to take on the challenge of being a leader in the receiving room and discussing how is working on leaning out to be an even more viable threat vertically. Chase Claypool also spoke to the media and talked about working on balancing his body and how he is training with TJ Houshmanzadeh. Yeah, that guy.
The Steelers Have a Car Wash?
There was a lot of positive buzz around QB reclamation project, Dwayne Haskins. Roethlisberger humorously quipped Haskins could throw a football through a car wash and it couldn’t get wet, trying his best to create his own version of a Tomlin-ism. He also said Haskins has a “pretty” throwing motion. Haskins new teammates have taken a liking to him, and while that means nothing in terms of play, it is nice to see a camaraderie developing.
Tunch Takes a Bow
Tunch Ilkin, former Steelers offensive linemen and more recently, game radio broadcaster, retired, as he concentrates his efforts on battling ALS. An amazing commentator but even better human being, Ilkin’s insight and voice will be missed.