By Jeremy Hritz
The first week of training camp is in the books after today, as the Steelers head into their first full week of practices, including the shift in location over to Heinz Field and practices being open to the public on July 28th. And on the horizon, the Hall of Fame Game and induction ceremonies await, as the month of August will be Steelers’ celebration central. Here is a wrap-up of the week, updates on camp, and a preview of the upcoming week on The Steel Study in today’s Study Notes.
- The Steelers held their media day on Friday, in which they shot several photos for different publications for the upcoming season. Here is a behind the scenes video of Media Day, and you can check out the photos from the day HERE.
- Dan Moore, Jr.’s intensity and aggressiveness was on full display when he got into it with veterans Cameron Heyward and Isaiah Buggs. Maybe Moore is taking Adrian Klemm’s physical philosophy to heart.
- The team released the first depth chart of the season, which isn’t very revealing or surprising, and nor should anything be read into it. The most notable item is that JC Hassenauer is listed as the starting center over Kendrick Green. Speaking of Green, he was excused from practice on Saturday for the passing of a close friend. He is expected to return to practice on Sunday. Hassenauer did not practice on Saturday or Sunday and was spotted wearing a knee brace.
- One other noteworthy item regarding the depth chart is that Dwayne Haskins was listed as the number 3 QB ahead of Joshua Dobbs, which shouldn’t be too surprising. Matt Canada spoke about Haskins so far and said, “we’re happy with where Dwayne’s at as far as the way he’s working. I think he’s come in and really worked very hard to learn our system. He’s spent a lot of time studying what we do, how we do it, what Ben’s done.” Haskins will be given the majority of the snaps in the HOF Game, so it will be interesting to see how he fairs in his first reps as a Steelers QB.
- Speaking of Canada, he referred to his offense as “the easiest offense in America as far as I am concerned.” Contradicts Ben Roethlisberger’s report, and what a contrast to Todd Haley’s “Rosetta Stone” of a few years ago.
- Antoine Brooks, Jr. is getting the first shot at the nickelback position, though Arthur Maulet is providing some pressure and motivation and has more experience. Unfortunately for Brooks, he left practice on Sunday with an injury that Mike Tomlin indicated was not significant.
- Recent signing Melvin Ingram continues to win over Pittsburgh with his positive outlook, and his recognition and praise of teammates TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. He called the organization “a place [he] can call home, a place where I can come here and fit in.” Ingram also indicated that he is “200 percent healthy,” and when defensive coordinator Keith Butler was asked if his role could expand, his response was, “we’ll see.” While this does not imply he will start opposite Watt, it could indicate the variations and creativity the defense will employ with Ingram now at their disposal.
- There is no practice on Monday, as the players get a day off before resuming on Tuesday.
- I know I have written about Calvin Bundage multiple times on the site, including two overview articles when he was signed as an UDRFA. Tomlin was asked directly about Bundage yesterday in his press conference, and he said: “He’s a high energy guy. He’s got great urgency. Other than that, I don’t know a lot about him. Just a lot of teaching and learning, as is the case for a lot of these guys when they’re really young and we’re just getting to know them.” It’s a good sign for an UDRFA when he is given props from Tomlin this early in camp. Keep a close eye on Bundage as camp continues. You can check out both of the articles I wrote on Bundage here: Can Bundage Edge Himself? and The Versatility of Calvin Bundage.
- If you haven’t checked out the first chapter of The Big Ben Project I have been working on, you can do so HERE. Lots more to come as I chronicle Ben’s career from Findlay, OH to present day.
- Finally, I want to give a shout-out to Pittsburgh Dad, known as Curt Wootton in real life. Had a chance to meet him in Ocean City, MD at Buxy’s Salty Dog, and he was a great dude. If you haven’t check out Pittsburgh Dad yet, do yourself a favor and check him out HERE. Thanks for the shout-out, Curt!
That is all for today! Get ready for another 5 days of Study Session, camp coverage, a new Podcast, and much more! Have a relaxing Sunday, and see you back here tomorrow on The Steel Study.
Jeremy