Big Steelers takeaways from the first half of training camp
Here are our big takeaways from the first half of training camp.
The defense is well ahead of the offense
Day after day, the Steelers defense has been showing up the offense. Given the offense has been totally retooled this isn't ideal. If the Steelers' offense gets off to a slow start, this group might not be able to catch up as the schedule gets more difficult as the season goes on.
Will Howard is ahead of schedule
Let's not get too excited but there's no denying that rookie quarterback Will Howard is ahead of schedule and looks better than we expected at this point. Howard isn't going to overtake Mason Rudolph for the backup spot but he's definitely doing enough to cement a spot on the 53-man roster.
Defensive backs are going to have their hands full
When head coach Mike Tomlin said his cornerbacks aren't coming off the field, we had no idea just how true that would be. Tomlin thinks he's got the defense solved with his group of cornerbacks and he's going to ask them all to do everything in the secondary.
The left tackle problem isn't going away
The Steelers put all their eggs in one basket with Broderick Jones at left tackle and right now this decision is looking a little questionable. Jones has been hurt and he's struggled in the move to the left side and it's been trial and error at the position with other players. Meanwhile, Dan Moore Jr. is the starting left tackle in Tennessee and drawing rave reviews.
Lots of sizzle from the rookies
It is shaping up that the Steelers are going to lean heavily on its 2025 NFL draft class. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and running back Kaleb Johnson are future stars already and even guys like Yahya Black and Jack Sawyer are making noise on a crowded defense.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Big Steelers takeaways from the first half of training camp
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