Kaleb Johnson, Steelers' offense underwhelm as defense dominates Day 1 in pads: Takeaways

New York Times

2 days ago

LATROBE, Pa. — From virtually the moment he was drafted, rookie Kaleb Johnson has been waiting for backs on 'backers — a one-on-one pass protection drill that tests a running back's ability to pick up blitzes.
Because Johnson played in a run-heavy offense that was often under center at Iowa, that area of his game isn't as refined as his patient running style. But if he wants to become a three-down back who can stay on the field in all situations, development in this area is critical. That made Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers' first day in pads, an early measuring stick.
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Facing 6-foot-3, 247-pound inside linebacker Malik Harrison, the rookie got off to a rough start. Harrison bull-rushed Johnson and beat him on the first two reps. Johnson waved to signal he wanted more. Unfortunately for him, it was more of the same. After Harrison won the third rep, Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner told Johnson he needs to do a better job keeping his hands inside, rather than letting the blitzer attack his chest.
Later, Johnson was tested by rookie inside linebacker Carson Bruener. The running back fought hard during a more competitive rep, but his hands were up around Bruener's neck. He must continue to hone his hand placement in blocking situations.
'We've been working on it (together) since OTAs, and he used the techniques that we've been working on ever since,' said Jaylen Warren, one of the NFL's best pass-protection backs. 'We're going to build from today.'
Kenneth Gainwell is a smaller back at 5-9 and 200 pounds. While he wasn't perfect and called himself 'rusty,' he showed more physicality than you might expect given his physical dimensions, with several competitive reps against Payton Wilson. The Steelers plan to use Gainwell in many ways, including splitting him out wide. As he looks to carve out a niche as a third-down back, Gainwell is clearly ahead of Johnson in pass protection.
'That's a big part of your game on third down,' Gainwell said. 'But all of us need to get that work in, and I'm going to continue to work at it.'
At tight end, a competition could be brewing for the fourth and final spot on the depth chart. However, Connor Heyward clearly separated himself as a blocker on Wednesday. He forced linebacker Eku Leota wide and then won a second rep. On the flip side, undrafted rookie JJ Galbreath has shined in passing situations, but he wasn't nearly as effective as a blocker. Rookie outside linebacker Jack Sawyer walked Galbreath back on the first rep. Later, Nick Herbig used his speed to beat Galbreath off the line.
Here's my full (unofficial) scorecard from the marquee event:
After the Steelers gave up nearly 300 rushing yards in their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, coach Mike Tomlin said it was his goal to 'retool physicality in all areas.' On Day 1 in pads, Pittsburgh's run defense stifled the first-team offense, stopping almost every run with little or no gain.
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'I think everybody just understands the sense of urgency after what happened at the end of the season last year and not letting that happen this year,' Queen said. 'It starts right now. Just everybody being gap-sound. It's alignment, technique, assignment, taking care of what you're supposed to take care of and not shying away from that. … This is how you want your defense to play, especially Day 1.'
Of course, in a Steelers-versus-Steelers setting, every win for the defense means a loss for the offense. After Day 1, there's a lot of room for improvement from a Pittsburgh offense that wants to win games at the line of scrimmage.
'It was a rough day for me personally,' Warren said. 'But we're going to use today and build on it.'
Perhaps no position group is more critical to the Steelers' success this season than the offensive line. If the Steelers are going to reach their full potential, they're counting heavily upon first-round offensive tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu to play up to their draft position.
Jones, who sustained a groin injury over the weekend, returned to practice and participated in individual drills. However, he did not take part in any full-contact drills. Tomlin said after practice that Jones is still working his way back to full participation.
Broderick Jones on the first day in pads. First big test for the OL today pic.twitter.com/BwzFNb4tj7
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 30, 2025
Fautanu, meanwhile, had several positive reps. Tomlin tested the tackle against T.J. Watt during a one-on-one period. Although they weren't clear wins, Fautanu at least held his own against one of the game's best edge rushers, in a drill that favors the defense. During a team run period, the most explosive play was a Warren run with Fautanu helping to pave the way.
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'I thought he represented himself well today,' Tomlin said of Fautanu. 'He really gets a chance to improve and improve fast because of who he gets to work against every day.'
Fautanu, who holds himself to a high standard, was more critical of his own performance. He's back to full strength after last year's season-ending knee injury, but he's still in the process of mentally trusting his body.
'I honestly didn't think we did that good today,' Fautanu said. 'Speaking for myself, not everybody else, (I've) got to clean up a lot of stuff. I've got to gain more confidence. It's a lot different playing with pads, especially when things are live, people flying around. (I'm) just trying not to play timid and worry about (my knee). It feels good. It's just one of those mental blocks you've got to get over.
'Just trusting my anchor, knowing that I have the anchor to sit on (bull rushes) and not lunging and doing stuff like that. A lot of technique stuff, especially when we have pads, because anything goes now.'
On the very first live rep of practice, the Steelers tried to run the ball off tackle with Warren. Joey Porter Jr. triggered quickly and brought down the back in the backfield with a nice form tackle. On the first day in pads, the big guys are typically the ones to watch. But on several occasions, the third-year DB made his impact felt. Later, Porter and receiver Robert Woods got into one of the first scuffles of camp. They wrestled each other to the ground, with several defensive players coming to Porter's defense.
Playing in the AFC North, the Steelers value physical cornerbacks who aren't afraid to run to the fight. While Porter had some room to grow in that area in his first two years, he's showing improvements in Year 3.
'It's just a one-day sample,' Tomlin said. 'For me, it's about putting good consecutive days together and displaying consistency. Certainly, he had a good day today.'
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As a see-ball, hit-ball type of player, Robinson is expected to thrive in backs on 'backers. As mentioned above, he stood out with the biggest collision of the day. However, the more noteworthy play came during team periods. Robinson sniffed out a screen and blew it up in the backfield.
'The people that physicality is an asset of their game, it needs to show up and show up consistently,' Tomlin said.
Robinson's physical, downhill style has helped him flash during preseason games and on special teams in the past. But if he's ever going to take that next step and become a legitimate contributor on defense, instinctive plays like the one he made on the screen are more critical. He also showed his nose for the ball in team run periods.
While the offense underwhelmed in general Wednesday, the day started well, as Aaron Rodgers continued to build a connection near the goal line with DK Metcalf.