Latest news with #FridayNightLightsPractice
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers' Darnell Washington defeats T.J. Watt, three other defenders in backs-on-backers
Backs-on-backers, an iconic Steelers training camp tradition where the pass-blocking skills of running backs and tight ends are put to the test — and Darnell Washington just passed with flying colors. At Friday Night Lights Practice, there was arguably no greater performance during the backs-on-backers drill than Washington, who reportedly defeated Jack Sawyer, DeMarvin Leal, Alex Highsmith, and the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, T.J. Watt. Coming out of college, Washington was billed as the best pass-blocking tight end of the 2023 NFL Draft class — and the Steelers didn't think twice when he dropped all the way to the third round. Many predicted a Year 3 breakout for the huge Steelers tight end — but the acquisition of Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith put a damper on expectations. Clearly, Washington is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead — set out to prove that Smith and Pat Freiermuth aren't the only tight ends opposing defenses should worry about this season. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers defense dominates Aaron Rodgers-led offense at Friday Night Lights Practice
The action couldn't be hotter at the Steelers annual Friday Night Lights Practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium — but the offense looked ice cold during the seven-shots drill of the day, courtesy of a fiery Pittsburgh defense. On the first attempt of the drill, Aaron Rodgers attempted a pass to DK Metcalf but Darius Slay was there in coverage to cause the play to backfire — defense moved up 1-0. Rookie RB Kaleb Johnson attempted a run from shotgun on the next attempt, but was held up by LB Payton Wilson — putting the defense ahead 2-0. On the third play, Rodgers threw a pass towards Pat Freiermuth, but Slay broke up the pass — resulting in the defense furthering their lead to 3-0. Mason Rudolph would take over at quarterback and attempt a pass to Scotty Miller — but the wideout couldn't get his feet down and it resulted in a defensive win of 4-0. The drill continued despite the strong defensive statement, resulting in three straight offensive scores: one from Johnson and two from QB Will Howard to RB Kenneth Gainwell and TE Kevin Folesch. The damage was already done, however, as the defense was up 4-3 at the conclusion of seven-shots. Fans should take the offensive struggles over the past few practices with a grain of salt — as many of these issues will (hopefully) be ironed out by the regular season, while the defense should be commended for its strong performances in Latrobe. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
