2014 Training Camp thread

Training camp is finally here (well, almost). Lets use this thread for tidbits, notes, tweets, discussions, and general stories that might not deserve their own thread. Obviously, any major news or something that might generate a lot of discussion is worthy of its own thread and shouldn't be buried in here. Here we go!   

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Steelers are in familiar territory going into training camp in Latrobe

By Alan Robinson

The Steelers characteristically take calculated, closely measured steps when altering their lineup, something they've done with great infrequency over the past decade.

This year, they tossed out the less-is-more approach and moved faster than Dri Archer to hasten change. It's put them in a familiar position: They're hearing predictions they will win the AFC North.

For a team that's won one division title in the past five seasons and none since 2010, it's a welcome change as they trek to training camp in Latrobe on Friday.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6468453-74/finish-predicted-steelers#ixzz38PAykr4g
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

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Potential There for Steelers, Either Way

By Ed Bouchette
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Both the Steelers and I return to work at the same time. What a coincidence.

The best news for them is there was no news since they last got together six weeks ago, discounting that little dustup at Maurkice Pouncey’s birthday party in Miami.

As the Steelers wander onto campus tomorrow in various modes of transportation – my favorite was the time safety Rick Woods pulled up in an old pickup with empty beer cans rattling around in the back – we await what should be a pivotal time for them.

After consecutive 8-8 finishes, this team resembles little of the one that last made the playoffs in 2011. That may be a good thing – or not, which brings us to our theme this late-July morning: Are the Steelers a team on the way up, treading water or trending further down?

READ MORE: http://sportsblogs.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers-steelers-blog/2014/07/24/Potential-There-for-Steelers-Either-Way/stories/201407240001

time to get to work

And time to find out...

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Mark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib

Pouncey talks 4 minutes. Nobody asked him about incident.

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Dejan Kovacevic @Dejan_Kovacevic

Shamarko with line of day so far, when asked to describe a workout with Troy: 'It's like a karate movie. Lots of ninja stuff.'

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@MarkKaboly_Trib

Markus Wheaton admitted to having some pressure on him coming into this training camp. Steelers need him to step up and be a factor.

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Ed Bouchette @EdBouchette

Steelers place S Mike Mitchell, RAlvester Alexander on PUP with groin injuries. About 1 week, Mike Tomlin predicted

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Ed Bouchette @EdBouchette

Steelers G Ramon Foster given weekend off because his mother died suddenly.

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Mark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib

Joey Porter gets rousing ovation from crowd

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Mark KabolyVerified account ‏@MarkKaboly_Trib

WR Justin Brown once again had a very good practice for #Steelers. Roethlisberger praised him after adjusting on a route.

Justin Brown is one of the players I'm particularly interested in this year. He had a good camp last year, and I was surprised he didn't make the roster. With all the focus on Wheaton, Bryant, and Moore, no one is talking about Brown, but he's my dark horse for being on the roster opening day.

I'd love this depth chart:

1. A. Brown
2. Wheaton
3. Moore
4. Bryant
5. J. Brown

No huddle with a five-receiver set?  

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Ed Bouchette @EdBouchette

Just sat down with Steelers Ben Roethlisberger. Interesting. His relationship with OC Todd Haley has reached point he calls him a "friend.''

  

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Ed Bouchette @EdBouchette

For first time, Roethlisberger worked with a personal trainer this year. Said at 32, he felt it was time to make sure he stays in top shape

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Archer dazzles at 1st training camp practice

• There was plenty of talk over the past three months about the speed of rookie third-round pick Dri Archer. But the question was how the Steelers were going to best use Archer within the scheme of their offense. It didn't take long for them to figure that out. Early during Saturday's first practice of training camp, the Steelers lined up with four wide receivers and put Archer in the slot to the left. The defense had to counter by sliding out inside linebacker Vince Williams on Archer — an obvious mismatch. Rookie quarterback Brendon Kay didn't identify the advantageous matchup and threw the ball to the other side of the formation to tight end Eric Waters, but it was a quick glimpse of how the Steelers plan to use Archer's versatility and speed to their advantage. Archer was busy on the first day as he broke off a couple of long runs including one where he reversed field and was also taking first-team reps on the punt return team.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6503301-74/team-archer-steelers#ixzz38h9C1EvO
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

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Mark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib

Amazing the command Mike Munchak has with the OL. Night and day from last year.

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Jim Corbett @ByJimCorbett

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert told me Ben Roethlisberger is in best shape of his career. It shows. Just stroked bomb to Markus Wheaton

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Jim Corbett @ByJimCorbett

DRI Archer just took it to the house, one cut and whoosh, turned on his 4.26-second jets

Loving the positivity...

A couple of interesting tweets from Kaboly during yesterday's practice:

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Mark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib

These first two periods in pads are absolutely ridiculous physical. Never saw this before.

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Mark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib

Star of back on backers. Joey Porter. Hands down. The words he was saying. Wow.

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Jason Worilds catches attention

By Jim Corbett

LATROBE, Pa. – The pads came on Monday. And fifth-year Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds stood out.

In a back-to-back sequence, the outside linebacker dropped in coverage on a fire-zone blitz and cut off quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s sideline throw for ultra-fast scatback Dri Archer, making a leaping interception.

Worilds also caught coach Mike Tomlin’s attention.

“That’s the first time Jason Worilds has caught a ball in any fashion out here in practice and walk-through,’’ Tomlin said, referencing the former Viginia Tech linebacker without a career pick. “I call him the defensive end from Blacksburg, Va. I’m going to paint that ball and give it to him.’’

Tomlin was asked what was more impressive, the fact that he caught the ball or that he was able to run with Archer?

“The fact that he caught it,’’ Tomlin said, smiling. “I know he can run.’’

Worilds followed up the next play with what have been a sack of backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, if defenders were allowed to take quarterbacks to the ground.

http://q.usatoday.com/2014/07/28/pittsburgh-steelers-jason-worilds-ben-roethlisberger/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=usatodaycomnfl-topstories

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Mark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib

Huge fight. Bell and Vince Williams. It was ugly. Blount jumps in and porter has to pull him off

That's OK. Men working hard, it happens.

Hopefully this was squashed out and will not carry on further than the incident yesterday.

Mark Kaboly ‏@MarkKaboly_Trib

Steelers S Mike Mitchell has been activated from the PUP.list. He will practice today for the first time.

STAY healthy.

Drizztbob wrote:

STAY healthy.

EVERYONE!

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Worilds Impresses At Steelers Camp

“He’s taken a business-like approach to it,” Tomlin said of Jason Worilds’ camp. “Really thoughtful in his preparation. His technique is highly skilled. He’s no-nonsense, he’s not a very vocal guy. But that’s Jason. I think his work has been really solid.”

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2014/08/07/worilds-impresses-at-steelers-camp/

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Mark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib

AM Repost: Pepe Le Pew makes appearance at #Steelers camp yesterday.

If it showed up in Cleveland, it would improve the smell.

Absolutely cannot wait to see Dri Archer in action. Been hearing a lot of good things about him.

We will get to see him on Saturday...well those of us getting the game anyway. I have to DVR it on NFL network!