Steelers embrace return of physicality on first day of padded practice at training camp

The first day of practice in pads for the Pittsburgh Steelers brought out smiles from some players, looks of frustration from others and more big hits than a Top 40 music countdown.

The physicality was a welcomed change from the first four days of camp when contact was limited during the NFL’s heat acclimation period.

“You have to go in with the mindset that you’re smashing people,” second-year tight end Darnell Washington said. “You’re flying around, competing, moving guys.”

The first padded practice included some of coach Mike Tomlin’s staples: Running backs and linebackers squared off in the pass protection drill known as “backs on backers.” Offensive and defensive linemen tussled. Team periods featured an emphasis on the running game.

It also included the practice debut of quarterback Russell Wilson, whose role in the opening week of camp was mostly that of a bystander because of a calf injury.

Permitted to ramp up his participation, Wilson’s workload was hardly worthy of banner headlines. He handed off twice in the team portions of practice and then threw a handful of passes in 7-on-7 activity.

For the 35-year-old quarterback and biggest offseason acquisition, though, it meant everything.

“Getting the reps was really good,” Wilson said. “To be in the mix, that was the plan the whole time. That was really good stuff today.”

Wilson aired out the ball just once, and the result showed why the Steelers eagerly pursued him once the Super Bowl-winning quarterback was cut loose by the Denver Broncos. Wilson lofted a deep pass down the middle that tight end Connor Heyward caught at shoulder-pad level for a long gain.

“That was sweet,” Wilson said. “Connor came over and said thanks for throwing me the moon ball.”

Wilson took just two snaps in the team portions of practice. His only throwing occurred when he wasn’t facing a pass rush.

“I know it bugs him (sitting out),” Heyward said. “You can tell. He’s locked in on every rep. It’s not fake. It’s the way he goes about his business, and it’s a pleasure to see a veteran who really does it.”

Justin Fields, the other big-name quarterback added in the offseason, continued to work with the first-team offense. Coincidence or not, the opening day in pads resulted in Fields’ most efficient day of practice as he completed pass after pass to his intended target, the prettiest being a fade to receiver George Pickens in the 2-point “seven shots” drill.

Field’s performance also belied the way he felt in the pocket.

“I didn’t feel like my mechanics were fully on point,” he said. “It’s not something I can put my finger on. It’s a feel — like a golfer when his swing is a little off. But I’m glad I was able to get the completions in.”

The highlight, at least for Tomlin, came when he gathered the linebackers and running backs in a corner of the practice field for “backs on backers.” It’s a pass-rush drill that puts the running back at a competitive disadvantage because the linebacker has the burst of momentum in his favor.

Tomlin determines the matchups and watches each snap from the perimeter, encouraging some players and egging on others. On this day, the running backs were up to the challenge, which Tomlin made sure to tell outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin.

“You’re not afforded an opportunity to warm up the quarterback protection, so we’re always interested in how that group represents itself,” Tomlin said. “I thought they did a really nice job. I thought it was a good start.”

Among the standouts was 5-foot-8 running back Jaylen Warren, who used his 215-pound frame to hold off linebacker Patrick Queen in two early reps. Later, he stood his ground against rookie Payton Wilson.

“He’s probably the one guy that enjoys (that drill),” guard Isaac Seumalo said.

In his third training camp with the Steelers, Warren has become a litmus test for the newer linebackers. Warren was fined twice last season — one later was rescinded — for hard hits against oncoming tacklers, so he has earned his reputation fairly.

“It means a lot and shows a level of respect there and that I’m doing the right thing,” Warren said.

Not surprisingly, the 6-7, 264-pound Washington proved to be an immovable object. He credited fellow Georgia product Broderick Jones for providing pointers that helped improve his showing from his rookie training camp.

“It’s very important,” Washington said. “You know the head coach is right there, and all eyes are on you.”

Wearing long looks were some of the defensive players who did not fare so well in the one-on-one matchups.

“That’s just the nature of this thing,” Tomlin said. “Steelers versus Steelers. I’m not overly alarmed by that. I’m sure the next time we do it, the rushers will represent themselves well and bounce back.”

Not if tight ends such as Heyward have anything to say about it.

“We’ve made an emphasis on being the most physical offensive team in the NFL,” he said, “and that’s something we’re going to try to live by each day.”