Steelers inside the ropes: 1-on-1, open-field drills steal the show on final practice of camp

It was the 15th and final training-camp practice from Saint Vincent College, and Russell Wilson was flinging it in taking what could be characterized as his first full day of “QB1” reps.

But Wilson, looking every bit the franchise quarterback with his throws and decisions Wednesday, somehow got upstaged during the final day of drills in Unity Township. A one-on-one “tackling” drill stole the show.

The “tackling” is in quotes because, Wednesday, the Steelers were not in pads and not actually tackling. But with all but the offensive and defensive line units taking part — they were on Field 2 doing their own thing — the vast majority of the players and coaches were gathered near midfield and on the side of the field near the stands at Chuck Noll Field.

On one side (mostly) were offensive players, the other side (mostly) defenders. Coach Mike Tomlin’s imposing presence stood in the middle to loom over all. Position coaches joined players, fans and onlookers enthusiastically observing and cheering during reps matching a pair of players.

The biggest winner? Arguably Calvin Austin III. The speedy wide receiver juked so effortlessly past defensive back Thomas Graham Jr. that Tomlin demanded a rematch in an effort to allow Graham to restore his pride.

Austin, though, again won via a pretty move, Tomlin nodding in satisfied approval.

A little later, coaches handpicked a matchup between Austin and stout-tackling rookie DB Beanie Bishop. Bishop held his own in stopping Austin.

• Throughout the drill, Tomlin repeatedly emphasized to the defensive players to keep “short hands” in engaging and making contact with the ball carrier. Each drill began with a quarterback tossing or pitching the ball to the player taking part. Tomlin, midway through the period, had the players switch sides so they then would practice moves on the left sideline.

• Signed Sunday, linebacker Luquay Washington earned plenty of plaudits. After neutralizing tight end Rodney Williams, Washington stopped running back Aaron Shampklin so easily that Tomlin asked for a rematch. Washington again won, and Tomlin nodded in approval.

• Oddly enough, though, Washington suffered what was maybe the most embarrassing “loss” of the drill when pocket-passing quarterback Kyle Allen deked past him for a clean win. Players hooted and hollered as Tomlin blew his whistle rhythmically as a sign of appreciation. Allen was so excited he sprinted the rest of the way to the goal line and approached the goal post to attempt a dunk.

• Justin Fields and John Rhys Plumlee — quarterbacks more known for their open-field running abilities — also took multiple reps. Fields is an accomplished runner, and he showed it. A rookie, Plumlee is also working as a kick returner. But on one rep, he tried a spin move that did not fool receiver (and special-team coverage player) Jacob Copeland. Tomlin laughed.

• Tomlin’s biggest laughs, though, came after he called for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to rep with the ball. “You wanna return kicks?” he yelled, indicating Porter bugs coaches for a shot to play with the ball, “show us what you got.” Porter, though, was no match for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The win was so convincing Tomlin seemed to enjoy that he proved his point about Porter’s abilities to be a ball carrier, waving his hand dismissively toward him.

Porter got some revenge a little later when Fitzpatrick carried the ball and could not get past him.

• Another lighthearted moment came when receiver George Pickens lined up as a defender and had plenty of trouble trying to corral tight end Connor Heyward.

• Heyward had multiple winning reps earlier on, beating linebackers Kyron Johnson and Jacoby Windmon.

• Signed just hours before practice, receiver T.J. Luther enjoyed a clean win against defensive back Kyler McMichael.

• Near the end, coaches wanted to see a matchup of Bishop against shifty veteran receiver Scotty Miller. Miller got around Bishop, compelling Tomlin to look at Bishop, “Another one?” Of course, Bishop agreed, and Tomlin said, “Scotty! Get over here, give him another shot at that.” Bishop did better in Round 2, perhaps earning a draw.

• The offense won the “seven shots” 2-point conversion simulation 5-2. Wilson was at quarterback the first four snaps, delivering consecutive accurate throws to Pickens (over top of Grayland Arnold) and Pat Freiermuth in the back of the end zone as well as a fade to Miller in the right corner. His only unsuccessful try was what appeared to be a miscommunication on a throw in the back-left corner to Van Jefferson that fell incomplete.

• On his first snap, Fields hit running back Jonathan Ward just shy of the right pylon, but Ward got into the end zone. On the next play, Fields perhaps would have been sacked if that was allowed, but when the play was not whistled dead, he waltzed into the end zone with ease. The final throw of 2024 “seven shots” at camp was a misfire from Fields intended for Quez Watkins.