When you get a new head coach like the Pittsburgh Steelers did with Mike McCarthy, things like training camp will see monumental changes. For a franchise that praises itself for its lack of turnover at the head coaching position, it is always in for a shock when they eventually have someone new in the chair. McCarthy has made training camp his own, and it's been mostly positive for the Steelers.
The early and up-tempo practices in Latrobe are completely different from the tough and physical summers that Mike Tomlin led.
When it comes to the roster, Aaron Rodgers is leading the team towards another season where they hope to make some noise in the playoffs. The roster is filled with some promising veterans, but it also shows signs of concern as training camp pushes forward.
Mike McCarthy first training camp as Pittsburgh Steelers HC giving the roster new insight
Mike McCarthy isn't afraid of change
One thing is for certain: Mike McCarthy hasn't been afraid to run his own training camp and make changes from the Mike Tomlin era. There is no live tackling, and the benches during practices are gone. He has approached things his own way, but change can be good for Pittsburgh, which was stale under Tomlin's direction. Thus far, McCarthy's first summer as the top coach has gotten rave reviews.
Aaron Rodgers is going into his last rodeo
It's unlikely to change, as Aaron Rodgers is adamant that this is his final season of his career. The Steelers might be okay with Rodgers in the fold with McCarthy as his head coach once again, but time will tell. The team truly believes he can finally get them out of their playoff drought, but fans don't seem as keen on that, though. This is the final training camp of his career, so he'd better enjoy it.
The defense is finally getting some different tactics
After years of Mike Tomlin hiring figurehead defensive coordinators, the Steelers have someone handling the job in Patrick Graham.
No one knows if he will be successful or a flop yet, but at least he is trying some new things. He isn't just going to blindly pass rush and expose his secondary on the regular with poor tactics. Graham seems to have different ideas when it comes to strategizing his defense for the Steelers this season.
Their rookie class will have varying types of roles this season
It's unlikely that all ten rookies from the draft class make the roster, but some will have big roles to play this year. Max Iheanachor is catching on, and he should start at right tackle at some point this season. Other than Drew Allar, the rest of the picks from the top three rounds of the draft have a shot at playing this year. Both Germie Bernard and Daylen Everette should play big-time roles.
Expect Will Howard to have a tough time winning the back up job over Mason Rudolph
One of Will Howard or Mason Rudolph will be the backup quarterback on the Steelers roster this year.
Neither has run away with the job at training camp, but Mike McCarthy has been more complimentary of Rudolph thus far. Unless things change in the weeks to follow, don't be shocked if Howard gets cut. He has some potential, but McCarthy could opt to keep a veteran like Rudolph over him.
Steelers offense will hold Rico Dowdle over Jaylen Warren on the depth chart
An interesting storyline that many aren't following is the pecking order of the running backs. Pittsburgh has run Rico Dowdle out with the first team more frequently than Jaylen Warren at training camp. Expect this running back group to be a solid duo, but Warren appears set as the third-down guy. It will be something to keep track of as the season pushes deeper into the schedule.
Drew Allar has shown positives and negatives at training camp
Besides Aaron Rodgers, the only obvious quarterback who will make the roster is Drew Allar.
He has shown positive things at training camp with his quality skill set, but he follows those up with some unbecoming plays. The rookie gunslinger isn't afraid to take deep shots, which is good, but he must be more consistent. Allar needs a while longer to develop as a quarterback going forward.
Add us as a preferred source on Google