Steelers Camp Battles Are Making This Team Better

Steelers Nation, breathe.

Yes, the offense has been sputtering a bit through the early part of training camp as the defense has been taking it to them. The rhythm is off, timing is clunky, and you have probably seen a few too many clips of the offensive miss queues while the defense flies around like it is midseason. But here is the thing, this is not a crisis. It is the process. And if anything, it is exactly what should be happening.

Let’s start at the top. Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback now.

Rodgers is one of the smartest, most surgical QBs to ever lace them up. But even a Hall of Famer needs time to build chemistry with brand new weapons. He is in a completely different system, throwing to guys he has never played with, behind an offensive line that is still finding its footing.

Look at the personnel changes. DK Metcalf is new to the squad, big body, elite speed, but still learning the playbook and Rodgers’ tendencies. You cannot just plug and play that kind of alpha receiver and expect perfection on day one. Same story with Jonnu Smith, who gives us a legit second tight end option, but again, needs reps to get on Rodgers’ wavelength.

The backfield? That is new too. With Najee Harris now in LA, Jaylen Warren steps into the RB1 role. Most fans are excited, and rightfully so, but that is still a big shift. Warren has a completely different running style than Harris. Kaleb Johnson is a rookie we are all wanting to see, but he is a rookie. It is going to take some time for Johnson to adjust to the NFL game. Sprinkle in Kenneth Gainwell as a utility piece, and it is clear this unit is still figuring out who they are.

Now, up front, the offensive line is a work in progress. Troy Fautanu, drafted to be the long-term answer at right tackle, is finally healthy after missing most of last season. But healthy does not mean game ready. He is shaking off rust and learning to play next to new faces. Broderick Jones is flipping over to left tackle but has been limited early due to injury. Isaac Seumalo is also easing back in while coming off an injury.

So your tackles are either switching sides, coming off injury, or both. Not exactly a recipe for smooth pass protection out of the gate.

And yet, this is exactly why I am not worried. Because they are struggling against our defense, and this defense is scary good.

The front seven is nasty. Watt, Highsmith, Heyward, Benton, Queen, Wilson, and Herbig have been in this system, and they play like it. They know where to be and how to wreck practice. They are making life hell for the offense, and that is a good thing. Then you add in first-round pick Derrick Harmon, who has been looking like a man possessed during camp.

The real change is in the secondary, where we have added Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, and Juan Thornhill. Add in Joey Porter Jr, and these are not rookies learning on the job. These are vets who can hold their own in man coverage, which means they are locking guys up without needing elaborate communication or coverage disguises. That lets the defense be more aggressive, more physical, and frankly, more annoying for a new-look offense to deal with. They will add in more complex coverages over time, but even when they keep things simple, they are still a tough group to deal with.

So, when you see Rodgers miss a receiver, the offensive line fail to open up a big hole for the running backs, pass catchers running the wrong route, or heavy pressure off the edge, remember, it is camp. The offense is being tested daily by what might be one of, if not the best defense in the league. That is how you get better. That is how you iron out the details before the lights come on.

Steelers fans have seen this before. We have had elite defenses carry us while the offense grew into its role. 2005, 2008, ring any bells?

Rodgers is a perfectionist. Metcalf is a beast. Warren runs like he is mad at the turf. The offensive line is young and full of potential. Let them take their lumps now. Let the defense win camp. Come week one, I am looking forward to all these growing pains paying off. Because by then, they will have gelled, under pressure, against the best, every single day.

So no, I am not panicking. And neither should you.

Let the offense figure it out now, because when they do, and that defense stays healthy, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a tough team to play against.

Continue to check out The Steel Curtain Network for Steelers news and updates. Follow me on “X” @Cgillis2021.

Stay Blessed and Stay Positive… “Here We Go”