Latrobe PA, 2014
Soon it will be time to fill up the cooler, pack up the SUV and grab the kids, the event of the summer is fast approaching. The schedule is now set for the Pittsburgh Steelers 2014 Training Camp which will be held at St. Vincents College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, as it has been for the past 45 plus years. While the Steeler players are now enjoying a pre-camp respite before the hot summer work begins, fans have begun counting the days. The keys for success in the upcoming season will depend on the quality of Camp and how the team develops, the Steelers must come out of the gate swinging this year if they want to avoid another lackluster start. This is an important camp and one that will be deep in position battles, most significantly the front and back end of the defense, which has a good mixture of rookies, vets, and free agents, all looking for starting jobs and playing time.
Here are the key Rookies to watch
Stephon Truitt:
I’ll list Stephon first as I will have a keen eye on his progress and development, I would like to see him as the starter at left Defensive End on game #1, but as is usually the case, Dick’s Lebeau’s complicated Defense takes more than a College Degree to comprehend.
Dri Archer
Coach Tomlin spoke of Dri Archer in a recent interview for the NFL Network, he is quick as grease lightning and if they can get him into open spaces he should be able eat up some Real Estate. He will serve a similar role as the one they had hoped for Chris Raney, but with better results.
Martavis Bryant
Hasn’t endeared himself to ardent fans just yet, seems to have some baggage and nagging maturity issues. I have a strange confidence this kid can ball-out, but will certainly watch in pre-season with fingers crossed, we certainly need his talent and skill set to make the grade.
Shaquille Richardson
I like Richardsons College footage, he reminds me a bit of Mel in stature, and he’s not afraid to get his nose in there and make tackles whether in run support of pass pro. I have high hopes for this Rookie as his position that needs to be filled, and filled quickly in a high level. Time will tell but I hope he makes the team, we’re gonna need him moving forward.
Ryan Shazier
It’s already been implied that Shazier will be starting at Inside Linebacker on opening day, could happen but I don’t think so. It would be a safe bet that 2nd year man Vinnie Williams will win the job by virtue of having a better understanding of Dick Lebeau’s highly complicated Defense
There will certainly be other story lines unfolding, most importantly how will second year players like Shemarko Thomas and Markus Wheaton. Will Jason Worilds sign an extended contract, or will Rookie Jordan Zumwalt give them confidence moving forward. Stay tuned for these and other storylines as the 2014 Season kicks off in grand style July 25, 2014 at St. Vincents College Latrobe, PA.
Steelers 2014 Training Camp Schedule
DATE – PRACTICE SCHEDULE
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Friday, July 25 – All players report by 4 p.m.
Saturday, July 26 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Sunday, July 27 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Monday, July 28 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Tuesday, July 29 – Players Day Off – no Steelers’ practice
Wednesday, July 30 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Thursday, July 31 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Friday, August 1 – 7 p.m. Night Practice at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium
Saturday, August 2 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Sunday, August 3 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Monday, August 4 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Tuesday, August 5 – Players Day Off – no Steelers’ practice
Wednesday, August 6 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Thursday, August 7 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Friday, August 8 – No Steelers’ practice – team travels
Saturday, August 9 – First Preseason Game at N.Y. Giants (7:30 p.m., KDKA-TV)
Sunday, August 10 – Players Day Off – no Steelers’ practice
Monday, August 11 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Tuesday, August 12 – 2:55 p.m. and open to public
Wednesday, August 13 – 2:55 p.m. joint practice with Buffalo Bills, open to public
Thursday, August 14 – 5:30 p.m. evening practice at Saint
Friday, August 15 – No Steelers’ practice
Saturday, August 16 – Camp Breaks – Second Preseason Game vs. Buffalo Bills (7:30 p.m., KDKA-TV)
Thursday, August 21 – Third Preseason Game at Philadelphia Eagles (7:30 p.m., KDKA-TV)
Thursday, August 28 – Fourth Preseason Game vs. Carolina Panthers (7:30 p.m., KDKA-TV)
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