Training Camp Reflections: Rodgers, Freiermuth, and the Steelers’ Journey into Memorial Stadium
As the Pittsburgh Steelers made their annual trip to Memorial Stadium, the atmosphere was thick with excitement and nostalgia. This year, the event had an added layer of intrigue with the presence of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose arrival in Pittsburgh has brought renewed hope and energy to the franchise. Tight end Pat Freiermuth recounted a conversation he had with Rodgers ahead of the event, highlighting the veteran quarterback’s curiosity and the unique vibe surrounding the camp experience.
“He was asking me today what to expect and all that,” Freiermuth said, reflecting on Rodgers’ first experience at Memorial Stadium. “I was like, ‘Dude, it’s literally like going to play for a state championship at a high school.’” According to Freiermuth, Rodgers responded casually with, “alright, cool.” But once the moment came, the decorated quarterback was taken aback by the experience. “Then he came and he was like, ‘this is awesome.’ He loved it. It was just great to be a part of that. I’m sure he appreciated it being later in his career, just kind of experiencing that. I think he’s been loving it so far.”
The crowd certainly helped set the tone. With 13,653 fans officially in attendance, the stadium was buzzing. Lines still extended outside the venue at 7:30 p.m., nearly an hour after the scheduled 6:45 p.m. start for the autograph session. The fans’ eagerness underscored just how much anticipation surrounds this year’s team — from the legacy of Rodgers to the arrival of other key names like wide receiver DK Metcalf, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and tight end Jonnu Smith.
Freiermuth commented on the energy surrounding the roster and its high expectations. “Everyone has a lot of high expectations for us, and we do as well,” he stated. “We have a lot of big-time players on our team, and I think everyone’s excited to see how, obviously, with Aaron coming in and DK and Jalen and Jonnu, just seeing how we’re all clicking together.” That sense of cohesion and anticipation has created a lot of excitement. “We got a lot of exciting things on the team right now and a lot of exciting times ahead. We’re looking forward to that. I think the fans feel that, as well.”
Two-Minute Drill Misfires: First Glimpse at Real-Time Struggles
Despite the hope and promise, not everything went smoothly on the field during this portion of camp. The Steelers conducted their first two-minute drills of training camp, and neither the first-team nor the second-team offense could finish the drive successfully. The goal was straightforward yet demanding: cover 53 yards and score a touchdown in 1 minute and 39 seconds, using only one timeout.
Rodgers led the first-team offense but couldn’t manage even a first down. His early throws were disrupted — two out of his first three pass attempts were batted at the line by edge rushers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. Sandwiched between those deflections was a missed opportunity to connect with Freiermuth.
Even a clutch moment on fourth-and-10 slipped through their grasp. Rodgers targeted Metcalf down the left sideline, but the ball deflected off the star wideout’s hands — an incomplete that ended the drive in disappointing fashion.
The second-team group, led by veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph, fared no better. Rudolph attempted a fade route to wide receiver Lance McCutcheon on second-and-10 from the 11-yard line with 10 seconds left. However, the pass was intercepted in the end zone by cornerback James Pierre, ending the session in another missed opportunity for the offense.
Freiermuth admitted the unit didn’t execute as intended. “Obviously, we didn’t execute how we wanted to,” he said. “We gotta continue to build on that. It was our first two-minute drill all of camp. Obviously, we wish it ended differently but we’re working toward the end goal of Week One and being able to execute then. There’s going to be some ups and downs. We’ll get it corrected. We’ve always been pretty good at two-minute.”
Still, this wasn’t the kind of start Rodgers or the coaching staff would have liked in simulated pressure situations.
Seven Shots and Practice Notes: Grit, Competition, and Drama
The “Seven Shots” red-zone drill — a Steelers staple — offered more drama and an intense look at both sides of the ball. On the very first snap, Broderick Jones lined up as the starting left tackle, marking a significant note in the offensive line competition. Dylan Cook took the bulk of the reps at left tackle after that, while Spencer Anderson continued to fill in for Isaac Seumalo at left guard, who was unavailable due to undisclosed reasons.
The defense ended up claiming victory in the drill by a 4-3 margin, but not without controversy. One key play came on the fourth rep when Rudolph threw to Scotty Miller in the end zone. Five NFL referees officiating the practice ruled the pass incomplete. Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t seem too satisfied with the call and appeared to question the judgment, underscoring the intensity with which these reps are evaluated.
On the defensive side, notable absences and adjustments played a role in team dynamics. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. sat out practice, with Tomlin describing his status as “day-to-day.” In Porter’s absence, veteran Jalen Ramsey shifted to the outside cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay, giving fans a glimpse of how the team might adjust to injury or rotational changes throughout the season.
Backs-on-Backers: Darnell Washington Impresses Again
The “Backs-on-Backers” pass protection drill continued to entertain, and this time, rookie tight end Darnell Washington stood out once again. He went head-to-head with some of the team’s top defenders and came out on top repeatedly.
Washington notably bested perennial All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt again, an impressive feat considering Watt’s pass-rushing pedigree. Washington also won two one-on-one reps against defensive end DeMarvin Leal and one more against rookie Jack Sawyer. His exuberance was hard to miss — after each victory, he wagged his finger in celebration, evoking the classic “no, no, no” gesture made famous by NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo.
Washington’s physicality, length, and confidence are quickly making him a fan favorite and a potential breakout candidate, especially in two-tight end sets with Freiermuth.
Rookie Running Back Kaleb Johnson’s Breakthrough
Another young player making noise was rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. After a rocky first outing in the earlier “Backs-on-Backers” drill, Johnson bounced back in this second edition with a renewed fire. He faced inside linebacker Mark Robinson in one rep and held his ground impressively. The two players ended the rep in a bit of a tussle, with some shoving and tension rising. But once the drill concluded, cooler heads prevailed, and both players shared high-fives and hugs — a sign of competitive fire and camaraderie.
The rookie’s improvement is significant, especially as the Steelers continue to evaluate their depth chart behind presumed starter Najee Harris. A strong camp could earn Johnson some meaningful preseason snaps and possibly a role on special teams or in certain offensive packages.
Team Run: Offense Improves but Defense Still Holds Strong
The Steelers’ offense showed some signs of life during the “Team Run” period of practice, a portion designed to simulate run-game scenarios. While the unit looked sharper than in previous practices, the defense still managed to assert its presence.
Linebackers Cole Holcomb and Eku Leota each recorded tackles for loss during the drill. These plays demonstrated the defense’s ability to diagnose and react quickly, particularly in the interior running game. Although the offensive line appeared better organized and more aggressive, the unit still has work to do if it hopes to dominate at the point of attack — something critical to supporting Rodgers and the revamped passing game.
The offensive line, which has been a major focus for improvement over the past two seasons, continues to rotate personnel in and out. Jones, Cook, and Anderson are all being closely evaluated for their technique, footwork, and communication. How this group performs in upcoming joint practices and preseason games could determine how well the offense clicks out of the gate in the regular Season.
Conclusion: Camp’s Early Themes of Excitement and Growing Pains
The early days of Steelers training camp have painted a complex picture — one filled with excitement, potential, and also some necessary growing pains. Rodgers’ arrival has electrified the fanbase and injected credibility and leadership into the offense. Pairing him with playmakers like Metcalf, Freiermuth, and Jonnu Smith offers a tantalizing glimpse at what this unit could achieve at full strength.
However, the team’s struggles in situational football — particularly in the two-minute drill — show that success will not come overnight. Timing, chemistry, and execution need to develop through repetition and hard coaching. There’s still plenty of time before Week One, and as Freiermuth emphasized, the goal is to peak at the right moment.
Young talents like Darnell Washington and Kaleb Johnson are emerging as important pieces of the puzzle, and the competitive spirit displayed in drills like “Backs-on-Backers” and “Seven Shots” reflects a team that is hungry and focused. With an elite defense already in place, the Steelers’ offensive growth may very well determine whether they compete for a division title or fall short of expectations.
For now, Rodgers seems to be enjoying every bit of the experience — whether it’s the high school championship vibes at Memorial Stadium or the grind of daily practice. The fans have shown up in droves, the competition has been fierce, and the season’s storylines are beginning to unfold in real time. As the team continues camp, all eyes remain fixed on Pittsburgh and what promises to be one of the NFL’s most compelling teams in 2025.
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