The Pittsburgh Steelers are onto a new week of training camp after their first preseason game under head coach Mike McCarthy resulted in victory. Now, the Steelers will host the New York Jets on Friday with clear areas of improvement identified. The Steelers also brought back a familiar face to Pittsburgh, and they are already making their presence felt. Elandon Roberts turned up the heat of competition on Sunday, and the environment had a new vibe.
McCarthy’s training camp to this point hasn’t been nearly as physical as the previous regime’s. The intensity, instead, has been in the details and execution of fundamentals. On Sunday, though, the Steelers saw multiple scuffles break out as the physicality and intensity turned all the way up.
“Fireworks in the final team period of today’s practice. Rookie Robert Spears-Jennings laid a big hit on Max Hurleman. Lance Mason came over to yell at RSJ for the hit, and then everything exploded. Something had been brewing for a couple snaps with Mason McCormick chirping E Rob.” Brooke Pryor reported on X.
Elandon Roberts Making His Return Felt in Pittsburgh
Roberts appears determined to make his return to Pittsburgh felt immediately. The veteran linebacker has never been shy about playing with an edge, and that personality was on full display during Sunday’s practice. His physical play helped create an environment where the offense and defense began pushing back against each other.
“[Elandon Roberts] laid a few big hits and that seemed to stoke some tensions. Offense finally had enough and fought back. Seems the new guy lit a fire in the practice.” Nick Farabaugh reported on X.
Roberts brings more than experience to the Steelers’ defense. His aggressive style could also help establish a higher standard for competition as the team continues through training camp.
Sparking a New Heat of Competition?
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The Steelers have emphasized technique, discipline, and fundamentals under McCarthy, resulting in a training camp that has generally been less physical than what Pittsburgh experienced in recent years. That doesn’t mean the competitive edge has disappeared.
Roberts could help bring some of that intensity back into the fold. His physical approach has already sparked more emotion during practice, and that could benefit a Steelers team looking to establish its identity under a new coaching staff.
With the Jets coming to Pittsburgh on Friday, the increased intensity could provide another opportunity for players to compete at a higher level before the regular season arrives.
