Any headline with the word “joint” in it hasn’t been followed by good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But this time, it’s harmless.
Detroit Lions’ head coach Jim Caldwell spoke to the Detroit Free Press about the decision to link up with the Steelers.
“The first week is good for us. We’re coming back just a hair earlier than we normally do. I know Mike. He and I worked together, so we had a good feel for one another, and I think it’ll be very, very beneficial for both groups.”
The duo of head coaches were on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff in 2001. Mike Tomlin as the defensive backs coach, Caldwell with the quarterbacks. That relationship has continued over the years so it’s no surprise to see the teams come together and spar against each other.
The Steelers have increased their desire to compete against another team. In 2014, the Buffalo Bills came in for a couple days. Pittsburgh was supposed to travel to them last year but the Bills canceled plans, leaving Pittsburgh dateless for training camp.
The Lions and Steelers will come together for two practices on August 9th and 10th at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. Practices, as they are for every one there, will take place at 2:55.
Watching the Bills and Steelers go out at two years ago was a whirlwind but a real treat. The intensity is ridiculous and the pace is non-stop. Four different groups will work together at the same time during individuals. Lots of fun.
A preview of some of the one-on-one battles to take notice of:
OLB Bud Dupree versus OT Taylor Decker
CB William Gay versus WR Marvin Jones
DE Cam Heyward versus OG Laken Tomlinson
LB Ryan Shazier versus TE Eric Ebron/RB Ameer Abdullah
OT Marcus Gilbert versus DE Ziggy Ansah
WR Antonio Brown versus CB Darius Slay
C Maurkice Pouncey versus NT Haloti Ngata
RB Le’Veon Bell versus LB DeAndre Levy
QB Ben Roethlisberger versus S Glover Quinn
