The Pittsburgh Steelers have kicked off their training camp in Latrobe, and one of the most talked-about storylines is the absence of new quarterback Russell Wilson, who has yet to take any practice reps due to calf tightness. This situation has given the team's other new quarterback, Justin Fields, an opportunity to showcase his skills to the Steelers' coaching staff. Another major focus has been the offensive line, particularly the center position.
The Steelers drafted center Zach Frazier from West Virginia University in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Frazier is currently competing with veteran Nate Herbig for the starting job. While it is widely expected that Frazier will eventually secure the starting position, there is speculation among pundits about whether he will start from Week 1 or take over later in the season.
There is plenty of excitement surrounding the Steelers' offense, especially with the arrival of Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith, known for his emphasis on physical play, has been tasked with revitalizing an offense that struggled last season. His offensive schemes require a strong and disciplined offensive line to execute effectively. As part of instilling discipline, Smith has implemented an old-school punishment: making the offensive team run a lap for mistakes.
This new rule from Smith was highlighted by Fields. In a video from 93.7 The Fan shared on social media after practice on Sunday, Frazier was seen talking about the new punishment.
“It’s a great motivator because it’s embarrassing when you have to take off for a lap. That’s just because the pre-snap stuff we can’t have. We have to get that cleaned up. That’s one way to try and stop it is to make guys take a lap.”
Frazier has expressed his support for the disciplinary measures implemented by the new offensive coordinator. He believes that the embarrassment from these punishments can be beneficial for the team, as it encourages players to minimize errors and take their responsibilities seriously. This approach aims to instill a sense of accountability and precision, which will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season.
While punishing players during practice is not a novel concept, it may be seen as old-fashioned in today's game. However, Smith is unapologetic about his coaching style and has a zero-tolerance policy for mediocrity. If a player makes a mental error, they run a lap. Steelers fans are hopeful that this approach will reduce avoidable mistakes during the season.
There's a lot for Pittsburgh football fans to be excited about. The team has made significant efforts to address the offensive issues that have plagued them in recent seasons. Despite facing a challenging 2024 schedule, the addition of new personnel and improved quarterback play should lead to a more dynamic offense.
Steelers' Nate Herbig Trying To Steal The Starting Job From Zach Frazier
The battle for the center position is one of the most closely watched competitions in training camp. Frazier, who was dominant in Morgantown and embodies the toughness and spirit of a typical Steelers player, has high expectations on him to be the next great center for the team. Whether he starts as a rookie in Week 1 will depend on his performance in the remainder of training camp and the preseason.
Herbig, a veteran, is also vying for the starting role and would love to secure the position. However, Frazier was drafted with the intention of being a key contributor from the outset. The competition between Herbig and Frazier has been a highlight of camp, and Steelers fans are eagerly watching to see how it unfolds.
