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The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the practice field Tuesday for their second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), and as each sessions progresses, it is interesting to hear more from players who may have avoided the reporters in Week 1.
In this recap you hear from the likes of James Conner, Vance McDonald, Chris Boswell and even Mason Rudolph. To be clear, BTSC is not at the OTAs live, but simply follows along from those who are there and willing to share some of their insights on social media.
With that said, let’s get to some news:
- James Conner spoke to the media Tuesday, and had some very interesting things to say about a lot of different things during his media session. This from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler:
Thought James Conner set a tone in his media session:
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 28, 2019
"I'm all for that" (multiple backs getting the ball)
"I haven't earned anything."
"It's important to be a good person and have good character"
"No players motivate us. We’re motivated by a trophy."
Motivated by a trophy. Now that is a novel idea for a team who has their share of trophies in their team headquarters. Let’s hope Conner is building the foundation for a new team, and a new mindset moving forward.
- Mason Rudolph, the second year quarterback from Oklahoma State, realizes his goal in 2019 isn’t to beat out Ben Roethlisberger, but to be the primary backup over Joshua Dobbs. This was his first full offseason, and he has certainly taken advantage of the time by studying the playbook and knowing the ins and outs of the team’s offense.
Mason Rudolph on off-season playbook prep: “It allowed me about four months of deep dives and conversations with the coaching staff, hitting them up and studying. I enjoy that stuff. I can kind of get into a little bit of a nerd mentality in the offseason. It’s fun studying.”
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) May 28, 2019
As for Rudolph’s long-term future, he decided to not talk about that...
#Steelers second-year QB says he doesn't want to talk about his long-term future. More concerned about moving up from third-string to second string. Expects to get more reps w/the starters during OTAs and minicamp.
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) May 28, 2019
- Maybe one of the biggest news stories coming out of Tuesday’s workouts was none other than Chris Boswell meeting with the media. Boswell said all the right things, but still has to prove himself to the coaching staff before being given his job again in 2019.
See what he said, via Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Chris Boswell drew a big media scrum after OTAs Tuesday. Has his approach changed from 2018? "Next kick," he said. "I know I've got to be better than last year but I'm not even paying attention to last year." Boswell would not discuss the groin injury that landed him on IR at end
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) May 28, 2019
Chris Boswell on facing competition in training camp: "We've always had somebody and I approach it the same way. No matter who is out here, it's me versus me, it's not me versus anybody. As long as I can conquer that I should be pretty good."
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) May 28, 2019
Check out Boswell’s complete media session below:
Chris Boswell speaks about focusing on his next kick, his approach to the 2019 season and more following today's OTA. pic.twitter.com/fM8bxSYpI0
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 28, 2019
- One of the players who has drawn a lot of attention this offseason has been Vance McDonald. The talented tight end has been very vocal about the team’s ability to make up for the lack of Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell by being creative. This from Mark Kaboly of The Athletic:
Steelers TE Vance McDonald on the offensive firepower -- "I think we have the guys -- they don't necessarily have Brown and Bell on the back of their jerseys -- but if you can play the position, and do what you are asked to do make plays and we are going to do that."
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 28, 2019
Here is video of the interview, via Fowler of ESPN:
Vance McDonald expects the Steelers offense to get ‘creative’ in trying to replace Antonio Brown’s production. pic.twitter.com/VaqcNUnjk7
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 28, 2019
- VIDEOS/PHOTOS
Mike Prisuta & Matt Williamson (@WilliamsonNFL) talk about the energy at OTAs, Chris Boswell and more following our fourth OTA. pic.twitter.com/QjssWwY3gr
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 29, 2019
Checkin' in pic.twitter.com/Kh28MYM8iR
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 28, 2019