Steelers seek stability as training camp commences
LATROBE — Patrick Peterson has more than enough experience to paint a picture of what success is supposed to look like in the NFL ‒ and maybe most importantly ‒ how to sustain it.
While the 33-year-old cornerback might be in the twilight of his career, one could hardly notice given his lively attitude when checking into his first Pittsburgh Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe on Wednesday.
“It is what it is, man,” Peterson said with a smile when asked if he’s excited to be back on a college campus for the first time in more than a decade. “Gotta be where your feet are.”
The three-time All-Pro spent 10 years with the Arizona Cardinals before playing the previous two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He knows by now what it means to be a veteran, but maybe not quite to the degree he will face in year 13.
LHAC has new look in 2023 New-look LHAC creating plenty of buzz at media day
Aside from 34-year-old stalwart Cameron Heyward, Peterson is the oldest member on a team full of young, emerging talent. But rather than chalking it up as another laborious task, Peterson has already displayed a unique level of patience and confidence in his young teammates.
“It’s been a great ride so far working with Joey (Porter Jr.), (Cory) Trice, and all those young guys,” Peterson said. “These guys are very intuitive to the game. When you see young guys like that, that want to pour all they have into the team, it’s very, very promising. We have a lot of young talent around here that can help us win a lot of ball games and also help this franchise in the future.”
Somerset County football schedules Plan ahead for the 2023 Somerset County football season with all 6 teams' schedules
After signing a 2-year, $14 million contract with Pittsburgh back in March, Peterson's heard plenty about what the fans bring to the Steelers organization. And while Peterson has faced Pittsburgh several times in his career, most recently in 2021 as a member of the Vikings, getting the chance to be on the right side of those raucous cheers is something he is heavily anticipating.
“They got six sticky Lombardis, so they (the fans) know what it takes to help their team prevail,” said Peterson. “I’m excited about that, especially being a defensive player. You always need that fan interaction to make it harder on opposing teams.”
Picking it up
Under general manager Omar Khan, the Steelers have made a serious effort to become younger at certain positions, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett spearheads that youth movement. The 25-year-old threw five touchdowns compared to just one interception over his final eight games in 2022 and helped the Steelers finish the season with a 7-2 record after a disastrous 2-6 start.
Those winning performances boosted expectations and gave fans and analysts a glimpse into what Pickett could be capable of now that he’s in full control of the franchise. But for Pickett, those external factors weigh little on his mind.
“You can get expectations of numbers and stuff like that,” he said. “I just want to go out there and win. So, whatever that takes, whatever those numbers look like, that’s all I’m focused on.”
Trying to taper down any outside noise is critical, but what remains equally as important is earning the respect of everyone inside the facility. At least in the eyes of head coach Mike Tomlin, he’s done that to an acceptable level thus far.
“Kenny is hardworking, no nonsense and a legitimate humble dude,” said Tomlin. “I think that’s attractive from a teammate's perspective. I think he’s thoughtful and considerate of others. I think that’s attractive.”
Only time will tell if Pickett’s mature demeanor can help the Steelers snap a 6-year playoff win drought that began when he was a freshman at Pittsburgh in 2017.
Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Steelers report to training camp with playoff aspirations
