Before current rookies declared for the NFL and while being evaluated at the Combine, they couldn’t have imagined how the sports world would be turned upside down just months ahead.
The first Steelers training camp for skill players Chase Claypool, Anthony McFarland and even Eric Ebron has certainly brought with it a unique set of challenges due to the COVID-10 pandemic.
New players are faced with a tremendous learning curve — more than they would have under typical circumstances — with no OTAs and a scaled-down training camp.
When offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner was asked about his approach to helping new weapons build chemistry in a limited atmosphere, he had this to say:
“Very carefully,” said Fichtner, “but we’re going to have to jump right into it and take advantage of every day we get to work with our players.”
“It’s basically a walk-through,” he explained. “It’s still getting to know guys, being able to evaluate, being able to see what they can handle mentally. I think we try to force and throw a lot at these guys; we will be doing the same with the new guys. Between [Eric] Ebron and some of the guys, we have to hit the ground running and see how they fit.”
“But keep in mind that the most important thing is being able to find out, as quick as you possibly can, what they’re comfortable with, what that comfort is within the system, and how we can best use it.”
[vertical-gallery id=472714]
[lawrence-related id=472641]