Steelers inside the ropes: George Pickens gets 2 scores, but defense dominates 'Seven Shots'

Despite coach Mike Tomlin withholding some of his most experienced — and decorated — defensive players from team portions of practice Saturday, that unit showed it was up to the challenge at the outset of a two-hour workout at Saint Vincent.

Defense ruled the opening “seven shots” 2-point simulation drill by a 5-2 margin. It came while Cameron Heyward, Patrick Queen, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick were watching from the sideline.

Nick Herbig replaced Watt at left outside linebacker, then remained there when the second-team defense took the field. Damontae Kazee filled in for Fitzpatrick, and rookie Payton Wilson got Queen’s reps in “seven shots” before Mark Robinson took some snaps in later team periods.

Justin Fields went 2 for 4 running the first-team offense. Both completions were to top receiver George Pickens, the first coming on a slant in the back of the end zone and the second happening when Pickens broke free of coverage and caught a pass while breaking toward the right sideline.

Fields, though, held onto the ball too long on his first snap, resulting in a “sack.” On his fourth snap, Fields tried a pump fake, only to have the ball slip from his grasp and hit the ground. Conditions were wet after a storm caused a delay to the start of practice.

Backup quarterback Kyle Allen was 0 for 3 when it was his turn to run “seven shots.” His first throw was intercepted by Thomas Graham Jr. in the end zone. On the next play, the offense came out with three tight ends bunched to the right. Allen couldn’t find anyone open, then hurriedly threw the other direction for Darnell Washington, his toss sailing out of bounds.

A “sack” by DeMarvin Leal finished off the 5-2 victory for the defense.

• After missing four field goal attempts a week earlier in the initial kicking session, Chris Boswell fared much better. Boswell connected on six of his seven attempts with officials stationed under the goal posts not making a ruling either way on an eighth try. Working the middle and each hash, Boswell connected from 33, 35, 37, 38 and 33 yards. He hit from 45 and was wide right from 47. The no-call came on a 41-yard attempt.

On a “mayday” field-goal attempt, Boswell easily had enough distance, and his kick was true from 51 yards.

Matthew Wright was 8 of 8 for the second time in camp. He made kicks from 33, 35, 36, 39, 33, 45, 47 and 46 yards. But when it came time for the “mayday” drill, Wright was wide right from 51 yards.

• Rookie slot corner Beanie Bishop continues to make plays with the first-team defense. He batted down a Fields pass from deep inside offensive territory, hauled it out of the air and ran untouched into the end zone.

• A flat-tackling drill held near the sidelines in front of the bleachers provided fans a chance to see wide receiver Calvin Austin’s speed. In a one-on-one matchup with safety DeShon Elliott, Austin sped past before Elliott could attempt to touch him, and the smooth run brought an audible gasp from the fans.

• Fields took part in the drill, took a pitch and tried to get past Payton Wilson. Scotty Miller also had a favorable showing, at one point putting on a double move past Cameron Sutton.

• Tomlin had offensive players paired against each other in the drill, asking that all special teams players take part. “I’m looking for some white-shirt tackling in the special teams,” Tomlin said.

• One special teams period was devoted to punting. Cameron Johnson practiced placing his kicks inside the 20 and also directionally near the left sideline.

• Russell Wilson’s passing work was limited again to the 7-on-7 period. One perfectly placed throw to the back of the end zone skipped off Dez Fitzpatrick’s hands. Fields lofted a pass into the right corner for a touchdown to Quez Watkins.