Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on first padded training camp practice: 'This tape is gold'

The Pittsburgh Steelers held their first padded practice of training camp this week on Tuesday. Seeing the team back on the field the previous week was great but it’s when the pads come on that we get a real look at the conditioning and mindset of the team.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media after practice and he struggled to contain his excitement about how much this means to the team. “This tape is gold,” Tomlin said.

Padded Steelers practices are always highlighted by the infamous backs-on-backers when skill players square off with defenders one-on-one in a test of wills. The Steelers roster has seen a serious makeover this offseason and so it makes these padded practices, when new players face off for the first time even more important.

The Steelers take on the Houston Texans in their first preseason game of the year on August 9 at Acrisure Stadium.