LATROBE, Pa. — The Steelers boarded the yellow school buses at Saint Vincent College and set off for their annual night practice under the lights. As they approached Latrobe Memorial Stadium, a black-and-gold sign at Frederick Funeral Home greeted them.“Welcome Steelers. Knock ’em dead in 2026!”As much as anything, the sign reflects how Western Pennsylvania’s obsession with the Steelers often reaches a fanatical level in the truest sense of the word. When the Steelers got to the high school stadium, there were even more reminders. Nearly 8,500 fans greeted the team, packing the bleachers on both sides of the field and hanging over the fences surrounding the entire perimeter of the track.Several kids made signs hoping to exchange candy for an autograph from DK Metcalf. One woman cut out letters spelling out the last name of red-headed, mulletted rookie lineman Gennings D-U-N-K-E-R. Terrible Towels were everywhere. Shirts were optional. It was quite the scene.Here are some takeaways from one of the marquee practices of training camp:Defense almost immaculate in Franco MomentEach practice, coach Mike McCarthy ramps up the intensity during what he calls the “Franco Moment,” a segment of high-leverage plays thrust onto players without warning. In earlier practices, it’s been a goal-line period or a third-down situation. On Saturday night, it was a surprise two-minute period in the middle of practice.Aaron Rodgers got the ball first at his own 35-yard line with 1:41 on the clock. Seconds later, cornerback Jamel Dean was celebrating in the end zone. Rodgers threw toward the left sideline for Metcalf. Dean jumped the hitch route and took it the other way for a pick-six.DK Metcalf opens up about the Steelers' team bonding tripMike DeFabo“The best defenses are on the sideline,” defensive lineman Cameron Heyward said, pointing out that the easiest way to do that is with a quick turnover.Mason Rudolph was a bit more successful. He led the second-team offense to the defense’s 26-yard line. The drive stalled when rookie Germie Bernard, who has been sure-handed in practice, dropped a third-and-6 pass. The 45-yard field goal attempt by backup kicker Laith Marjan sailed wide.Like Rodgers, Will Howard’s drive lasted just one play. On what appeared to be a run-pass option or read-option, either the timing or communication was off at the mesh point. Running back Lew Nichols was already past Howard when the quarterback tried to hand off the ball. Backup defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr. jumped on the loose ball.