Practice Aug: 9

Bob Labriola

LATROBE, Pa. - The Steelers practiced in pads for the final time before they open their preseason at 7 p.m. on Friday in Tampa against the Buccaneers, with the session at Saint Vincent College showing the defense rebound from its defeat in 7-Shots and generally having more success than it did the previous day.

But that shouldn't be taken to mean that the offense was stymied throughout, because