Former Georgia Tech workhorse Jonathan Dwyer finally showed the Pittsburgh Steelers what he can do, breaking off runs of 40, 18 and 17 yards plus a 5-yard touchdown.
But he still can't seem to earn praise from coach Mike Tomlin.
"We'll take a look at the tape. We had some down-the-liners in, and they had some down-the-liners in," Tomlin told reporters when asked if Dwyer was a bright spot in Sunday night's 34-17 loss at Denver. "As you guys can see, sometimes great performances against down-the-line people can be misleading."
Some analysts say Dwyer's roster spot remains in jeopardy. Others believe his tackle-breaking performance eliminated any doubts because the Steelers now know he wouldn't clear waivers if they cut him.
The 2008 ACC Player of the Year, Dwyer led Pittsburgh with 89 yards on 13 carries. The sixth-round pick should get one more chance to impress coaches in Thursday's preseason finale against Carolina.
One of four Tech juniors who left for the NFL after last season, Dwyer has been hampered by hamstring and shoulder injuries in training camp. He's also been criticized for occasional lack of focus.
Still, this is the same bulldozer who ran for 1,395 yards in his sophomore and junior seasons.
Camp has gone much smoother for safety Morgan Burnett. Green Bay traded up to draft him in the third round, and Burnett appears locked in as a starter alongside Nick Collins. Burnett replaced Atari Bigby, who'll miss at least the first six games following ankle surgery.
Coach Mike McCarthy said Burnett "has incredible range," and safeties coach Darren Perry said the rookie is "figuring it out."
Burnett intercepted Peyton Manning in the Packers' 59-24 win last Thursday. The College Park native left Tech with 14 career interceptions, tying him for second in school history.
Tech's two first-round picks have battled injuries all camp.
Defensive end Derrick Morgan, chosen 16th by the Tennessee Titans, returned from a calf injury and had a solid debut against Carolina Saturday. Morgan pressured Panthers quarterback Matt Moore early, nearly getting a first-quarter sack.
"I am not where I want to be completely," the 2009 ACC sacks leader told the Tennessean after getting 15 snaps. "But it has been since January since I played football, really."
Coach Jeff Fisher called Morgan "quite impressive," noting this was the first time he had put on full pads since Tech played Iowa in the Orange Bowl.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, taken 22nd by the Denver Broncos, continues to deal with a left foot injury. When healthy, he's wowed camp observers with acrobatic catches.
But Thomas only was able to cut very gingerly before Sunday's game, and it appears doubtful he'll be ready for the season opener Sept. 12, according to the Denver Post.
Thomas averaged 25.1 yards per catch last season, second-best in the nation.
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