Training Camp 2007

cpawfan · Jul 29, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519618.html

<h1 class="headline">New coach Tomlin puts his stamp on camp</h1> By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Sunday, July 29, 2007

A gas station not much more than a couple of football fields from St. Vincent College welcomes the Steelers back to their summer home. The sign outside of it also refers to what the Steelers are doing in the shadow of the Laurel Mountains as "Coach Tomlin's torture camp."

Torture? Not exactly. 

Mike Tomlin's camp? Without a doubt. 

Tomlin's approach to training camp has been a marked contrast from that of his predecessor, Bill Cowher, and it has led to physical, fast-paced and sometimes contentious practices -- and, no doubt, a few raised eyebrows among his players. Tomlin put his stamp on camp even before the players reported to St. Vincent College last Monday by unveiling a schedule that included 15 two-a-day practices.

"I just shook my head," nose tackle Casey Hampton said. 

"You look at the first two weeks and it's like 'Wow, that's different. Coach Cowher never did that,' " wide receiver Hines Ward said. "Well, this isn't coach Cowher's team any more. You're going to have some guys griping about it here and there, but they're still going to go out there and do whatever it takes to get better." 

It is not hard to see why. 

The players have to make an impression on a coach who has yet to see them perform in a game in person, and the Steelers are coming off an 8-8 season after winning the Super Bowl the previous year. 

As outside linebacker Clark Haggans said, "Nobody wants to sit out the playoffs like we did last year. It stunk. If coach Tomlin thinks that walking on hot coals barefooted is going to help us, then we're going to do it." 

Tomlin hasn't gone to that extreme but his practices have been demanding. 

The first one last Tuesday included hitting in the morning, something Cowher-coached teams never did at training camp. 

In addition to being physical, Tomlin practices have reflected his belief in the importance of special teams -- the Steelers spent a significant part of every day last week on that facet of the game -- and included plenty of work on situational football as well as spirited, one-on-one drills that encourage toughness and competition. 

"I think it's a test to see what type of players he has on his team because he doesn't know us," Ward said. 

If Tomlin is familiarizing himself with his players, he is trying to get his arms around the Steelers in another sense as well. 

As he walked to practice last Wednesday afternoon, Tomlin heard what he called a "big commotion" and probably shook his head when realized it was simply fans cheering the players as if they were emerging from the tunnel at Heinz Field. 

Later that afternoon, Tomlin laughed when asked about a drill in which quarterbacks tried to hit garbage cans that were stationed at different parts of a field with a pass. 

"That can't be newsworthy," he said. 

But anything Steelers in and of itself qualifies as news, and after every afternoon practice Tomlin is seemingly swallowed by a throng of reporters as he walks off the field. 

He has accommodated the media and been the same way with fans, staying after his daily media briefings to sign for anyone who wants an autograph. 

Tomlin has shown that he may not be as accommodating of his players. 

After outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons aggravated the groin that sidelined him for most of the offseason practices, Tomlin took what appeared to be a subtle swipe at the Steelers' first-round pick. 

Timmons, he said last Thursday, "made a couple of plays and then he ducked out." 

Maybe that was Tomlin's way of prodding Timmons. Maybe there was nothing to read into that quote. 

Tomlin's words will be parsed time and time again, but it doesn't appear that he will mix many with his players. 

"If you don't like it, get off the ship and that's kind of been his beliefs," Ward said. "It's our job as veterans to believe in coach Tomlin, his ways, so the younger guys buy into it, too." 

So far it seems as if the players are buying into the way Tomlin is running camp. 

He spent much of his first week during practice observing, and he has been seen much more than he has been heard. But he carries with him a self-assurance that suggests the rookie head coach knows what he is doing. 

When asked after practice Friday night, if he was surprised that Tomlin had yet to erupt on the team, running back Willie Parker laughed and said, "Coach Cowher would have blew us out by now, but it's two different coaches." 

And two different camps. 

Very different camps.

cpawfan · Jul 29, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519604.html

<h1 class="headline">Many Steelers position battles far from settled</h1> By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Sunday, July 29, 2007

Ryan Clark is approachable and affable, but the Steelers' free safety made it clear last week that he did not want to talk about one of the position battles that will play out during coach Mike Tomlin's first training camp.

"I'm not answering questions about Anthony Smith," Clark said as he walked off the playing field last week following a morning practice at St. Vincent College. 

Game on? Well, yes and no. 

Clark is one of several veterans who could lose a starting job to players they helped tutor as rookies just last year. That hasn't stopped him, right tackle Max Starks or wide receiver Cedrick Wilson from giving pointers to the players who will push them for their starting positions (and may well pass them on the depth chart if they haven't already). The reasons for this are varied: they were rookies at one time, competition will make them - and ultimately the Steelers - better, and competitors sometimes become as close to one another off the field as they are on it.

That is the case with Smith and Clark, even though the two players with different personalities are vying for the same job. 

"We're actually best friends, I would say, on the team," Smith said. "We don't let (the competition) go off the field. We both have an understanding that it's out of our hands. Whatever decision (the coaches make), he's going to help me out, I'm going to help him out." 

Holmes, one of the top rookies in the NFL last season, so appreciated the help that Wilson gave him that he made a point of publicly thanking the veteran during a wide receivers meeting. 

Wilson appreciated the gesture, but it also surprised him, pleasantly, because he said he has always made himself available to younger players, particularly first-year ones. 

The player that Wilson credits for showing him the finer points of the game during his rookie season in San Francisco has become, oddly enough, the face (and caricature) of the self-absorbed athlete. 

Of course, that was before Terrell Owens and good teammate went together like McDonald's and gourmet dining. 

"T.O. was a great mentor, his practice habits, his work ethic," said Wilson, who played for the 49ers from 2001-04 before signing with the Steelers. "He's just like Hines (Ward) and myself. We don't like to see young guys continue to get out here and make mistakes. I was just happy to be a part of (Holmes') development and I hope he continues to develop." 

Holmes finished second on the team in catches (49) and receiving yards (824) in 2006 and started the final three games of the season after an ankle injury slowed Wilson. 

The Steelers' first-round pick in 2006 entered training camp ahead of Wilson on the depth chart at split end. Holmes, however, has left an opening for his mentor by missing the first week of practice while recovering from an undisclosed medical procedure. 

An injury to Starks gave Willie Colon a chance to play last season, and the two games he started at right tackle erased any doubts he might have had that he can play in the NFL. 

His time on the field also convinced Colon, a fourth-round pick out of Hofstra in 2006, that he has done enough watching. 

"I've never sat on the bench," said Colon, who dropped 15 to 20 pounds to get ready for camp and his challenge for a starting job. "It's going to be a dogfight, and I love Max. I just want to be able to beat him out." 

If Starks ends up on the bench, he'll have played at least a small role in the demotion since he helped Colon last season. But he didn't think twice about giving advice to the rookie, even though it has helped, if only in a small way, put Colon in a position to unseat Starks. 

"Barrett Brooks helped me my rookie year (2004) and then the right tackle job became available, and it was me versus Barrett," said Starks, who beat out the veteran Brooks for the starting job. "There's always a new guy coming in. There's going to be competition." 

The one between Clark and Smith has been anything but cut-throat. 

The outgoing Clark took an immediate liking to Smith, a third-round pick in 2006, and no doubt helped draw him out of his shell. 

He liked the humility with which Smith, who comes across as reserved, carried himself, and he didn't see the former Syracuse star's immense talent as a threat, but something he should help nurture. 

"I've heard, on other teams, that older guys, they don't help the younger guys out because they know they're coming for their spot," said Smith, who has goes to Clark's house for dinner and plays with his kids. "But here they help the young guys out because you're only as good as your weakest link. Me and Ryan clicked off the bat." 

Things really started to click for Smith after a late-season injury to Clark gave him a chance to start. 

He made a couple of interceptions and established himself as a fierce and fearless hitter. 

During an 11-on-11 drill last Thursday, he belted Willie Reid after the wide receiver caught a pass off a slant pattern. 

That, in so many words, told Clark that friends or no friends, Smith is coming after his job. 

Clark wouldn't have it any other way. 

"We're all competing, but we all want to win as a team," Clark said. "I feel like with him playing great, whether it's starting or whatever, if it helps us be a better team I'm going to do whatever it takes to help that."

cpawfan · Jul 29, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519645.html

<h1 class="headline">Steelers training camp heats up</h1> By Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Sunday, July 29, 2007

<div id="storyBody"> Wide receiver Willie Reid was still in one piece, and the competitive harmony between the Steelers’ offense and defense was intact Sunday afternoon at St. Vincent College.

Following recent events, that constituted news entering the second week of the team's first training camp under new coach Mike Tomlin.

The fists, hits and fighting words were flying on Saturday afternoon, when Reid absorbed vicious shots from safeties Ryan Clark and Anthony Smith.

Those shots were delivered after a fight between safety Tyrone Carter and wide receiver Nate Washington.“Just a good, hard football practice,” Clark said.

Wide receiver Hines Ward offered a dissenting opinion, characterizing the actions of the defense as “chicken-(expletive).”

Yesterday, the offensive and defensive units completed a spirited goal-line drill and then rushed one another on the way to their traditional post-practice huddle and pretended to brawl.

A few players were screaming, “Fight, fight, fight.”

Just about everyone was smiling, including Ward, who a day earlier had taken his case directly to the defense as well as the media after watching Reid absorb hits Ward considered late, dangerous and excessive, particularly in a non-scrimmage situation.

“Let us know if it’s going to be full pads,” Ward said. “But if it ain’t? On one play Willie was slowing down and somebody hit him.”

Clark apologized for that one — “I know when I’m wrong” — and appreciated Ward's perspective.

“We know when it comes down to being tough, none of us can out-tough Hines,” Clark said. “He’s the toughest guy, probably, in the NFL, especially at his position. So when he says something and he comes over defending his squad, you respect it.

“It’s not like it’s a soft guy saying it. It’s Hines Ward. He came over defending his team, and we’re going to defend ours, but in the end we’re all Pittsburgh Steelers and we walk off the field.”

“You know sometimes it gets heated between the two sides. It’s all love, but in the end you’re gonna ride with your room. Our room is defense, and theirs is offense. It might have gotten out of hand a little bit.”

A factor in the hitting might have been the trash-talk Reid engages in with Carter and some of the other safeties.

“We just go at each other, back and forth, locker room stuff,” Reid said. “We took it out on the field, but it’s nothing personal.”

Normally, it isn’t.

Saturday, it was.

“I’ll tell you the truth. Willie Reid is probably the hardest-working wide receiver we have,” Clark said. “He catches the ball and runs to the end zone every time. I think sometimes that brings out the competitiveness in you. You get a guy, no matter how many times we tag him (down), he runs all the way into the end zone and the fans scream.

“I got tired of hearing it.”

Ward tired of seeing the defense’s response long before Tomlin, who never intervened.

“I know at times tempers are going to flare,” Tomlin said. “Part of us building this football team is understanding and controlling our emotions, because they’re going to flare in the fall.

“It’s also showing your ability to take some blows and catch balls and bounce up. Willie Reid has proven to us that he doesn’t have any fear. He’s distinguishing himself because of some of the things that have happened. But we have to leave it on the grass. It can’t get out of hand.

“It’s a fine line, I know. We’re attempting to walk it.” </div>

cpawfan · Jul 29, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07210/805312-66.stm

<h2>Steelers Notebook: Defensive backs throwing big hits; Ward not thrilled</h2> Sunday, July 29, 2007 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="105" align="right"><tbody><tr><td width="85"></td></tr></tbody></table> Hines Ward didn't appreciate it when safety Tyrone Carter went after receiver Nate Washington for throwing the ball in his face. And he got really upset when safety Anthony Smith slammed into wide receiver Willie Reid from behind after making a catch.

But perhaps what really upset Ward, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver, is that none of the Steelers coaches said anything about the defensive backs trying to rough up the receivers during yesterday's afternoon practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.

So Ward did it himself, coming across the field to challenge Smith and the defensive backs for their aggressive behavior.

"It's been happening all day," Ward said. "You do it one time, OK, but you don't keep letting it happen and happen. And if the coaches aren't going to say something about it, then, [heck], maybe a player has to say something about it.

"We're on the same team. We're not the opponent."

Ward was particularly incensed with Smith, a second-year free safety, because he came from behind and hit Reid in the back. Reid, a No. 3 draft choice in 2006, is trying to come back after sustaining a season-ending foot injury last year in Week 5.

It wasn't the first time Smith had slammed into Reid. He did it during Thursday's practice, too, knocking him to the ground with a vicious hit. In both instances, Reid held on to the ball.

"Willie is somebody who is trying to make this team," Ward said. "If he were to get hurt and lose his ACL, now who's going to be the stupid person then? You just got to play smart, man.

"I understand we want to hit each other, but, at the same time, Willie is coming off a foot injury. This is his opportunity to make an impression. If he gets hurt, we lose someone who can be a vital part of the offense and special teams."

Asked about the hits, coach Mike Tomlin said, "It's competition, but that's what training camp is about. You'd much rather say whoa, than sic 'em, so we're having to say whoa a little bit. But the big thing is we remain professional and leave it on the grass.

"It's football. I know at times tempers are going to flare, that's part of it. But part of us building this team is understanding and controlling our emotions, too, because they're going to flare in the fall. It's also about the ability to take some blows and catch balls and bounce up. Willie Reid is showing us he doesn't have any fear, he will catch balls in traffic. He's distinguishing himself because of some of the things that are happening. But it can't get out of hand."

Welcome back

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes participated in individual drills for the first time and will participate in a full practice today -- his first since training camp began.

Holmes, last year's No. 1 draft choice, has not practiced because of an undisclosed non-football-related surgical procedure.

"Just getting the opportunity to get back on the field felt good," Holmes said. "I'm tired of sitting around and watching."

Injury update

Outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin) missed afternoon practice for the third day in a row and Tomlin said he is day-to-day. ... Rookie tight end Matt Spaeth (shoulder) also did not practice, but Tomlin said the injury is nothing serious.

Bouncing back

Reid is aware not many players return successfully from the injury that effectively wiped out his rookie season -- a mid-foot sprain more commonly known as a Lisfranc injury.

The injury is often misdiagnosed because it can vary from a sprain to dislocation or fracture. Symptoms include pain, swelling and the inability to bear weight.

Reid, a third-round choice in 2006, appeared in just one game last season, before sustaining the season-ending foot injury in Week 5 in San Diego. 

But he said he is completely recovered from the injury and looking forward to returning punts this season -- something he did in record-setting fashion at Florida State.

"A lot of guys aren't the same after that injury," Reid said. "I'm happy with my progress. My quickness, speed ... everything is fine. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to get there and show the people I can do the things they brought me here to do."

Give me a break

More than a few players are wondering when they will get an off day under Tomlin.

The Steelers have an afternoon practice scheduled for today -- a rare Sunday practice for most of the veteran players. Former coach Bill Cowher rarely practiced on Sunday once two-a-day sessions began at training camp, usually giving the players off.

The Steelers do not have their first day off until Aug. 6, the day after their preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints in Canton, Ohio.

According to NFL Players Association guidelines, coaches are not required to give an off day at training camp until the team plays its first preseason game.

Ladies day

There might not be a morning practice today for the Steelers, but that doesn't mean there won't be players on the field.

Nearly 300 female Steelers fans will participate in the annual Women's Training Camp 101, sponsored by the American Respiratory Alliance, beginning at 8 a.m.

They will be instructed by former players Jon Kolb, Louis Lipps, Mike Wagner and Dwight White, along with current punters Daniel Sepulveda and Mike Barr. 

The day will also include dinner and afternoon practice -- watching afternoon practice, that is.

cpawfan · Jul 29, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07210/805313-66.stm

<h2>Training Camp: Clark locked in competition again</h2> Sunday, July 29, 2007 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td> <td></td></tr> <tr><td></td><td>Peter Diana, Post-Gazette photos
Safety Ryan Clark, right, goes one on one with receiver Walter Young yesterday.
Click photo for larger image.

<hr /></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> Despite being their only significant free-agent signing -- and giving him a $7 million contract with a $1.65 million signing bonus -- Ryan Clark was not merely handed the starting free safety spot in the Steelers' defense last season. First, the Steelers staged a thinly veiled competition in training camp between Clark and veteran backup Tyrone Carter, one of their returning Super Bowl contributors. The only thing missing was a wink.

The battle went right through the entire preseason, with Clark and Carter each starting two games at free safety and coaches insisting the competition was close. But, to nobody's surprise, when the regular season began Clark was anointed the starter to play alongside Troy Polamalu.

This year, Clark is involved in another battle to be the starter, this time with second-year safety Anthony Smith, and, again, the competition might not really be a competition at all. This time, though, Clark might be on the other end.

"From what I see, I'm kind of the underdog because of his great talent and potential," Clark said.

Indeed, after watching Smith start the final four games of the 2006 season when Clark was injured, after watching him deliver big hits, break up passes and make two interceptions, the Steelers are more than just convinced they want him playing in their defense on a regular basis. They believe Smith, a third-round pick in 2006, has all the necessary ingredients to be one of the league's top safeties.

But, for now, the Steelers are putting up the guise of a training-camp battle between Clark, Smith and even Carter, who is the top backup to Polamalu at strong safety. They even went so far as to anoint Clark the starter heading to training camp, and have spent the first week at Saint Vincent College rotating him every other series with Smith in the first-team defense.

"Right now, they're sharing time," said defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. "We're trying to make that pretty even, and get Ty what we can get him in there. The first day, just because we had to have someone in there, we put Ryan in there, but we kind of look at those guys as pretty even right now and let them battle it out.







<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Safety Tyrone Carter, top, wrestles with receiver Nate Washington after Washington scored a touchdown during two-minute drills yesterday at Saint Vincent College.
Click photo for larger image.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> "We just think those three guys, we need to let them compete and see how it shakes down. Competition is a good thing. Anthony is the youngest, so he probably has the most room to grow. But we can all grow."

The Steelers waited an entire preseason anointing Clark their starter last year, a curious decision in that the "competition" deprived him, as a new member of the defense, of getting more reps with the first team. And they might wait the entire preseason this year, too, before making a decision, electing to rotate Clark and Smith through the five preseason games, beginning Aug. 5 in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

But, when it does shake down, Smith is expected to be the starter when the Steelers open the regular season Sept. 9 in Cleveland, barring some unforeseen circumstance.

"They know I can make plays and, when I get out there, I try to do as much as I can and be as helpful as I can to the defense," Smith said. "When I get out there, they know they have a good rangy safety and a guy who can make plays."

It's not as if the Steelers are disappointed in Clark, who was signed after the 2005 Super Bowl season to replace departed Chris Hope. He started the first 12 games, finished with 75 tackles (the second-highest total of his career) and, like Hope, proved to be a big hitter in the secondary. He also had an interception and a team-high three fumble recoveries.

But, when he injured his groin in a Week 13 game against Tampa Bay, Clark was replaced by Smith and never got back in the starting lineup. In his first start against Cleveland, Smith defended two passes and recorded his first interception with a 20-yard return. A week later against Carolina, Smith had another 20-yard interception return. In his third start against Baltimore, Smith had a game-high seven solo tackles and delivered several big hits.







<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tight end Heath Miller, top, makes a tough catch over linebacker Arnold Harrison during the two-minute drills.
Click photo for larger image.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> "He got the ball in just about every game," LeBeau said. "It's what we saw in college. He's all over the field and he's a good hitter.

"He's still in the development stage as far as knowing all the calls and fits a safety has to make. But we like everything we've seen in him." 

Smith said, "That helped me out a lot, just to be able to get that experience, just to know what the game atmosphere is like, just to get a chance to show what I can do and showcase my skills." 

Despite their competition, Smith and Clark remain best friends. Clark said Smith comes over to his house for dinner and plays with his three children, Jordan, Jaden and Loghan. Smith said Clark is always helping him on the field, telling him about defensive calls and where he is supposed to be on certain plays. 

"There's going to be competition, regardless," Clark said. "Everyone wants to be a starter. He's competing to be a starter, he wants to be a starter, and he's working toward that. And I want to make team and I want to play a lot. 

"When he's out there, I'm rooting for him, and when I'm out there I'm sure he's rooting for me. I want him to play well."

cpawfan · Jul 30, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07211/805547-66.stm

<h2>Steelers release rookie wide receiver</h2> Monday, July 30, 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette





The Steelers today released free agent rookie wide receiver Chris Jackson. 



He was replaced on the roster by first-year wide receiver Gerran Walker, who signed with the Steelers Jan. 19 and was released July 19. Walker signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006 as an undrafted free agent from Lehigh but was released before training camp started. 



Jackson played at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., and signed with the Steelers in April as an undrafted rookie.

cpawfan · Jul 30, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07211/805508-66.stm

<h2>Steelers Notebook: Defense bests offense in 'fun' goal-line drill</h2> Monday, July 30, 2007 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette





Coach Mike Tomlin decided to end his first week of training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe with some excitement, conducting a full-scale best-of-seven goal-line drill that included chicanery, confusion and maybe even some collusion.

"We had a little fun out there," Tomlin said.

The defense won the drill, 4-2, but not before the offense tried to use some of the defensive players to score.

It worked when quarterback Charlie Batch threw a touchdown pass to defensive end Brett Keisel, who was lined up as a tight end for the offense. 

When Keisel caught the ball, many of the defensive players mistakenly thought he was on their side and made an interception to end the drill.

But it didn't work on the next play when nose tackle Casey Hampton -- yes, Hampton -- lined up at fullback and was stopped short of the end zone on a big hit by inside linebacker Clint Kriewaldt, ending the drill.

"That's the last time I'm doing that," Hampton said.

The 330-pound Hampton seemed to ease into the line, prompting Tomlin to jokingly charge that "Hampton was on the take with that snap to the fullback."

Holmes returns

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes returned to full practice for the first time since training camp began and said he was more tired than he thought he would be.

Holmes, a No. 1 pick in 2006, had been kept out of practice after having a procedure for an undisclosed non-football-related problem.

"It was pretty tough finishing up practice," Holmes said. "I still got a lot of work to do."

Parker shines

Running back Willie Parker was the star of the one-on-one drill pitting blitzing secondary players against running backs, prompting Tomlin to hint that Parker might be used more in third-down situations.

Parker stood up charging safety Tyrone Carter with a big hit, exciting the crowd alongside the hillside. When Carter shoved Parker after the exchange, Parker angrily gave Carter a two-handed shove to the chest.

"I wasn't taking none of that," Parker said. "We're friends, but today we're enemies.

"That's how I get when I block now. I get a little jacked up. That's how it's going to be from now on, no matter who I go against."

"We got a group of tough backs," Tomlin said.

When asked if Parker has a chance to play on third down, Tomlin said, "Yes."

Quick hits

Outside linebacker James Harrison (ribs) sat out practice, but Tomlin said the injury is nothing significant and listed Harrison as day-to-day. 

"It's more of a precaution," Tomlin said. "James always wants to play, but we got a long way to go."

With Harrison out, the Steelers looked at a lot of players on the right side, including left outside linebacker Clark Haggans and inside linebacker Rian Wallace.

Outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin) and tight end Matt Spaeth (shoulder) -- two of their top three draft picks -- did not practice again.

After just one practice each of the past two days, the Steelers will resume two-a-day practices today. The afternoon session at 2:55 p.m. is open to the public.

Staying under control

Safety Anthony Smith has become something of a target on the field for his hard hits, especially on second-year wide receiver Willie Reid. But that is the way he plays and the reason the coaches like his ability to make big plays.

But, as the free safety, Smith has to be judicious because he is the last line of defense in the secondary, especially when strong safety Troy Polamalu often roams all over the field.

"The only problem with me and him being in there at the same time is we're both risk-takers," Smith said. "Troy can take a few more [risks]. I take my shots. I have to be smart about it, though."

Asked if it's hard for him to curtail his style, Smith said, "It's not tough at all. You just can't make a big play every time. I try to make as many as I can."

cpawfan · Jul 30, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07211/805509-66.stm

<h2>Barlow dealing with unfamiliar situation</h2> <h3>Primarily a starter his whole career, Kevan Barlow finds himself down the depth chart as a backup</h3> Monday, July 30, 2007 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td> <td></td></tr> <tr><td></td><td>Peter Diana, Post-Gazette
Kevan Barlow watches as the first team runs the offense yesterday at Steelers training camp in Latrobe.
Click photo for larger image.

<hr />

</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Willie Parker said he would like to carry the ball even more this season for the Steelers, never mind that he carried 337 times in 2006 -- more times than all but three AFC running backs.

That is not good news for Kevan Barlow, who is still trying to adjust to not being the Willie Parker of his team.

Since entering the NFL in 2001 as a third-round draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers, Barlow has come to training camp as a starter or a player competing to be a starter. But, after signing as a free agent with the team he grew up watching, Barlow is competing, at best, to be Parker's top backup, or, at worst, the third-down back behind Parker and Najeh Davenport.

It is a different role for Barlow, who grew up in Garfield and played at Peabody High School and Pitt. And one to which he is still trying to get acclimated.

"It's definitely difficult when I'm used to being the guy who gets the load, who gets to carry the load," Barlow said. "Now it's funny taking a step back and seeing Willie be that. It's definitely hard for me to deal with that, not being that guy, because I'm a competitor."

The Steelers didn't sign Barlow, 28, in May to challenge Parker, a Pro Bowl selection in 2006 who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons. Nor did they do it because they were seeking someone other than Davenport, who was signed to a two-year contract in the offseason, to be the No. 2 back behind Parker.

Rather, they signed Barlow to provide depth in their backfield, especially when they were unsure if veteran Verron Haynes, their third-down back, would return from season-ending knee surgery -- his third in five seasons. And especially after not drafting a running back in April.

It was a good move by the Steelers. Barlow (6 feet 1, 234 pounds) has started 33 games in the NFL -- 30 with the 49ers -- and has gained 3,984 yards on 1,022 carries in six seasons, an average of nearly 4 yards per carry. In addition to scoring 30 touchdowns, he has caught 144 passes for 1,164 yards -- proof of his value as a third-down receiving back.

"I think the added depth is a plus," Davenport said. "The more guys you have to compete, the better off you become. When you have a lot of different guys who do different things, you pick up different stuff."

Still, after one week of training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, it hasn't made it any easier on Barlow.

"I'm going out there playing, man," said Barlow, who rushed for 2,324 yards and 20 touchdowns in just 15 starts at Pitt. "It's hard for me to play second hand to anyone because I've been a starter my whole career. In my mind, I'm preparing myself mentally like I'm a starting running back. Even though [Parker] is the starter, even though it might not happen, I want to be able to get in there in case something does happen."

Parker said, "If he didn't say that, he don't need to be in this league. That's what I tell guys all the time. If you're not trying to be a starter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, you're in the wrong field. If you're trying to be a third-down back, if you're trying to be a short-yardage back, you're in the wrong game."

Barlow's best season with the 49ers was 2003 when he rushed for 1,024 on 201 carries (5.1-yard average) and scored six touchdowns. Included was a 78-yard touchdown run against the Steelers in a 30-14 victory in San Francisco Nov. 17.

The following year, Barlow started 14 games and rushed for 822 yards and caught a career-high 35 passes, despite missing one game and not starting another because of a concussion. But everything began to spiral downward in 2005.

Barlow missed four of the final five games of the season with a knee injury and was traded in the summer to the New York Jets to make room for rookie Frank Gore. He started just three games with the Jets and did not play in four of the final five games.

The biggest noise he made was when he compared his former 49ers coach, Mike Nolan, to Adolph Hitler, saying he "walks around with a chip on his shoulder, like he's a dictator, like he's Hitler." Barlow quickly apologized for his comments.

Now he is back where it all started, competing with Haynes for the No. 3 back and hoping to recapture some past glory. Despite the presence of Parker and Davenport, Barlow maintains it was a good fit signing with the Steelers.

"It was because of everything in general," Barlow said. "I felt like I could come here and contribute and make some plays. It's fun, it's exciting, to have this competition. Najeh, I played against him in Miami [in college], now I see him in person and get to compete with him. "I'm just going to try to make most out of it. I know anything can happen. I have to prepare myself mentally and physically to be able to play. If anything happens to Willie or Najeh, I can step in there and make something happen if my number is called on."

cpawfan · Jul 30, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519650.html

<h1 class="headline">Inside the ropes</h1> By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Monday, July 30, 2007

<div id="storyBody"> Dangling a carrot

Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel probably said it best following a spirited goal-line drill won by the defense Sunday afternoon at St. Vincent College.

"We love this type of thing," said Keisel, who not only switched over to offense and played tight end but also caught a touchdown pass from Charlie Batch. "It's a live drill at the end of a work week when everyone's banged up. It's exciting for everyone to come out."

The goal-line drill, a longtime training camp favorite of the players and yesterday's final activity, featured the first scheduled live contact under coach Mike Tomlin. In the drill, the defense stopped the offense four times. The offense scored on Willie Parker's run and Keisel's catch.Keisel said he took the goal-line drill seriously because of a promise Tomlin made to the players.

"Coach Tomlin put a little incentive on it," Keisel said. "If you were vested and you won, you get the night off. So that added a little bit of bonus to it."<hr /> More chippiness

Safety Tyrone Carter, who mixed it up with wide receiver Nate Washington on Saturday, got into it with Parker during yesterday's blocking drill featuring defensive backs and running backs.

When Parker neutralized Carter without allowing him to get to the imaginary quarterback, Carter shoved Parker under the shoulder pads.

Parker, who has improved his dedication to pass-blocking considerably since last season, took Carter's action in stride.

Parker also had an interesting pairing with cornerback Ike Taylor. After Parker drove Taylor to the ground in their first encounter, Taylor moved to the head of the line in front of Chidi Iwuoma so he could go against Parker again. This time, Taylor beat Parker with an outside rush.

Steelers defensive backs have been the talk of training camp.

Safety Anthony Smith said he spoke with wide receiver Hines Ward after Ward criticized Smith and fellow safety Ryan Clark for their hard hits Saturday on Reid.

"We talked. We talk every day," Smith said. "It's nothing personal."

No explanation yet from Smith about his hard hit on Reid during Thursday's practice.<hr /> Linebacker shortage

With injuries sidelining starting right outside linebacker James Harrison (rib) and rookie backup Lawrence Timmons (groin), veteran Clark Haggans moved from the left side to the right side, with Rian Wallace filling in on the left side. "It's an opportunity for Clark to show his versatility," Tomlin said. <hr /> Haynes healthyAs promised, running back Verron Haynes is working his way back into all of the drills. Haynes, recovering from major knee surgery, participated in his first full-contact drill when the running backs blocked against the defensive backs. HE SAID IT: Smith explaining Saturday's big hit on Reid: "I was actually going for the interception. I got there before the ball, and I was trying to protect myself." </div>

cpawfan · Jul 30, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519649.html

<h1 class="headline">Steelers' Hampton takes shot at fullback</h1> By Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Monday, July 30, 2007

<div id="storyBody"> Linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin), tight end Matt Spaeth (shoulder) and linebacker James Harrison (ribs) didn't practice on Sunday afternoon. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes was back to full-time work (football pants) after returning to the field in a partial capacity (shorts) on Saturday.

• Nose tackle Casey Hampton got a crack at becoming a 325-pound fullback in the practice-concluding goal-line drill and was cracked by linebacker Clint Kriewaldt while leading on a carry by running back Najeh Davenport that went nowhere. 

"Clint blew his (behind) up," linebacker James Farrior said. "He didn't rock me," Hampton said of Kriewaldt. "He did his job, though." 

He did it well enough to make fullback a one-and-done position for Hampton. "I'm probably gonna retire after that one," Hampton said. "I've been begging to do it, but I don't think I want to anymore."

• Davenport and Verron Haynes remain the leading candidates to emerge as the Steelers' third-down back, but Willie Parker would like a shot at remaining on the field for all three downs. Parker distinguished himself in another one-on-one blocking drill yesterday, "backs on defensive backs," by stuffing safety Tyrone Carter and pancaking cornerback Ike Taylor, all under the watchful eye of coach Mike Tomlin. 

• "The offense pounds us one day, and the next day we come back against them. It's been really good. I think the offensive line's doing a great job, and we're trying to do our thing on the defensive line. It's been back and forth all camp."
- Defensive end Brett Keisel on which unit is getting the better of the other in practice. <hr /> Digits

1 - First-team offensive line combinations used so far in camp (left to right, Marvel Smith, Alan Faneca, Chukky Okobi, Kendall Simmons and Max Starks). 15 Successful field goals from formation by Jeff Reed (in 15 attempts, with a long of 48 yards). </div>

cpawfan · Jul 31, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519797.html

<h1 class="headline">Tomlin relents, shortens Steelers practices</h1> By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Tuesday, July 31, 2007

<div id="storyBody"> The Steelers worked out in shorts in the morning, and coach Mike Tomlin ended both of yesterday's practices about 15 minutes early.

"Yeah, I'm a nice guy," Tomlin said with a smile. 

When he put together the schedule for camp, one that included 15 two-a-day practices, Tomlin said he did so with the idea that he would make changes to it (i.e. shorten practices or eliminate them altogether) if the players met certain standards. 

"They're playing with great energy and enthusiasm, so we want to throw them a bone every now and then," Tomlin said. Tomlin also has to be mindful not to wear out his players during training camp. Camp is longer this year since the Steelers are playing in the Hall of Fame game on Sunday, and the team is doing much more hitting than it did under Tomlin's predecessor, Bill Cowher.

"Yeah, I think that's a concern," strong safety Troy Polamalu said on how physical the practices have been. "We've been used to something (else), at least for me, the last five years, and some guys seven or eight years." 

• Steelers left outside linebackers James Harrison (ribs) and Lawrence Timmons (groin) didn't practice yesterday. The players that are first and second, respectively, on the depth chart at their position are day-to-day, Tomlin said. Timmons was sidelined for most of the Steelers' offseason practices because of a groin injury, and he recently had tests to determine the cause of it, Tomlin said. 

• The Steelers held running back Verron Haynes (knee) out of practice yesterday. Tomlin said the team is easing the veteran, who had reconstructive surgery last November, back into practice. 

• The Steelers, Tomlin said, are also trying to find a way to work linebacker Derek Rehage (thumb) into practice. Rehage has a cast on his thumb. 

• The team did get good news, as tight end Matt Spaeth returned to practice after missing some time with a minor shoulder problem. 

• Wide receiver Santonio Holmes appeared to be at full strength as he went through drills yesterday. 

"It looks as though he's good enough to go," Tomlin said. 

Holmes has been recovering from an undisclosed medical procedure. 

• Chris Jackson apparently made more of an impression on the Steelers players than he did on the coaching staff. The rookie wide receiver, who was given the nickname "Click Clack" because he wore a pair of Under Armour cleats to the team's first minicamp practice in May, was released after just a week of training camp. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder had signed with the Steelers in April as an undrafted free agent. In addition to releasing Jackson, the Steelers signed wide receiver Gerran Walker. 

• Tomlin had high praise for Max Starks after the right tackle excelled during a pass-blocking drill yesterday afternoon. 

"He's getting after people," Tomlin said. "He came (to camp) in shape. I've been impressed by him." 

Starks, a fourth-year veteran, is getting pushed for his starting job by second-year man Willie Colon. 

Colon started the final two games of the 2006 season when Starks was sidelined with a knee injury. 

• The Steelers claimed linebacker Marquis Cooper off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks yesterday and waived safety Harrison Smith. Cooper signed with the Steelers last October and was on the roster for three games. He played in two of them before getting released on Nov. 25. 

<hr /> Digits

8 - The difference between Steelers turnovers and that of their opponents last season, putting them near the bottom of the league in turnover margin. </div>

cpawfan · Jul 31, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519804.html

<h1 class="headline">Inside the ropes: July 30</h1> By Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Tuesday, July 31, 2007

<div id="storyBody"> Razzle dazzle:

Those who showed up on Monday afternoon were treated to a little gadgetry by the Steelers offense. 

An 11-on-11 snap went directly to WR Hines Ward, who ran right and threw back to QB Ben Roethlisberger, who then threw deep downfield for WR Nate Washington. 

Somewhere, former offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey was smiling. 
Still clean:

Roethlisberger emerged from yesterday afternoon's practice still having not thrown an interception in 11-on-11 play in camp. There's been a drop or two, but so far zero INTs. 

Two times two:

QB Brian St. Pierre directed a couple of touchdown-producing drives in his first opportunities to run the two-minute offense. 

On the first, St. Pierre completed passes to Washington, WR Santonio Holmes, Washington again and WR Willie Reid before the march was finished off with a draw to RB Kevan Barlow. 

On the second, St. Pierre overcame a drop by WR Dallas Baker before connecting twice with WR Walter Young, the second time in the back of the end zone. 

Him again:

For a defensive end, Brett Keisel sure seems to be getting his hands on the football a lot of late. 

On Sunday afternoon, Keisel lined up at tight end in a goal-line drill and caught a TD pass. 

Yesterday morning, Keisel dropped into coverage and registered an interception. 

Getting noticed:

DE Derrick Jones received a congratulatory slap on the helmet and enthusiastic shouts of "That's the way, Jones" from special teams coach Bob Ligashesky during a kickoff coverage drill. Ligashesky's reaction earned Jones polite applause from the grandstand. 

Physical, but not physical:

CB Bryant McFadden made contact with WR Hines Ward and knocked the ball from Ward's grasp yesterday morning. No ill will between the DBs and WRs was detectable afterward. 

Pick six:

LB Richard Koonce was down the sideline and off to the races after intercepting a sideline pass from QB Charlie Batch that had been intended for TE Matt Spaeth. 

Role reversal?:

CB Ricardo Colclough, who has been getting a long look on punt returns, worked on punt coverage yesterday morning. </div>

cpawfan · Jul 31, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519830.html

<h1 class="headline">Tomlin likes rugged first week of Steelers camp, expects more</h1> By The Associated Press
 Tuesday, July 31, 2007

<div id="storyBody"> Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu loves playing football but hates the Pittsburgh Steelers' training camp — the drudgery, the never-ending practices, the lack of free time. No wonder he and the rest of his teammates can't wait for a day off.

Guess what? Tuesday will be the ninth consecutive day of work during new coach Mike Tomlin's first camp, and there's no day off scheduled until after Sunday night's Hall of Fame exhibition game against the Saints in Canton, Ohio. 

No wonder Polamalu isn't ready to disclose what he thinks of spending nearly as much time on the practice field in a day as the Steelers would in a week of practice during the season. 

"I'll tell you in private, but not in public," he said. So far, Tomlin is getting the maximum out of his team — the maximum permissible training camp time, that is. The NFL's labor rules mandate a day off if a team hasn't had any before its first preseason game, so Aug. 6 will be the Steelers' first day off since camp opened July 23.

"It is drudgery," Tomlin said, refusing to apologize for the heavy workload. "More and more, they're showing evidence they love the game, and that's the only way we're going to be special. It comprises more than physical talent, to be special." 

Former coach Bill Cowher routinely gave his players Sundays off once two-a-day practices began, but Tomlin put his players on the field once Sunday and two more times more Monday — their 12th and 13th practices in the first eight days of camp, including the opening day conditioning drills. Two-a-days are scheduled again Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, though the Friday morning session figures to be devoted to special teams in advance of Sunday's game. 

"I wanted to get to know this football team, present some adversity to them, see who could rise up and see who had competitive spirit," Tomlin said Monday, reflecting on the overloaded first week of camp. 

As might be expected with so many practices with a number of unfamiliar coaches — six assistants are new, too — some players are beginning to get edgy. Tomlin doesn't mind that, either. 

"Week 2, this is where it probably starts to get a little miserable and you start to know people under duress and nobody feels great," Tomlin said. 

Wide receiver Hines Ward, for example, complained Saturday that the defensive backs were being too rough with wide receiver Willie Reid, who missed all but one game last season with a seriously injured foot. On Sunday, safety Tyrone Carter shoved running back Willie Parker after being beaten by Parker during a blocking drill. 

The risk with so much on-field work is an unnecessary and possibly preventable injury — one reason Reid wanted a truce to the wide receivers-vs.-defensive backs feud that began when the receivers repeatedly beat their defenders during a night practice Thursday. 

"We got all that corrected. There was just a point where everyone gets caught up in the moment sometimes and people get frustrated," said Reid, who took several hard hits from safety Anthony Smith in practice last week. "At the same time, a little contact, there's nothing wrong it as long as it's at the right time. Everybody's fine, nobody got hurt from it but, at the same time, everybody learned from it." 

Tomlin matched the receivers and defenders in drills twice Monday, but, he said, "It wasn't done in any way to create a story. If we're going to compete, that's what we've got to do." 

And what he plans to keep doing the rest of the week, too, as temperatures are forecast to reach the 90s for the first time during this camp. 

"It's getting hot and I like that — keep turning up the heat," Tomlin said. "We'll get to know them even more and they'll get to know themselves more." 

Notes: With wide receiver and kick returner Santonio Holmes practicing again after sitting out most of four days with an unspecified problem, WR Chris Jackson was released Monday. The Steelers re-signed WR Gerran Walker, who was cut July 19. ... Tomlin ended both practices Monday nearly 20 minutes early, the first time he's done that. He said, "We want to throw them a bone every now and then." ... First-round draft pick Lawrence Timmons had an MRI on the ailing groin that has sidelined him for most of five days, but the results were not revealed. </div>

cpawfan · Jul 31, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07212/805696-66.stm

<h2>Steelers Notebook: Reid, Holmes back on returns</h2> Tuesday, July 31, 2007 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td> <td></td></tr> <tr><td></td><td>Peter Diana, Post-Gazette photos
Receiver Dallas Baker holds on to the ball as Troy Polamalu defends yesterday at afternoon workouts at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. 
Click photo for larger image.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> Willie Reid is back where he should have been last season, returning punts for the Steelers.

So, too, is Santonio Holmes, who did return punts last season.

One player who had trouble returning punts has been booted. Ricardo Colclough, whose dropped punt against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third game of the season led to the Steelers' downfall in that game and perhaps to their season, is no longer a candidate.

Colclough had been part of the handful of players returning punts during the incessant special teams practices through the first week of training camp. Once Holmes became healthy enough to practice, he bumped Colclough from the rotation.

But first up yesterday was Reid, whom the Steelers drafted in the third round last season in part because he was such a good return man at Florida State. His 15.4-yard punt return average set a school record, and he scored three times on punt returns in 2005.

Yet, he did not dress for the first three games of the season. It wasn't until after Colclough's costly fumble that Reid dressed for the fourth game to return punts. A foot injury in that game cost him the rest of the season. 

He, too, thought he would return punts and kickoffs as a rookie from the start.

"Yeah, honestly I did. It wasn't my decision, it was the coaches' decision. They went with the best decision they thought was right at the time. So I have no hard feelings about it."

Reid's just happy to be doing it now. 

"It feels real good to get my feet wet and do some nice things out there."

Holmes became the full-time punt returner after Reid's injury and averaged a healthy 10.2 yards on 26 returns and one touchdown.

Thin on the outside

Lawrence Timmons continues to prowl the sideline at Chuck Noll Field. He has had three full practices, counting spring and summer, since the Steelers made him the 15th overall pick in the draft.

He was injured in his first spring practice with the Steelers. He went through two full practices last Tuesday, their first. They had a special teams drill Wednesday morning followed by a full practice that afternoon, and he was injured Thursday.

It's a re-injury of his groin on what he termed "side to side movement, that's all." The Steelers also are eager to see what he can do. There's not much experience behind their two starting outside linebackers. 

"We're still keeping it day to day but I'm feeling better," Timmons said. "Everything was positive."

With Timmons and now James Harrison (ribs) out for the second day, linebacker Clark Haggans moved again from the left side to the right. Rookie LaMarr Woodley ran with the first team at left outside linebacker. The move is an obvious way to get Woodley some more repetitions. 

Timmons had some tests done to determine the extent of his injuries, but coach Mike Tomlin would not say what.

"I don't want to state it," he said. "I might mess the letters up."

'Nice guy' trims practice

The Steelers held two full practices yesterday, although Tomlin cut each scheduled two-hour practice by 20 minutes on a hot day in the Laurel Lowlands. 

"I'm a nice guy," Tomlin explained. "These guys are working extremely hard. It's easy to subtract, tough to add. They've played with energy and enthusiasm and we want to throw them a bone every now and then."

If anyone thought the first week of Tomlin's first camp was tough, week two started yesterday.

"Week two, this is where it probably gets a little miserable," Tomlin said. "You get to know people under duress. Nobody feels great. It's getting hot, I like that; keep turning up the heat. We'll get to know them more, they'll get to know themselves more."

Roster shuffle

The Steelers shuffled their training camp roster for the first time yesterday.

They released first-year safety Harrison Smith and claimed linebacker Marquis Cooper off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks.

Cooper, a four-year veteran with 28 tackles in 30 games, signed with the Steelers Oct. 31, 2006, played in two games and was inactive for a third before being released Nov. 25. He played two seasons, 2004-05, with Tampa Bay, making a career-high 18 tackles in '05, and in four games last season with Seattle.

Smith signed with the Steelers as a free agent Jan. 12, 2007. He began his pro career with the Detroit Lions in '06 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of California, but was released before the regular season.

The Steelers also released rookie wide receiver Chris Jackson and re-signed first-year wide receiver Gerran Walker, who was released four days before training camp began. Jackson played at Millsaps, Walker at Lehigh. 

Keisel scores again

The coaching staff promised they would put defensive end Brett Keisel's versatility on display, but no one thought it would be like this. 

Keisel caught his second touchdown pass in two days. Yesterday's was a little different yet a little more conventional for his position -- he intercepted a Charlie Batch pass and returned it for what would have been a score in the morning. On Sunday, he lined up as a tight end in a goal-line practice and caught a touchdown pass.

The coaches want to move Keisel around more in their defense to take advantage of his abilities and to help confuse offenses.

His interception yesterday came in the dime defense where he lined up in a three-point stance with Haggans to his right. He engaged the guard, then stood up and dropped into pass coverage.

cpawfan · Aug 1, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520000.html

<h1 class="headline">Steelers' Parker takes mystery break</h1> By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Wednesday, August 1, 2007

<div id="storyBody"> The Steelers and Willie Parker weren't exactly forthcoming about why the Pro Bowl running back didn't practice Tuesday afternoon. Parker said, "Sometimes you need to take a break," but he added that he won't practice again today. When asked if he had hurt his knee, he referred reporters to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin said Parker and veteran defensive linemen Chris Hoke and Travis Kirschke didn't practice yesterday afternoon because he wanted to give them a break so "we keep our horses up and running." Tomlin said Parker doesn't have an issue with his knee.

• The Steelers were again without right outside linebackers James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons yesterday. Harrison, who is expected to start at Joey Porter's old position, is nursing sore ribs. Timmons, the team's No. 1 pick in April's draft, hasn't practiced since re-aggravating a groin injury last Thursday. Darnell Stapleton hyperextended his knee Monday and didn't practice yesterday. Stapleton, a rookie guard who signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent, probably won't practice today but the injury isn't considered serious. 

• The team devoted their one-hour practice yesterday to special teams. They also worked on special teams during their afternoon practice. 

• The Steelers practice from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 2:55 p.m. to 5 p.m. today. The second practice is open to the public. <hr /> Digits <div class="story_bigbox">story continues below</div>
<div align="center"> </div>

7 - Wins the Steelers have against the New Orleans Saints in 10 exhibition games.

8 - Players from the University of Michigan that are expected to play in Sunday's Hall of Fame game between the Steelers and Saints. </div>

cpawfan · Aug 1, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_519996.html

<h1 class="headline">Steelers' Reed makes pressure kick</h1> By Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Jeff Reed proved he could keep a secret and make a money kick Tuesday afternoon, connecting from 42 yards out and earning his teammates an early exit from practice.

Head coach Mike Tomlin had informed Reed on Monday night of his plan to attempt a make-it-or-keep-practicing field goal. 

Reed remained mum and the bulk of the Steelers didn't find out what was at stake until Tomlin called the team to the center of the field for a huddle after Reed and Connor Hughes had attempted three field goals each. 

Once Reed's kick split the uprights, an 11-on-11 team period was canceled, giving the Steelers approximately 20 minutes off. Reed had missed from 38 yards out on the last of his three attempts, his first miss into a regulation set of uprights in camp. <hr /> 3 for 3: Hughes hit from 30, 35 and 37 yards out during his three attempts from formation. <hr /> Take me out, coach: WR Nate Washington was hit in the groin with a pass while standing on the sideline. Washington immediately dropped to the ground in mock agony and began hollering "trainer, trainer" and "I'm out for the day." <hr /> Charlie's turn: QB Charlie Batch and QB Brian St. Pierre took their turns running the no-huddle offense. The no-huddle session included a nice pass break-up by CB Bryant McFadden on a ball intended for WR Santonio Holmes, a dropped interception by CB Grant Mason and dropped passes by RB Verron Haynes and WR Gerran Walker. <hr /> Play of the day: Batch hit WR Dallas Baker for a long TD that beat the coverage of FS Anthony Smith in 11-on-11 work.

Smith received a little individual instruction from defensive backs coach Ray Horton following the play. 

TE Jon Dekker dropped a pass from Batch. <hr /> Special attention: CB Ricardo Colclough worked on punt returns again. CB Jovon Johnson muffed a punt. <hr /> Still the man in black: Tomlin didn't alter the color scheme of his wardrobe, but he wore black shorts rather than long black pants with his black shirt yesterday.

cpawfan · Aug 1, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07213/805954-66.stm

By Dan Gigler & Ed Bouchette
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Among the many position battles -- running backs, wide receivers, cornerbacks, lineman, free safeties -- being fought for in the Steelers 2007 Training Camp, at least one has been settled.









Kendall Simmons will be the Steelers' starting right guard this season, having locked up the position with an impressive showing thus far in camp.

When the Steelers signed veteran lineman Sean Mahan in the offseason from Tampa Bay, Simmons job could have been in jeopardy as he, Mahan, and Chukky Okobi would play "musical lineman" -- three guys battling for two positions -- right guard and center. 

Now Mahan and Okobi will battle for the center's spot, as Simmons has the guard position sealed. Ed Bouchette reports on that, as well as an unorthodox end to Tuesday's practice.

cpawfan · Aug 1, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07213/805863-66.stm

<h2>Steelers Notebook: Reed's kick gives team a break</h2> Wednesday, August 01, 2007 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td> <td></td></tr> <tr><td></td><td>Peter Diana, Post-Gazette photos
Hines Ward, Carey Davis, Ben Roethlisberger and coach Mike Tomlin watch as kicker Jeff Reed makes a 42-yard field goal to end practice yesterday in Latrobe. 
Click photo for larger image.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> Perhaps Scott Norwood's 47-yard field goal try in Super Bowl XXV or Adam Vinatieri's two Super Bowl winners for the New England Patriots were more important.

Yet, as kicks go at training camp, few carried more pressure than the 42-yarder from the right hash Jeff Reed lined up yesterday at 4:28 p.m. in a broiling sun at Saint Vincent College.

The Steelers' first-team defense was on the other side. For some odd reason, fans jeered from the stands. And coach Mike Tomlin minutes earlier told the entire team that if Reed made the kick, practice would be over for the day; if he missed, it would go another 30 minutes with a physical 11-on-11 practice.

Ten days into their most grueling pro training camp with the Steelers, 30 minutes off was as welcome by players as a bye week.

"Coach Tomlin mentioned it to me and told me to keep my mouth shut and not tell anybody else," Reed said of a Monday night meeting with him. "Actually, it was worse that he did mention it because I thought about it all night last night and didn't want to let my team down."

He did not. The kick went through, and the Steelers celebrated their first small victory. Tomlin also had accomplished something, actually putting some pressure on his kicker and rewarding his players at the same time.

"I asked him to keep it to himself, just so he could sleep on it a little bit," Tomlin said. "He wore it well and he delivered for his teammates, and, really, that's what training camp's about. We're pitting these guys against each other, coming out and competing every day. I wanted to provide that same opportunity for Jeff."







<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>A player pushes a sled in front of fans and the time clock during afternoon workouts yesterday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. 
Click photo for larger image.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> Getting a rest

Tomlin has given some veterans a practice off here and there. Yesterday, Willie Parker, Travis Kirschke and Chris Hoke did not have to practice. Verron Haynes got the day off Monday.

"We're trying to take care of some guys," Tomlin said.

Rookie offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton missed practice, too, only his absence was because of injury (hyperextended knee). Tomlin said he may miss a few days.

Starting linebacker James Harrison (shoulder) and first-year linebacker Derek Rehage (thumb) also missed practice.

Tomlin tests rookie punter, too

Rookie punter Daniel Sepulveda watched in the afternoon as Mike Barr handled much of the punting. Sepulveda still feels the effects of a first-day punt count of 72 that Tomlin purposely had him do.

"I want to see what he can handle," Tomlin said. "He has to be a big guy for us, of course. You see what he's capable of out here on day-to-day basis, but we want to see him under adverse conditions and some of those are fatigue when he's leg-weary, and that's what football season is all about."

Walsh's legacy

The West Coast offense is not the only thing Bill Walsh left as his legacy. He also blazed a path for minority hiring in NFL coaching circles and in the front office.

That's the opinion of longtime Steelers scout Bill Nunn, who dug out some gems at small black colleges in the late 1960s and early 1970s that helped to fuel four Super Bowl victories in Pittsburgh.







<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Steelers running back Willie Parker gets the afternoon off and keeps cool with his jersey yesterday. 
Click photo for larger image.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> "I feel he did a lot to open up minority hiring in the league when he got to San Francisco," Nunn said as he watched the Steelers practice at Saint Vincent College. "He opened a lot of doors early before it became popular."

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, there no Rooney Rule and there were precious few black men on NFL coaching staffs. Fewer worked in the front office. Walsh helped to change that, but never drew attention to what he did. He quietly hired Dr. Harry Edwards, a black sociology professor at Cal-Berkeley, to assist the 49ers in 1985. He also hired Dennis Green in 1978.

Kreider bucks trends

Dan Kreider's role likely will be reduced this year because there will be more use of one back in the Steelers' offense. But here's a fullback who quietly has made a good, long career after not being drafted. He also has avoided, so far, those dreaded physical ailments that always seem to cut down fullbacks too early.

Tim Lester, the first blocking back for Jerome Bettis, was forced out of the game because of shoulder problems. Jon Witman finally had to give it up because of back problems. Those are two telltale career hazards for a football player whose job description is running and slamming his body into others usually bigger than he is.

Kreider, 30, has been among the best blocking fullbacks in the AFC for a long time. He also has not shown signs of back/shoulder problems that dogged Lester and Witman.

Timmons sits, falls behind

Outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin) missed his fifth consecutive day of practice yesterday, and it is not known when he will return.

Even though Timmons has done a good job learning the playbook, his missed time on the practice field is "quite a setback," said linebackers coach Keith Butler.

"To play linebacker in this system, you don't get comfortable till the second or third year," Butler said. "He's a smart kid. He can sit there and tell me on the sideline what he's supposed to do, but when the bullets start flying we don't slow it down for him in a game.

"He's got to be able to quickly think about it."

Colclough fields some kicks

When the Steelers worked on kickoff returns yesterday morning, wide receiver Willie Reid and free-agent running back Gary Russell handled the first two returns. On the third, cornerback Ricardo Colclough -- the same player who muffed several kicks and punts last season -- handled the return.

cpawfan · Aug 1, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520245.html

<h1 class="headline">Inside the ropes: Aug. 1</h1> By Joe Starkey
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
 Thursday, August 2, 2007

The secondary shone in 11-on-11 play, making four interceptions during the morning session. That included a spectacular, leaping pick of a Brian St. Pierre pass by free agent Grant Mason (Michigan). Fittingly, the session ended with an interception by free agent cornerback Jovon Johnson (Iowa). This prompted much celebrating among the defensive backs.

"They say it's contagious," said cornerback Ike Taylor. "Hopefully, we can keep it going. ... It's hard for us to make plays, so when we do, we have to celebrate a little bit." <hr /> He's alive!: First-round draft pick Lawrence Timmons (groin) once again sat out practice, but he did do some pass-defense drills with team orthopedist Dr. James Bradley, who would hold out a ball and move it in the direction he wanted Timmons to go. <hr /> Safety first: Strong safety Troy Polamalu made the play of the day when he reached over Heath Miller's right shoulder and intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass. Miller dropped a pass from Charlie Batch earlier in the session. <hr /> Go, Willie, Go!: Second-year receiver Willie Reid continued to impress from the slot position. On one play, Reid hauled in a short pass over the middle from Batch and sped down the right sideline toward the end zone. On another, he burned Grant Mason, which prompted coach Mike Tomlin to yell, "Hey, Willie Reid, all right!" <hr /> Trickery: The kicking game got crazy late in the afternoon session. First, holder Daniel Sepulveda took a snap on a field-goal attempt, picked it up and raced around the right end. Later, the team lined up for a 52-yard field-goal attempt, and kicker Jeff Reed took a direct snap and pooch-punted. When Reed went to cover the kick, he was on a collision course with linebacker Clark Haggans and ducked out of bounds. Reed turned to reporters, laughed, and said, "He would have kicked my (butt)." <hr /> Nice haul: The receivers had their moments during 11-on-11 play in the morning session, particularly on a series of red-zone plays that started at the 15-yard line. Santonio Holmes made a leaping touchdown catch in front of Bryant McFadden, and Walter Young jumped high in front of Taylor and landed with both feet in-bounds in the back of the end zone. Later, in the middle of the field, Hines Ward made a one-handed catch in front of Taylor. <hr /> Legends of the game: Hall of Famers Joe Greene and Franco Harris watched part of the afternoon session together on the hill behind the bleachers at newly christened Chuck Noll Field. <hr /> Getting his kicks: Directional punting wasn't supposed to be rookie Daniel Sepulveda's strongsuit, but he put on an impressive display of it during the morning session. Sepulveda seemingly placed the ball wherever he wanted -- left sideline, right sideline, down the middle. <hr /> Warding them off: On a red-zone play in the afternoon session, the Steelers lined up with three tight ends, a wide receiver (Ward) and a running back (Najeh Davenport). QB Charlie Batch connected with Ward on a short touchdown pass.

cpawfan · Aug 1, 2007

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520220.html

<h1 class="headline">First Polamalu, now Keisel as Steelers seek to disguise defense </h1> By The Associated Press
 Thursday, August 2, 2007

<div id="storyBody"> LATROBE, Pa. - Brett Keisel is a pass-rushing defensive right end who put more pressure on the quarterback last season than any other Pittsburgh Steelers player.

At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Keisel doesn't begin to resemble in size or makeup the more mobile Troy Polamalu, the Steelers' evasive strong safety. 

But, to take advantage of Keisel's ability to get to the quarterback, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is experimenting with having Keisel be something of a Polamalu Part II -- a player who moves, shifts and flip-flops positions from down to down. 

LeBeau, who was retained by new Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, believes Keisel can be as disruptive and deceptive as Polamalu is when he moves in from the deep secondary to line up as an outside or inside linebacker. Think Polamalu, but in a size XXXL.

Keisel still lines up at his customary position of right defensive end but, just before the snap, he may stand up and become an outside linebacker. 

At other times, Keisel may shift from one side of the line to the other immediately ahead of the snap, possibly creating overloads that offenses will find difficult to manage when they have two linemen trying to block three defenders. 

"That's what training camp's for, to get comfortable with everything so it's second nature," Keisel said. 

Some players find it hard to adjust from putting their hand on the ground as a defensive lineman to being upright as a linebacker, but Keisel feels comfortable doing either. His ability to play numerous positions could help transform the Steelers from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense within a season or so. 

"It is fun, man," Keisel said. "I really enjoy it so far. I just hope it works and we can use it in every game. I think it can definitely cause the offense problems and hopefully it will work." 

While Keisel is listed as a defensive end, LeBeau considers him to be a roving linebacker -- the Steelers' biggest linebacker since Levon Kirkland played there at nearly 300 pounds. Keisel can move for a big man and has played on special teams in the past. 

The AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens used the 6-2, 270-pound Adalius Thomas in a similar role last season, but he signed with New England during the offseason. 

Since LeBeau came to him with the idea, Keisel has studied how the 5-10, 207-pound Polamalu -- a Pro Bowl player each of the last three seasons -- adjusts from positioning himself near the line on one play but drops 15 yards back into coverage on the next. Keisel may occasionally drop into pass coverage himself, something not many 285-pounders do in the NFL. 

"Troy is definitely the master of deception," Keisel said. "He looks like he's rushing, and he'll get back into the deep third (of the coverage), and I'm trying to learn from him and see how it goes." 

With longtime starting outside linebacker Joey Porter gone after being released, the Steelers are looking at various ways to improve a pass rush that was limited to 39 sacks last season -- their third fewest in the last 15 seasons. 

Porter had a team-high seven sacks last season, but Keisel was credited with pressuring the quarterback 23 times, or nearly twice as many as Porter's 12. 

"Troy's still moving around, so we're both kind of doing our own little thing," Keisel said. "It's kind of neat." 

Notes: Keisel is signed through 2009, so the Steelers don't risk making major changes with him only to lose him in free agency. ... The Steelers will hold the second of their two evening practices Thursday, this one at the new Chuck Noll Field at Saint Vincent College. The 1,500-seat stadium will be dedicated before the practice starts at 5:30 p.m. ... Arnold Palmer, who lives part of the year in Latrobe, will take part. ... The early start time is required because the field has no lights. Last Friday's night practice was held at Latrobe High's stadium, which has lights. </div>

Log in or Sign up

Training Camp 2007

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Training Camp 2007

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

cpawfan Monsters do exist

Share This Page

Useful Searches