http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520246.html</p> </p> • Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff have had discussions on how long the starters will play in the Steelers' first exhibition game Sunday in Canton, Ohio. The starters don't figure to stay on the field long in the 8 p.m. game against the New Orleans Saints since it is the Steelers' first preseason game and they have an extra exhibition game this year. </p> "We'll continue to monitor (it) until we get closer to the game," Tomlin said of when a decision will be made, "because we do have more work to do out here." </p> • Tomlin usually wears a long-sleeved shirt and long pants during practice. The first-year Steelers coach always wears black, which is about the last color most folks would choose if they are going to spend a significant part of the day outside in August. There is, however, a method to Tomlin's madness. </p> "It's part of the mental warfare," Tomlin said. "I don't want guys to come up to me and talk about how hot it is because they know I don't care. That's part of it. I hope it gets hotter." </p> • The Steelers will dedicate the new football field at St. Vincent College to legendary coach Chuck Noll before today's late afternoon practice. The dedication is scheduled for 4:55 p.m., and it will precede the Steelers' 5:30 p.m. practice. Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and president Art Rooney II as well as several former players will be on hand for the ceremony. St. Vincent is fielding a football team this year, and the new field has bleachers as well as a press box that bears Noll's name. Both the ceremony and practice that follows are free and open to the public. Fans are encouraged to arrive early if they plan to attend either. </p> • Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris visited St. Vincent College yesterday and watched the Steelers' afternoon practice. ... The heat index for the afternoon practice exceeded 100 degrees on the field. ... The practice scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m. today is not open to the public. </p><hr /> Digits 337 - Carries Willie Parker had last season, fifth most (tied) in the NFL. </p> 98 - Points kicker Jeff Reed needs this season to pass Franco Harris and move into third place on the Steelers' all-time scoring list. </p> </p>
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520233.html</p> </p><h1 class="headline">Steelers' minor injuries mount</h1> <span class="boldgrey"> By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW </span> <span class="greytext">Thursday, August 2, 2007</span> Willie Parker watched the morning practice with his left knee wrapped in ice. James Harrison didn't participate in either practice Wednesday and said he will not play in the Steelers' first exhibition game Sunday. Training camp is slowly taking its toll on the Steelers, and coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged that yesterday on what has been the hottest day of training camp thus far. </p> "The body starts to break down," Tomlin said of preseason practice, "and that's part of it." </p> Indeed, the Steelers haven't had any major injuries, just a series of nagging ones that are more of an inconvenience than an issue for the new head coach. </p>Parker has inflammation in his left knee, and it looks unlikely that the Pro Bowl running back will play in the Hall of Fame game against the New Orleans Saints, though Tomlin has yet to rule it out. Harrison (ribs) and fellow right outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin) also didn't practice yesterday. </p> Parker, who rushed for 1,494 yards last season and scored 16 touchdowns, didn't practice Tuesday either, and Tomlin said the team is monitoring how his knee responds to treatment and rest. </p> "You can really characterize it as training camp knee," Tomlin said of what has sidelined Parker, "but he's going to be fine." </p> Tomlin hopes to be able to say the same thing about Timmons. Just as in offseason minicamp and OTA practices, Timmons hasn't done much in training camp because of a recurring groin problem. </p> The team's first-round pick in April has been day-to-day since re-aggravating a groin injury last Thursday. </p> When asked when he expects Timmons to return to the field, Tomlin said, "I'm hoping very soon, and I'm sure he feels the same way but we've got to put one foot in front of the other and see where it goes." </p> Given how much time he has missed and how much he still has to learn since he is a rookie, Timmons seems like a long shot to play Sunday even if he is healthy. He likely would have received extra playing time since Harrison, who is in front of Timmons on the depth chart, won't play in the 8 p.m. game in Canton, Ohio. </p> Having to watch instead of play will take a little out of the homecoming for Harrison (he grew up in nearby Akron). </p> "I wanted to play because it was a football game," Harrison said. </p> But the Steelers are erring on the side of caution with Harrison, Joey Porter's replacement, and likely will do the same with Parker and Timmons. </p> Tomlin showed yesterday that he is well aware of how rigorous training camp can be as he had the quarterbacks behind Ben Roethlisberger take the majority of the snaps so Roethlisberger could rest his arm. </p> "We tried to unload Ben a little bit today," Tomlin said, "give the other guys some work so his arm doesn't get weary." </p> Note: Linebacker Derek Rehage (thumb) and offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton (knee) also didn't practice yesterday. </p> </p>
The Trib's writers have a Training Camp Blog</p> </p> http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...lers/blog/camp/ </p>
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07214/806389-66.stm</p> </p><h2>Steelers dedicate Chuck Noll Field today</h2> <p style="text-indent: 0px">Thursday, August 02, 2007</p> Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The Steelers and Saint Vincent College will dedicate the school's new Chuck Noll Field today in a ceremony before practice. </p> Steelers alumni also will be on hand as team president Art Rooney and Saint Vincent Archabbot Douglas Nowicki and President Jim Towey conduct the ceremony at 4:55 p.m. in honor of the Steelers' hall of Fame coach. </p> A Steelers practice, open to the public, will follow at 5:30 p.m. on the new field. The team has practiced at the Saint Vincent field for the past 41 summers.</p> </p> </p>
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07214/806274-66.stm</p> </p><h2>Steelers Notebook: Roethlisberger gets break from the rigors of camp</h2> <p style="text-indent: 0px">Thursday, August 02, 2007</p> By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette </p> </p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td> <td></td></tr> <tr><td></td><td><font face="arial" size="1">Matt Freed, Post-Gazette photos</font> <font face="arial" size="2">Ian Costanzo of Irwin holds Jason Molinaro, 8, of Plum on his shoulders to get a view of the Steelers before the start of camp yesterday at Saint Vincent College. </font> <font face="arial" size="1">Click photo for larger image.</font></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> Mike Tomlin eased off the pedal with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after he saw him throw for a week. Yesterday, Roethlisberger threw less and his backups enjoyed more chances to play the position.</p> "We tried to unload Ben a little bit today, give the other guys some work so his arm doesn't get weary," Tomlin said.</p> He will do the same thing with backup Charlie Batch in practice today. Brian St. Pierre and Bryan Randall are the other two quarterbacks, and those two are likely to get the brunt of playing time Sunday night in Canton, Ohio.</p> "It's just part of the process of team building and getting these guys through," Tomlin said. "They trust us to challenge them and make this camp tough, like it should be. But at the same time they trust us to take care of them and that's what we're doing."</p> Tomlin has not said whether he wants to keep two or three quarterbacks. Under Bill Cowher, the Steelers sometimes kept two and sometimes three on the roster. When they had two, they usually kept another on their practice squad.</p> For the record, St. Pierre is no longer eligible to be on the practice squad, Randall is.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Injury update</font></p> Linebackers James Harrison (ribs) and rookie Lawrence Timmons (groin) did not practice again yesterday, but Tomlin reported their health as improving.</p> "James Harrison is getting better; we're being cautious with him but he's progressing."</p> </p> </p> </p> </p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><font face="arial" size="2">Ben Roethlisberger jokes with teammates as he takes a break yesterday. </font> <font face="arial" size="1">Click photo for larger image.</font></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> Timmons will return "hopefully, very soon, and I'm sure he feels the same way. But we'll put one foot in front of the other and see where it goes." LB Derek Rehage (thumb) and rookie OL Darnell Stapleton (knee) remained out.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Field dedication</font></p> Officials from the Steelers and Saint Vincent College will dedicate the school's new Chuck Noll Field tomorrow in a ceremony before practice.</p> Steelers alumni also will be on hand as team president Art Rooney and Saint Vincent Archabbot Douglas Nowicki and President Jim Towey conduct the ceremony at 4:55 p.m. in honor of the Steelers' hall of Fame coach.</p> A Steelers practice, open to the public, will follow at 5:30 p.m. on the new field.</p> The field, where the Steelers have practiced the past 41 summers, also will play host to the first Saint Vincent College intercollegiate football team since 1962 under head coach Bob Colbert.</p> </p> </p> </p> </p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><font face="arial" size="2">Don't tell him it's hot outside. Coach Mike Tomlin's all-black wardrobe is part of his "mental warfare" on the team. </font> <font face="arial" size="1">Click photo for larger image.</font></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> <p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Wardrobe warfare</font></p> Tomlin has worn black every day of training camp, but for the past two days he's at least in shorts and not the long pants he wore last week. He's still wearing long-sleeved black shirts, though, as temperatures hover around the 90s at Saint Vincent.</p> Finally, yesterday, he let on why.</p> "It's part of the mental warfare. I don't want guys coming up to me and talking about how hot it is because they know I don't care. And that's part of it. I hope it gets hotter."</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Quick hits</font></p> There were four interceptions during an 11 on 11 morning practice. ... Tomlin praised the play of his offensive line: "I think they're coming together, they're becoming a cohesive group. It shows." ... And on Willie Reid and the fact he hardly played last season because of a foot injury: "I try not to have preconceived notions what guys are capable of. I like what I've seen of him." </p> </p>
In the video diary from the Post-Gazette's reporter, Cedrick Wilson is unhappy with how he is being used in camp </p> </p> </p> http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07214/806277-66.stm </p>
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07214/806273-66.stm</p> </p><h2>Parker misses another day of workouts</h2> <h3>'Training camp knee' slowing running back</h3> <p style="text-indent: 0px">Thursday, August 02, 2007</p> By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette </p> </p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td> <td></td></tr> <tr><td></td><td><font face="arial" size="1">Matt Freed, Post-Gazette </font> <font face="arial" size="2">Injured running back Willie Parker sits on the bench at training camp yesterday. Parker will not play Sunday in the Steelers' first exhibition game against New Orleans in Canton, Ohio.</font> </td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> Halfback Willie Parker has swelling in his left knee and will not play in the Steelers' first exhibition game Sunday night against New Orleans in Canton, Ohio. Parker is unlikely to practice the rest of the week after missing consecutive days with slight soreness and inflammation of the knee.</p> Coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the extent of the injury and called it "training camp knee."</p> "He's going to be fine," Tomlin said. "We're going to give him a little rest. When that thing calms down a little bit, I'm sure he'll be ready to get back out."</p> Tomlin did not officially rule Parker out of Sunday's game, saying it was a possibility, but a well-placed source said he won't dress against the Saints.</p> That means that Najeh Davenport likely will replace him as the starter, as he has with the first team in practice. Davenport has looked good in his first Steelers training camp. Tomlin coached the secondary at Tampa Bay when Davenport was in top form with the Green Bay Packers.</p> "And he looks like that guy," Tomlin said. "He gutted us pretty good in Tampa one year, about 75 yards on 14 carries. I have a sick memory, I don't know why I remember that."</p> Parker's absence also opens the doors for other backs. Yesterday, Carey Davis took his turn after Davenport, followed by Kevan Barlow, Verron Haynes, rookie Gary Russell, Larry Croom and John Kuhn.</p> "That's's exactly what injuries are about -- it's unfortunate for someone but it's an opportunity for someone else," Tomlin said. "I look forward to seeing what those other guys will do with the opportunities they get." </p> </p>
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520599.html</p> </p><h1 class="headline">Parker, Timmons sit out practice</h1> <span class="boldgrey"> By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW </span> <span class="greytext">Friday, August 3, 2007</span> Running back Willie Parker (knee), offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton (knee surgery), linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin), linebacker James Harrison (ribs) and center Sean Mahan (excused absence/personal reasons) didn't practice Friday afternoon. Marvin Philip and right guard Kendall Simmons took snaps at center in Mahan's absence. </p> Game plans </p> Parker, Stapleton and Timmons have been ruled out of Sunday night's preseason opener against New Orleans, coach Mike Tomlin said. </p>Tomlin left the door open to Harrison participating. Harrison told the Tribune-Review this week that he wasn't playing. Clark Haggans said yesterday he would be starting at Harrison's normal right outside linebacker spot. Rookie No. 2 pick LaMarr Woodley will start in Haggans' normal left outside linebacker position. </p> Najeh Davenport will start at running back in place of Parker. Willie Reid will be the first employed on punt and kickoff returns. </p> Linebacker moves </p> The Steelers released outside linebacker Marcello Church, a rookie from Florida State, and replaced him with outside linebacker Matt King, a rookie from Maine. </p> King, 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, had been signed by the New York Jets as a rookie-free agent and then released. </p> The Steelers also released linebacker Derek Rehage yesterday. Rehage, a roster exemption since he played in NFL Europe this spring, had not practiced during training camp because of a thumb injury. </p> Eye-catching attire </p> Tomlin arrived for his press conference yesterday wearing a white Steelers shirt and joked that he wanted to give the writers something to write about. </p> He has expressed surprise bordering on amazement that his choice of all-black-all-the-time attire at practice and whether he's shaved on a particular day have become media topics. </p> "I'm starting to get it," Tomlin said. </p> </p>
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07215/806640-66.stm</p> </p><h2>Steelers Notebook: Tomlin traveled I-35W bridge</h2> <p style="text-indent: 0px">Friday, August 03, 2007</p> By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Coach Mike Tomlin said it scares him to think how many times he drove across the Interstate 35 West bridge in Minneapolis. Rookie Matt Spaeth was unnerved because the bridge is a link across the Mississippi River to the University of Minnesota campus where he played and just a couple blocks from where he lived.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="240" align="right"><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><font face="arial" size="1">John Heller, Post-Gazette <font size="2">Chancellor Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, center, leads the crowd in prayer at the dedication of Chuck Noll Field yesterday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.</font> <font face="arial" size="1">Click photo for larger image.</font></font></td></tr></tbody></table> And veteran safety Tyrone Carter said he has a fear of driving across bridges over water, like the I-35W bridge he would cross when he played at Minnesota and with the Minnesota Vikings.</p> However, none of them said they knew anybody who was on the bridge when it buckled and collapsed in rush-hour traffic Wednesday night.</p> "Everybody I know is really down south in Mankato at camp," said Tomlin, referring to the Vikings' summer training-camp site. "I never used that bridge going to work because we were in Eden Prairie, but the number of times I've gone across that in the last year I can't count."</p> Tomlin spent one season as the Vikings' defensive coordinator before coming to the Steelers. So he did not spend as much time in Minneapolis as Carter, who played three seasons with the Vikings after graduating from Minnesota; or even Spaeth, who grew up in St. Michael, Minn., less than a half-hour away, and spent five seasons, including a redshirt year, with the Gophers.</p> "Right there, where the bridge [collapsed], that's where all the current is in the water," Carter said. "It's like a dike right there. I saw the pictures last night and it looked devastating. That's tough, man."</p> Spaeth said he had come out of a team meeting when he heard about the bridge collapse and immediately turned on the television to see the horrific images. Then he phoned his family and some of his friends to make sure they were OK.</p> "After you see it on TV, the initial shock is kind of like awe, like how did this happen," Spaeth said. "Then you get like scared because you have a lot of friends and a lot of family back home.</p> "I made a lot of phone calls. I called my family, first and foremost, but we're a little ways away [in St. Michael]. I was more concerned about all my friends on campus because it's so close and the chances of them being there [on the bridge] are a lot greater."</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font size="2"><u><font face="Arial">Parker out</font></u></font></p> Running back Willie Parker had his left knee heavily bandaged with ice as he walked off the practice field yesterday morning and said he would not play in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. Parker said he did not know when he would return to practice, but indicated the injury was nothing serious.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font size="2"><u><font face="Arial">Noll Field dedication</font></u></font></p> Chuck Noll Field -- the name for the new football home for Saint Vincent College -- was officially dedicated with an afternoon ceremony that featured Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, team president Art Rooney II, several former Steelers players and former running back coach Dick Hoak, who retired after the 2006 season.</p> The Rooneys were joined by Saint Vincent Archabbot Douglas Nowicki and president Jim Towey. The field was dedicated before the Steelers' evening practice.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font size="2"><u><font face="Arial">Go through proper channels</font></u></font></p> After complaining he wasn't being thrown the ball enough, receiver Cedrick Wilson caught two passes in 11-on-11, one from Ben Roethlisberger and the other from No. 3 quarterback Brian St. Pierre.</p> "A wideout who's not upset about not getting the ball, I'm concerned about that," Tomlin said. "He's got to do a better job of expressing it to the right people. Go to somebody who can help solve the problem."</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font size="2"><u><font face="Arial">Getting better</font></u></font></p> The Steelers held another goal-line drill toward the end of practice and this time the offense won the best-of-seven drill, 4-3.</p> The decisive score came when St. Pierre threw a touchdown to Spaeth in the back of the end zone. St. Pierre also threw a touchdown to tight end Jon Dekker.</p> However, the drill lacked the passion and intensity of some of the goal-line drills during camp.</p> "The guys are getting better, getting crisper, but by no means are we a finished product," Tomlin said.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font size="2"><u><font face="Arial">Quick hits</font></u></font></p> Rookie free-agent offensive line man Darnell Stapleton will have surgery today for a lateral meniscus tear in his knee and will be out a minimum three weeks. "We'll know more about the recovery after the procedure," Tomlin said. ... Outside linebacker James Harrison (ribs) and rookie outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin) remain out. Free agent linebacker Marcello Church (groin) also did not practice. ... Tomlin canceled today's morning practice. The team will practice at 2:55 p.m. in a session that's open to the public.</p> </p>
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520596.html</p> </p><h1 class="headline">Inside the Ropes: August 3</h1> <span class="boldgrey"> By Joe Starkey TRIBUNE-REVIEW </span> <span class="greytext">Saturday, August 4, 2007</span> Only a handful of NFL offensive coordinators will be inside the ropes like Bruce Arians, who will work on the sidelines during games. Most offensive coordinators work from the press box. Arians figures he will save valuable clock time by calling plays from the sideline. Plus, only a coach on the sideline can communicate electronically with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger before the snap of the ball. One other thing: "I like looking at players eye-to-eye and getting the pulse of the game," Arians said Friday. The Steelers' offensive eye in the sky - and the guy in constant communication with Arians during games - will be quarterbacks coach Ken Anderson. Be like Mike: Former West Virginia star Mike Lorello, in his second Steelers training camp, made the defensive play of the day in 11-on-11. The simulated situation was 24 seconds left in the first half with the Steelers on the opposing 20-yard line. Ben Roethlisberger fired toward Nate Washington at the goal line, but Lorello leaped in front of Washington for the interception. "Right place at right time, I guess," Lorello said. Lorello will get a chance to work all the special teams units in Sunday's preseason opener. "It's a big chance for me," he said. "I feel much better this year than I did last year. It's hard being a rookie." </p> Windy city: One child held a sign that read: "I drove all the way from Chicago to see Hines & Ben." </p> Dallas downfield: Rookie receiver Dallas Baker made a leaping touchdown grab in a Hail Mary situation. The catch: The defensive backs were told to "stay on the ground" to avoid injuries, so nobody jumped against Baker. </p>Safety first: No one will accuse the Steelers of skimping on special teams work in camp. They spent considerable time on after-safety kickoff situations yesterday. "You have to line up behind the ball to be onside!" yelled special teams coach Bob Ligashesky. The team also worked extensively on on-side kicks. Catch of the day: Rasheed Marshall, a converted quarterback trying to make the club on special teams and as a reserve receiver, made a one-handed, over-the-shoulder catch of a Roethlisberger pass. </p> Desperation: Late in the 11-on-11 drills, the Steelers dusted off the old hook-and-lateral. Dan Sheldon caught a short pass from Batch, then lateraled to Baker. The play degenerated from there, as most desperation plays do, when Baker tried to flip it to a teammate. </p> Quotable: "Ced and I have been in the same room for three years now, so I know that tune very well - and not just with Ced." - Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, on Cedrick Wilson, who complained earlier this week about not getting enough passes thrown his way. </p> </p>
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520587.html</p><h1 class="headline">Tomlin gives edge to experience</h1> <span class="boldgrey"> By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW </span> <span class="greytext">Saturday, August 4, 2007</span> Safety Anthony Smith and cornerback Bryant McFadden will be reserves rather than starters when the Steelers open the preseason Sunday night in Canton, Ohio. It might work out that way when the Steelers make a return trip to the Buckeye State to open the regular season in Cleveland. </p> Mike Tomlin is as impressed as anyone with the obvious upside of Smith, a second-year safety from Syracuse, and McFadden, a third-year cornerback from Florida State. </p> But the Steelers' first-year head coach made it clear Friday that he appreciates consistency over potential, which explains why Ryan Clark will start at free safety and Deshea Townsend at cornerback against the Saints. </p>"It's not necessarily about what they are potentially capable of. It's about what they are on a day-to-day basis," Tomlin said. "These guys are very consistent, they're very smart, they're very competent, and you know what you're going to get from them. "They're rock-solid guys. They don't ride the emotional roller coaster. There's not a roller coaster in terms of their level of play." </p> Clark, entering his second year with the Steelers and his sixth in the NFL, has alternated with Smith as the first-team free safety on a daily basis at St. Vincent College. </p> Townsend, a 10th-year pro, has been a consistent No. 1 at right cornerback opposite Ike Taylor. </p> "You know what you're getting, and from a coach's standpoint that's very attractive, particularly from a secondary coach's standpoint," Tomlin said of the two incumbents. </p> Tomlin, a secondary coach in Tampa Bay and a defensive coordinator in Minnesota, said he'll endeavor to delegate authority rather than exercise it as a head coach. </p> "I believe that my job is to game-manage," Tomlin said. "I believe that once I become a play-caller I lose a little sense of what's going on with all 53 (players), if we were talking about a regular-season situation. </p> "I'm going to game-manage. I'm sure there will be situations where I will get involved in play-calling, but I'm going in with the idea that I'm a game-manager." </p> The starters, Tomlin said, will play about 12 to 15 snaps against New Orleans. </p> He identified quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as a player who "might get less." </p> As for the rest, "I expect them to compete," Tomlin said. "I expect them to play with great energy. I expect them to be physical, because that's what they've shown me thus far. But I want to see what this team is about." </p> As the starters depart, those fighting to secure roles or roster spots will take over. </p> Tomlin will be watching closely. </p> He said he values performance in preseason games over those in practices, citing the "lights-on" atmosphere and the "full-speed" nature of the exhibition games, including "taking men to the ground." </p> "Without a doubt, these games are weighed heavier than practices," Tomlin said. </p> </p>
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07216/806893-66.stm</p> </p><h2>Steelers Notebook: Tomlin -- Be patient with Timmons</h2> <p style="text-indent: 0px">Saturday, August 04, 2007</p> By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette </p> </p> Don't give up on rookie linebacker Lawrence Timmons just because he always is hurt, Mike Tomlin says, because it's too early to tell what his rookie season will be like, not to mention his career.</p> Timmons, the Steelers' first-round draft choice from Florida State, will not play in the first preseason game against New Orleans tomorrow in Canton, Ohio. That's no surprise because he has not practiced since July 26, the third day of training camp drills when his groin was re-injured in the morning. This, after he missed all of the spring drills when his groin was injured on his first day on the field after the Steelers made him the NFL's 15th draft pick.</p> "We still have not played a preseason game," Tomlin cautioned. "We're five [preseason] games away from this thing. He has a lot of ground to make up; he has time to do it.</p> "But more than anything, the most important thing is getting him back out there healthy and playing. Until he does that, you really can't evaluate where he is in terms of moving ahead because it's a waste of time. We have to get him back out on the field."</p> Things are quite different for their second pick, linebacker LaMarr Woodley of Michigan. Woodley hasn't left the field, and may not tomorrow night, either. He will start at left outside linebacker because of a rib injury to James Harrison, who won't start and likely won't play. Clark Haggans moved from the left to the right to man Harrison's spot, which previously was filled by Joey Porter.</p> Three outside linebackers are hurt, and one of them, Derek Rehage, was released yesterday. Rehage came to camp with a broken thumb and never practiced. It means that others will carry the load, including Arnold Harrison and Rian Wallace.</p> "Maybe a little unsettling from a coach's standpoint because you don't want to run out of bodies in the preseason," Tomlin said, "but it does, on the bright side of things, create an opportunity for some men to show what they're capable of."</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><u><font face="Arial">Parker out; Davenport to start</font></u> Tomlin officially scratched halfback Willie Parker, who did not practice for the fourth consecutive day because of swelling in his left knee.</p> 'I think we'd be smart to protect him," Tomlin said.</p> Veteran Najeh Davenport will start and also play some on third downs.</p> "We want to see what Najeh can do in that area," Tomlin said.</p> Davenport is more brute strength than Fast Willie, two different styles that would require different perspectives in the play-calling.</p> The Steelers would "not adjust in terms of personality," Tomlin said of the difference in offense depending on the back. "Maybe adjust in terms of play selection, runs that they are most comfortable with. But that's just smart football."</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><u><font face="Arial">Reid No. 1 returner</font></u> Previous coach Bill Cowher preferred to have two deep return men on kickoffs. Tomlin prefers one, and that will be Willie Reid tomorrow night.</p> "There's another guy back there, but you don't want him to get the ball," Tomlin said. "You just want him to lead the way."</p> The main man to fill that job at the moment is Davenport, and they wanted him returning kicks last season. He was one of their two deep men in 2006 and led the team with 21 kickoff returns for an average of 21.3 yards.</p> Reid also will be first up on punt returns.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><u><font face="Arial">Day off for Mahan</font></u> Center Sean Mahan was excused from practice yesterday for what Tomlin described as personal reasons. Mahan, competing to start with Chukky Okobi, has run with the second team since the start of training camp. He is expected to be ready for the game.</p> With Mahan out, starting right guard Kendall Simmons took his first snaps at center in training camp with the second team. </p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><u><font face="Arial">Quick hits</font></u> Those who have been practicing with the first team will start, and that could change for the second game at competitive positions. Among the starters: Ryan Clark at free safety, Chukky Okobi at center, Deshea Townsend at right cornerback. ... After Ben Roethlisberger makes a brief appearance at quarterback, Charlie Batch will follow, then Brian St. Pierre and then Bryan Randall. ... Regarding how much wide receiver Santonio Holmes will play, Tomlin said, "We'd like to give him a lot of work, but not at the expense of a potential health risk because of conditioning." Holmes started practicing Sunday. ... The Steelers released outside linebacker Marcello Church and signed outside linebacker Matt King. King played at Maine and had been on the roster of the New York Jets, who cut him.</p> </p>
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07217/807134-66.stm</p> Rod Woodson not sold on the offense </p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> "Ben has to prove he can handle it," Woodson said. "They won a Super Bowl with Ben throwing 21 times a game. It sounds as though their philosophy is getting away from that. It's tough for teams to win and be consistent when they're throwing ball all time."</p> Arians has said he would like to use three and four wide receivers at times on first and second downs with Willie Parker the lone back. He also has empowered Roethlisberger to audible and to call plays in the no-huddle he plans to use more often.</p> "One question I had is Arians going to four wides and letting Ben make the checks," Woodson said. "I don't know where Bruce is going with it."</p> </div></p> </p>
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520719.html</p> </p><h1 class="headline">Steelers running backs jockey for playing time</h1> <span class="boldgrey"> By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW </span> <span class="greytext">Sunday, August 5, 2007</span> There is at least one benefit to the Steelers playing five preseason games this year. An extra game means more carries for the running backs who are trying to fill out the rotation behind Pro Bowler Willie Parker, or are trying to make the team. </p> And the significance of it is this: running backs are evaluated almost solely on what they do in games. Practices, where there is rarely any tackling, don't offer a chance for the coaches to see how well backs break tackles or finish runs. </p> The depth chart, said running backs coach Kirby Wilson, "will develop its own pecking order (based) on how well they perform under the lights as far as assignments, </p>Parker is entrenched atop the depth chart at running back and Najeh Davenport seems intent on holding onto his job as the Steelers' No. 2 back. After those two, it is anyone's guess as to how the competition will play out. </p> Former Peabody High and Pitt star Kevan Barlow is trying to resurrect his career with his hometown team, while another veteran -- Verron Haynes -- is trying to come back from a career-threatening knee injury. </p> Neither is a lock by any means to make the team with young backs such as Carey Davis, John Kuhn and Gary Russell also pushing for a roster spot. </p> The Steelers will try Davis and Kuhn at fullback, as well as have them play running back during preseason games, and they want to take a look at multiple backs in third-down situations. </p> With carries getting spread around to a lot of different backs, coach Mike Tomlin doesn't mind having an extra preseason game. </p> "It gives us more of an opportunity to evaluate them," he said, "and let the situation sort itself out." </p> Move over </p> Being in the starting lineup is nothing new for Clark Haggans. Being at right outside linebacker is. </p> The Steelers have moved Haggans, an eight-year veteran, from left outside linebacker, if only temporarily, because they are so thin at the right spot. </p> Lawrence Timmons (groin) already has been ruled out for tonight's game, and starter James Harrison (ribs) has said he won't play. </p> He is expected to start at right outside linebacker tonight, while rookie LaMarr Woodley starts opposite him. </p> "It's basically the same thing," Haggans said of playing on the right side as opposed to the left. "It's really not much of a transition." </p> Haggans said he didn't have a problem with making the move. Asked how long he thinks he'll be at right outside linebacker, Haggans said, "I don't even know. I'm just doing what the coaches want me to do" </p> Slimmer, trimmer Starks </p> Max Starks excelled during the first two weeks of camp, and at least part of the right tackle's inspired play can be attributed to the fact he shed 40 pounds during the offseason. </p> The 6-foot-8 Sparks reported to camp at 340 pounds, though he said he didn't drop the weight because of a mandate from the coaches. </p> "That's something personal, for health and longevity," Starks said. </p> Starks had two more reasons to report to camp in tip-top shape. </p> Second-year man Willie Colon is pushing him for his starting job, and Starks is in the final year of his contract (he has said he would like to stay with the Steelers). </p> "I feel a lot better," said the trimmed-down Starks. "I'm moving around, and (weight loss) makes you quicker and that much more elusive." </p> </p>
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_520695.html</p> </p><h1 class="headline">Early Steelers game may bring opportunity, injury</h1> <span class="boldgrey"> By Joe Starkey TRIBUNE-REVIEW </span> <span class="greytext">Sunday, August 5, 2007</span> <div id="storyBody"> The Steelers reported to training camp a week earlier than usual this year because they'd been invited to play in the NFL's annual Hall of Fame Game, Sunday night in Canton, Ohio, against the New Orleans Saints. That didn't exactly thrill the veterans, many of whom aren't likely to play more than a series or two Sunday. They would have preferred to delay the tortures of camp as long as possible and could do without the extra game. </p> The Steelers haven't played five exhibition games since 2000. They normally play four. To many of the vets, a game this early represents nothing more than an injury risk. </p> "You know what, you do what you're told, but honestly, you do have that in the back of your mind," said special teams ace Chidi Iwuoma. "There are a lot of guys out there flying around, trying to do whatever it takes (to make a team). It gets a little dangerous. You have to be smart. You play hard, but you have to be smart." </p>Playing hard is, in fact, the best way to avoid injury, if you ask starting outside linebacker Clark Haggans. "I go out there with that four-quarter mentality," Haggans said. "I don't say, 'Well, let me go hard for two plays and maybe somebody will take me out of the game.' When I step on the field, I'm there to play." </p> At the least, the older players get a chance to take out their camp frustrations for a few minutes. </p> "It'll be nice to hit somebody in a different color," linebacker Larry Foote said. </p> But while the game means nothing to the likes of Haggans and Foote, it is plenty important to new coach Mike Tomlin and his staff, who will get a jump on evaluating personnel. </p> And it means the world to fringe players such as former West Virginia quarterback Rasheed Marshall. He's trying to make an impression on special teams and as a reserve receiver. </p> "It's a good opportunity, because we all know a lot of the vets won't be in there too long," Marshall said. "It's something I'm looking forward to." </p> Running back John Kuhn, two years removed from a fabulous career at Shippensburg, figures even if he can't impress the Steelers enough to make the team, he'll have a chance to impress someone else. </p> The idea for fringe players is to accumulate as much good video of themselves as possible, the better for other teams to scout them on. </p> "The more film you can get of yourself making good plays, the better off you are," Kuhn said. "I'm glad to have an extra opportunity to showcase skills, but at same time, (the early report date to camp) was a little extra daunting physically." </p> As a bonus, players will get a tour of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night. </p> "I always watched Emmitt Smith and a little bit of Walter Payton," Kuhn said. "Just to see some of the stuff about those guys that I haven't been able to see, except on NFL Films, will be the coolest part." </p> Rookie linebacker LaMarr Woodley will experience his NFL baptism - his first chance to see the playbook come to life against real, live opponents. </p> "You definitely get an opportunity to see where you're at," Woodley said. "With this game, you get a chance to grade yourself. Any mistakes you make, you get a chance to come out on the practice field and learn it all over again, so when the season starts, you don't make that same mistake and hurt the team." </p> Have the older players told Woodley the speed of the game will pick up considerably from what he saw in college, even in an exhibition game? </p> "Yeah, they said the preseason is faster, and then it picks up more in the regular season," Woodley said. "And in the playoffs, it really picks up." </p><hr /> <span class="subhead">Five alive</span> The Steelers play five exhibition games, instead of four, for the first time since 2000. Here are their season records the past five times they've played five exhibition games: </p> 2000: 9-7 </p> 1998: 7-9 </p> 1997: 11-5 </p> 1996: 10-6 </p> 1993: 11-5 </p> </p> <span class="subhead">Almost famous</span> </p> The Steelers are playing for the third time in the NFL's annual Hall of Fame Game. Previous results: </p> 1998 vs. Tampa Bay L, 30-6 </p> 1983 vs. New Orleans W, 27-14 </p></div> </p>
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07218/807332-66.stm</p> </p><h2>Steelers Notebook: Players pushing LeBeau for Canton</h2> <p style="text-indent: 0px">Monday, August 06, 2007</p> By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="105" align="right"><tbody><tr><td width="85"></td></tr></tbody></table> CANTON, Ohio -- This is hallowed ground for those involved in Pro Football, where men are forever honored with bronze busts.</p> A number of Steelers players took it upon themselves to honor one of their own they believe should be given the sport's ultimate tribute. They wore replicas of Dick LeBeau's old No. 44 jersey from his playing days with the Detroit Lions on the bus trip to and from the game yesterday. </p> They wore them, they said, to bring attention to the fact that they believe strongly their defensive coordinator belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.</p> Among those who wore the jerseys were James Farrior, Casey Hampton, James Harrison, Larry Foote, Troy Polamalu, Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel and others.</p> LeBeau had 62 interceptions in 14 seasons as a cornerback, seventh-most in NFL history and third most when he retired. He still owns the NFL record for playing in 171 consecutive games at cornerback. </p> His 48 seasons in the NFL include 34 as a coach -- nine with the Steelers and three as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. LeBeau grew up in London, Ohio, near Columbus.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Local writer honored</font></p> John Clayton first started covering the Steelers for a daily newspaper at training camp in the summer of 1972, the year of the Immaculate Reception and shortly after he graduated from Churchill High School. He would send two stories a week to the St. Marys (Pa.) Daily Press. </p> Over the weekend, Clayton, long a reporter and writer for ESPN, had his name etched into a plaque at the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he accepted the Dick McCann Award, presented to him Friday night. The award comes from a vote of the Pro Football Writers Association for "distinguished writing." Clayton has been doing it for 35 years. </p> Clayton, a Braddock native and 1976 Duquesne University graduate, wrote for the Pittsburgh Press with the Steelers as his main focus from 1976 until 1986. He went to cover the Seattle Seahawks and the NFL for the Tacoma Tribune. He began working for ESPN part time in 1995 and full time in 1998.</p> Clayton joins a distinguished list of McCann Award winners, including another writer who covered the Steelers in the 1970s for the Post-Gazette, Vito Stellino.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Palko in running</font></p> Word inside the Saints is that undrafted rookie quarterback Tyler Palko likely will make it as their No. 3 quarterback. Palko, who played at Pitt and West Allegheny High School, would back up starter Drew Brees and Jamie Martin if he makes it.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Nice start</font></p> Rookie linebacker LaMarr Woodley started at left outside linebacker and played there the entire first half. He showed the kind of ability he possesses on a pass play on the New Orleans Saints' first series. </p> Woodley dropped into coverage from the left on third down and broke up a pass to a wide receiver on the right side of the defense 14 yards downfield.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">No-shows</font></p> Backup linebacker Clint Kriewaldt did not dress for the game. He has a shoulder problem from practice and coach Mike Tomlin wanted to give him a rest. Center Sean Mahan, excused from practice Friday for a family emergency, did not attend the game.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Plenty of action</font></p> Because Mahan did not make the trip Chukky Okobi played the entire first half at center. Right guard Kendall Simmons and right tackle Max Starks also played all of the first half. Guard Alan Faneca and left tackle Marvel Smith played only one series.</p> Starks moved to left tackle to replace Smith and Willie Colon played right tackle, a move that is not exactly a ringing endorsement for Trai Essex. A No. 3 draft pick in 2005, Essex is normally the backup at left tackle. But Essex has played sparingly since his rookie season.</p> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px"><font face="Arial">Bad hands department</font></p> Wide receiver Nate Washington, plagued by drops last season, dropped the first two passes thrown in his direction. The first proved to be Ben Roethlisberger's only incompletion on the opening series. The second came on a slant pass from Charlie Batch that Washington had a chance to cradle. </p> </p>
