Team News

August 23, 2008

Steelers defeat Vikes on field goals

By: Scott Brown-Trib-Review

Apparently no one wanted to answer to outside linebacker James Harrison.

Seeing its most (and probably last) extensive action of the preseason Saturday, the Steelers defense played with the kind of urgency and intensity that Harrison said –- well, huffed is more like it -- had been noticeably absent during the team’s first two exhibition games.

The Vikings managed just one touchdown in the almost three quarters they played against the Steelers’ first-team defense. And the Steelers dominated the line of scrimmage, shutting down Minnesota’s running back tandem of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor while sacking quarterback Gus Frerotte three times in a 12-10 win over the Vikings in front of a sellout crowd of 62,625.

Jeff Reed kicked a 47-yarder at the end of the game to deliver the victory.

Unfortunately for the Steelers (2-1 in preseason games), their offense hardly put on a clinic as it mostly sputtered amidst the ear-splitting noise inside the Metrodome. And its struggles probably left Mike Tomlin rubbing his temples more than anything in what amounted to something of a homecoming for the Steelers coach.

The Steelers couldn’t establish the run Saturday night and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger probably had to sidestep Minnesota’s pass rush too many times for Tomlin’s liking.

Perhaps the most noteworthy thing the Steelers did in the opening two quarters -– the starters on offense didn’t play after halftime -- was unveil a new trick play. Not that the two times Willie Parker took a direct snap from center fooled the Vikings as the plays netted a grand total of five yards. Parkers rushed for just 18 yards on 10 carries Saturday night but at least the Pro Bowler hung onto the ball.

Rookie first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall fumbled on his second carry of the game -– the first of two he had Saturday -- and the Vikings recovered the loose ball at the Steelers’ 47-yard line late in the first quarter.

Frerotte, starting for the injured Tarvaris Jackson, completed three straight passes, moving the Vikings inside the Steelers’ 5-yard line. And Peterson broke a scoreless by diving into the end from the 1-yard line.

The Steelers went three and out on their ensuing possession but Ike Taylor gave them excellent position when he intercepted a Frerotte pass at Minnesota's 34-yard line. The offense netted only 18 yards during a nine-play drive and the Steelers had to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Jeff Reed. Perhaps nothing better illustrated the timing issues the offense seemed to have Saturday night than the end of the Steelers’ only scoring drive in the first half. On third and 14 from Vikings’ 16-yard line, the offensive line gave Roethlisberger plenty of time to throw and Nate Washington flashed open near the goal line. The pass, however, sailed wide of Washington as he appeared to be moving in one direction while Roethlisberger threw it the other way.

The Steelers only have one more exhibition game before the start of the regular season. And the starters on both sides of the ball figure to play sparingly Thursday night when the Panthers visit Heinz Field.

Roethlisberger completed 10 of 17 passes against the Vikings but he managed just 65 yards passing. The top three Steelers’ wide receivers combined for two catches for 17 yards. Santonio Holmes did not have a reception.

Harrison and fellow outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley each sacked Frerotte while defensive end Aaron Smith also recorded a take down of the Ford City native.

The news was not all good on the defensive side of the ball as starting inside linebacker Larry Foote left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return.

In the second half, Mendenhall rushed for 69 of his game-high 73 yards but he lost another fumble with the Steelers trailing by a point late in the fourth quarter and driving.

Reed, however, bailed him out with the game-winning field goal that came with less than four seconds to play.

August 21, 2008

Steelers sign LB James Farrior to 5-year deal

By: JOE MANDAK: timesleader.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker James Farrior to a five-year $18.25 million contract extension that includes a $5 million signing bonus.

Farrior, who is entering his 12th season, was signed through this season, but said he hoped to sign an extension that would keep him in Pittsburgh until he retired. Farrior's agent, Ralph Cindrich, said this contract will do that.

"That's the game plan, to finish out my career here," Farrior said. "The Steelers have been good to me, and I have put all my heart and soul into this, so I'll just try to close it out."

"James has played at an extremely high level the entire time I have been here," second-year coach Mike Tomlin said. "Not only is he an outstanding player, he's also an outstanding professional and, of course, he's an outstanding leader for us."

The meat of the contract is the first three seasons, valued at $12.6 million, including $10 million in the first two years. The last two years were tacked on primarily to ease the team's salary cap concerns, but Farrior said he hasn't ruled out playing beyond even the contract's fifth season.

"I'm going to go until they tell me I can't go no more," Farrior said. "I got five years on the deal, and I plan on playing it all. I'm going to be an old man. By the time I get out of here, I'm going to collect Social Security."

Fellow inside linebacker Larry Foote said Farrior is the kind of unique player who might be able to play that long.

"There are certain guys like that around the league, Junior Seau and James Farrior, guys that just keep playing," Foote said. "God just made him a defensive football player. Not a football player _ just a defensive football player."

Farrior played five seasons for the New York Jets before joining the Steelers as a free agent in 2002. He has been one of the Steelers' defensive co-captains since 2004 when he was selected to play in the Pro Bowl and was runner up for NFL defensive player of the year.

Farrior has missed just four of the Steelers' last 96 regular-season games, starting in all the others. He has 705 tackles in his six years with the team.

"He means everything to (the defense)," defensive end Brett Keisel said. "He's the heart and soul of our defense. He makes all the right calls, puts everyone in the right situations. We're all happy he'll be here a little bit longer."

August 20, 2008

Steelers news

Troy Polamalu was able to practice this week, and said he feels great.

Charlie Batch is also progressing well. His rehab has started and he was seen without the protective sling before training camp ended.

Santonio Holmes may be returning punts this week vs. Minnesota, so that should be fun to watch!

Tomlin says he will start Hartwig at center against the Vikings. He hopes to make a decision on the official starter at that position before the last preseason game.

The team is 1-1 in preseason play so far.

August 8, 2008

Steelers win preseason opener

By: Scott Brown-Tribune-Review

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was apparently as anxious to see Willie Parker as the media and fans.

The Steelers called Parker's number on the first three plays of their preseason opener tonight. And after his third carry, one in which Parker followed a block by left tackle Marvel Smith and ripped off an 11-yard gain, it became apparent that the Pro Bowl running back is up and running.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, who beat the Eagles, 16-10, one of their most important backups won't be running or throwing anytime soon.

Charlie Batch left the game in the first quarter with a broken collarbone. His loss leaves the Steelers with two rookies, fifth-round pick Dennis Dixon and undrafted free agent Mike Potts, behind Ben Roethlisberger and may compel the team to sign a veteran quarterback.

Parker had been the story before the Steelers announced Batch's injury. Playing in his first game since breaking his lower right leg last December, Parker gained 20 yards on three carries in the Steelers' win/loss to the Eagles at Heinz Field. His night ended long before the sun went down tonight -- and even before Santonio Holmes capped the Steelers' opening drive of the night with a 19-yard touchdown reception.

"It was big for me personally, getting on that field and running and getting everything all back," Parker said. "It's just like a dream come true. I've been thinking about this for a long time."

There weren't many conclusions to draw from the Steelers' first preseason game. And as entertainment value goes the action on the field may not have measured up to the Frisbee-catching dogs that performed right before kickoff and again during halftime.

As with Parker, the Steelers turned Roethlisberger into a spectator even before the first quarter had ended.

Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense made it look easy the one series the starters did play together. The Steelers marched 80 yards in just eight plays and gave the Eagles a steady dose of Parker and rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Roethlisberger completed both of his pass attempts for 38 yards before giving way to Batch. On Steelers' first touchdown, Holmes caught a short pass in the flat, put a couple of jukes on safety Brian Dawkins and raced past the perennial Pro Bowler as if he were a statue.

"It was a big statement about what our offense is going to be like in the games to comes," Holmes said.

Indeed, the Steelers' opening drive Friday gave a glimpse into how many weapons Roethlisberger may have at his disposal. That is especially true with Parker looking like he has fully recovered from the injury that ended his season in 2007 when he was leading the NFL in rushing.

Parker had been anything but gimpy during offseason practices. Questions, however, persisted about his health and Parker has grown tired of talking about whether he is 100 percent.

"You're going to have me in a mental institution soon, you keep talking about my leg," Parker said with a hint of a smile to reporters earlier this week.

If his leg holds up and Mendenhall emerges as a true complement to Parker, the Steelers' running game could be robust this season.

Mendenhall, the Steelers' first-round pick in this year's draft, made a good first impression. He ran with authority and banged out 34 yards on seven carries in the first half.

"We ran the ball really well," Roethlisberger said. "I think it was awesome that the offensive line did a great job of run blocking."

August 5, 2008

Defense Wins Again

By: Bob Labriola-Steelers.com

Willie Parker was undefeated. Rashard Mendenhall got his first taste of the end zone. And Chris Kemoeatu is a difference-maker.

All of those things are true, but then so is this: the Steelers defense posted its second win in the goal-line drill, 4-2, when a tackle by rookie inside linebacker Mike Humpal on Justin Vincent clinched it.

“The goal-line drill was much better, it was spirited and I think No. 68 had something to do with that,” said Coach Mike Tomlin.

Tomlin would be referring to Chris Kemoeatu, the presumptive starter at left guard who returned to the field on Monday after spending the first week on the physically unable to perform list with a weak triceps. Playing with a brace, Kemoeatu pulled from his left guard spot to lead Willie Parker into the end zone over the right side of the line of scrimmage on the first play of the drill.

Neither Parker nor Kemoeatu participated in the first version of goal-line, also won by the defense but with the first-team offense going 0-for-3.

“It was nice for me to get into the end zone,” said Parker. “I told the defensive guys that I was going to get two cracks at it, and I was going to be undefeated. I only got one chance, but I did what I had to do.”

Rashard Mendenhall got the next two carries, and he scored standing up on the second of those. On the first, he was stopped short because it seemed as though James Farrior clogged the hole by taking on Kemoeatu and not giving any ground.

After Mendenhall’s two carries, the offense had a 2-1 lead. The defense got into a 2-2 tie when Trai Essex false-started from his guard spot, and then the defense took a 3-2 lead when Andre Frazier kept Gary Russell out of the end zone on a play around the right end. Humpal then ended it by filling the hole and stopping Vincent.

“He was better. He was downhill,” said Tomlin about Mendenhall. “He went in standing up one time, but it’s a unit thing, and no doubt Chris’ presence was a difference for us. We pulled him. It is what he does – he’s a road-grader, a violent run blocker and we ran behind him.”

The Steelers also used a formation in which three of their tight ends and Max Starks all were on the field in eligible positions at the same time.

“It’s something we’re exploring – ways of getting big people on the perimeter and making people defend more gaps,” said Tomlin. “That’s part of our football, and we feel like we have some quality tight ends working. It’s something we’re looking at.”

Another thing that stood out during the evening practice here was the four interceptions recorded by the defense. Bryant McFadden started at right cornerback with Deshea Townsend sidelined with an injury, and he had one interception and also made a pretty play to knock another pass away that was intended for Heath Miller.

“We had another spirited practice this afternoon, an example of the ebb and flow of training camp. That was one of the points I made to the team,” said Tomlin. “We have been talking about being opportunistic on defense and catching balls, and that’s a good sign. But at the same time we can’t be careless with the football on offense, particularly with some of the young men.

“Sometimes those things show when you have a guy like No. 7 limited and some of the younger guys stepping up in his place, but four interceptions is unacceptable. At the same time I’m excited about what I saw from the defensive standpoint, because we had opportunities and we cashed in.”

INJURY REPORT: William Gay (groin), Deshea Townsend (groin), Anthony Trucks (lower back), Anthony Smith (groin) did not practice. Jordan Reffert was excused to be with his wife who had a baby.

August 3, 2008

Defense wins Round 1

By: Bob Labriola-Steelers.com

LATROBE – Why would 80-odd adult males get so excited about one drill at the end of a practice on the eighth day of a training camp, with the first real game still 35 days into the future?

“Bragging rights,” said James Farrior.

“It’s fun,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “We have to remember sometimes that this is a game, and these guys love to play this game. It’s great to give them a chance to have some fun.”

The defense had all of the fun at Saint Vincent College on Sunday during the first installment of goal-line, the only live tackling drill at training camp. Tomlin’s version of the drill was as follows: “It’s going to be the best of seven; we’re going to put the ball just outside the 1-yard line and the first group to four wins. It could be four snaps, it could be seven. We’ll see how it shakes out.”

There were the full seven snaps, but when the last one was run the defense already had clinched the win with a 4-2 lead. The defense also won the last one to make the final, 5-2.

“Anytime the defense steps out there and stuffs the first offense three plays in a row to set the tone for the drill, you have to give the win to them,” said Tomlin. “The offense did a nice job of recovering but the defense is the winner.”

Rashard Mendenhall got the first two carries in the drill, and three overall, and he was stopped all three times. Farrior and James Harrison did it the first time; Larry Foote and Ike Taylor took care of him the second time.“He’s got to run harder, not overanalyze, understand what that drill is about,” said Tomlin. “It’s about hitting it downhill, and hopefully next time out he’ll be better.”

Gary Russell and Justin Vincent scored for the offense, but Vincent’s touchdown was protested by the defensive unit.

“Kevin Jordan, the chaplain, was the line judge,” said Tomlin. “I figured that if you put the chaplain on the line you get less beefs and complaints, and I think it worked out. I’m not going to second-guess the chaplain. He said he scored, so he scored.”

If Vincent got some help from above, Russell looked to be the team’s best option because he is able to get down so low. Of all the current backs on the roster, Russell looks the most like Jerome Bettis down at the goal line.

“He doesn’t over-analyze,” said Tomlin about Russell. “He gets his pads down and he finishes downhill. It’s one of his distinguishing characteristics, and he has value in that regard.”

As for Mendenhall, this was his first time carrying the football in a live tackling drill at the NFL level, and he admitted it was a different experience.

“It was coming fast, man, and that’s what the NFL is,” said Mendenhall. “It was a learning experience and I’m glad I was a part of that. The next time I’ll be a little bit more prepared.”

When asked if the hitting was harder and the intensity higher than anything he had experienced, his answer was matter-of-fact. “Oh, yeah. Just look at James Harrison. I don’t think you find too many college guys looking like that.”

INJURY UPDATE: Ben Roethlisberger (groin) was limited due to a groin, but he did participate in goal-line. Cody Boyd (shoulder) was limited. Mike Humpal (hamstring), Dezmond Sherrod (stiff neck), Anthony Smith (groin) and LaMarr Woodley (groin) did not practice. Tomlin said the team is simply waiting on a piece of protective equipment for Chris Kemoeatu’s triceps before he returns to the field. Tomlin said he expects Kemoeatu to return to the field early this week.

As for Troy Polamalu, Tomlin said, “It could be three days, it could be a week.”

On Casey Hampton: “That process is still running its course,” said Tomlin. “He and I met today, and we’ll continue to move forward, but he’s not where we want him yet.”

July 31, 2008

Inside the Ropes

By: Mike Prisuta-Tribune-Review

An inside look at Steelers training camp ...

2-for-2: The offense scored on consecutive drives in two-minute situations during Tuesday afternoon's practice at St. Vincent College.

Taking possession at the 38-yard line with 1:41 on the clock and one timeout and needing a touchdown, QB Ben Roethlisberger drove the first-team offense 62 yards in 10 plays, converting a TD on fourth-and-seven from the 12 with nine seconds remaining. Roethlisberger hit WR Nate Washington for the score. Washington made a leaping grab of a high, hard pass and managed to get his feet down in the back of the end zone at the expense of S Tyrone Carter and LB James Farrior.

Roethlisberger, working with four WRs and either Willie Parker or Mewelde Moore at RB, went 7-for-8 passing for 62 yards on the march, not counting a pair of spikes to stop the clock.

Coach Mike Tomlin served as an observer and part-time commentator. "You gotta love the drama," Tomlin said prior to the fourth-down attempt. "Somebody is about to make a football play."

DE Brett Keisel, part of the 4-2-5 pass defense employed to stop the drive, cried foul after Washington had scored.

"(Roethlisberger) was sacked like eight times," Keisel protested.

QBs aren't tackled in practice.

Pass-catchers were touched down in the drill.

Backup QB Charlie Batch led the second-team offense into the end zone against the second-team defense, finding WR Limas Sweed for a big gainer over the middle and then hitting Sweed on a fade over CB Anthony Madison on the next snap for the touchdown.

Having some fun: The Steelers unveiled a new formation toward the end of the final 11-on-11 period of the day. It featured Roethlisberger sprinting from the backfield to a position at WR, and the ball being snapped directly to Parker or Moore.

"Just having a little fun," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said.

When asked if the Steelers might resort to such a formation in a game, Arians replied "you never know."

Special-teams demon: LB Lawrence Timmons figures to be busy on special teams this season if the early drills in camp are any indication.

Timmons is running with the first groups on the punt, punt return, kickoff and kickoff return teams.

July 29, 2008

Notes from Day 2 of training camp

The Steelers lost punter Danny Sepulveda for the season. He suffered a torn ACL in his right knee.

The Steelers signed punter Paul Ernster off waivers.

Casey Hampton has been working hard on the stationary bike and treadmill during the team’s second practice of the day.

Chris Kemoeatu is out with a tricep injury for a couple more days aswell.

The heat and humidity were in full force, but the players didn't seem to notice as they worked through many drills.

Of particular interest during Tuesday’s afternoon practice was the two-minute drill. On both occasions, the offense was able to move the ball down the field and score a touchdown.

Ben Roethlisberger and Nate Washington combined on a pretty throw-and-catch on a fourth-and-goal play during the first set.

Charlie Batch was the second quarterback to get a chance, and he completed 7-of-7 on a drive that ended with a fade pattern to Limas Sweed for the touchdown.

“I thought that the two-minute competition today was spirited,” said Tomlin. “There still are some technique issues, but I liked the spirit of the group.”

INJURY UPDATE: With the exception of Sepulveda, there were no changes to the injury report. Bryant McFadden (groin), Anthony Smith (groin) and Kevin Marion (knee) did not practice, and Chris Kemoeatu, Troy Polamalu and Casey Hampton remain on the physically unable to perform list.

July 28, 2008

Steelers Begin First Practices Of Training Camp

By: Jory Rand-KDKA

The second day of Steelers training camp is now underway at Saint Vincent College.

This morning the team held its first practice.

Everyone was on-hand except for three players deemed physically unfit to practice. Sunday Chris Kemoeatu, Troy Polamalu and Casey Hampton were put on the physically unable to perform list.

Hampton came into camp out of shape and was seen down on a lower field at Saint Vincent trying to run off some of that excess weight. Polamalu was on the practice field but did not take part.

As for those who did participate, it was a great start every year is a new year.

"You got to go out and prove yourself, regardless of what you've done in the past," said Hines Ward. "Every year is a new year. Younger guys are getting more experience. You've got to prepare yourself as this is a whole new year and you've got to go out there and make the team. That's why I wear my name on my helmet. I use that way of motivating myself to still help me go out there and be the best player that I can be."

"It felt pretty good. I wasn't too excited about it," said Santonio Holmes. "I thought we were going to come out in helmets and spiders. Coach told us to put the pads on today and get ready to go"

"It was good, to be out here and to be working and to be practicing, every day out here, you're going towards the season," said Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers' #1 draft pick.

The Steelers will be back out on the practice field at 2:55 p.m. for the first practice of training camp that's open to the public.

July 25, 2008

Steelers sign top picks Mendenhall and Sweed

By: Ed Bouchette-Pittsburgh Post Gazette

The Steelers came to contract terms today with their top two draft picks and will have all their picks signed to contracts when they open training camp Sunday in Latrobe.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall, the team's first-round draft choice, came to terms on a five-year deal. Wide receiver Limas Sweed, their second-round choice, agreed to a four-year contract.

Mendenhall will sign for five years at $12.55 million. He will receive bonuses as part of that contract worth $6.83 million. Contract terms for Sweed were not immediately available.

July 24, 2008

Coach Tomlin addresses the media

By: Bob Labriola-Steelers.com

The ultimate goal of every NFL team is to be able to leave training camp in good health. At least the Steelers are starting out that way this year.

The second season of the Mike Tomlin era officially begins on Sunday, July 27 when the players report to St. Vincent College, and the expectation right now is that all of them will them to be able to participate the following day when the pads go on.

“Right now it looks as if everybody is going to be ready to go at training camp,” said Tomlin at a Wednesday news conference. “There may be some limits as to what we can do initially with a guy like Travis Kirschke, but some of the other guys we have talked about for a majority of the offseason who got hurt back in winter, we expect to be ready to go, the Willie Parkers and so forth.”

Certainly, the Steelers’ Pro Bowl tailback, who broke his leg in the first quarter of a Dec. 20 game in St. Louis, is of primary interest among those returning from injuries, but Willie Parker is a proven commodity. An extended beginning on the physically unable to perform list for an unproven commodity, Ryan McBean, for example, could have an impact on his chances to make the roster.

McBean, a defensive end from Oklahoma State, was a fourth-round pick in 2007 who spent the first 13 games of that season on the practice squad before being added to the active roster when Aaron Smith was placed on the injured reserve list. In the search for an injection of youth along the defensive line, McBean would seem to be a good place to start, but the early portion of his offseason was ruined by a broken foot. But that has healed, and ever since McBean has been putting in the work to make sure he won’t be behind at the start of his second training camp.

“We are excited about where some of those injury situations are,” said Tomlin. “We expect Ryan McBean to be ready to go. I think from an injury standpoint, some of the ongoing things are coming to a close. Again, we will finalize that when we give these guys physicals and report on Sunday. We are not anticipating any holdups on that regard.”

Besides Parker and McBean, other players who fall into this category include Marvel Smith, Aaron Smith, Troy Polamalu, Kendall Simmons, Ryan Clark and Hines Ward.

Marvel Smith (back), Aaron Smith (biceps) and Clark (spleen) all had their 2007 seasons cut short by surgeries; Simmons and Ward both had offseason procedures done; and Polamalu went back to his old offseason training regimen after consecutive seasons spent battling nagging injuries.

“The last time I spoke to Troy his workouts were going well and we anticipate him being ready to go. I know that he does,” said Tomlin. “We will see where he is when he reports on Sunday.”

Tomlin will put the players through a conditioning test on Sunday afternoon, and that will be used to gauge their readiness for contact. If any physical limitations are discovered at that time, the option available to the team is the physically unable to perform list. Players on PUP do not count against the 80-man roster limit, and then when healthy, the player can be added to the active roster at any time.

The Steelers currently have 79 players on their roster with regard to the mandated total, with Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed not counting until they sign contracts, and receiver Marvin Allen getting an exemption as an international practice squad player. Once Mendenhall and Sweed sign, the Steelers would have to waive somebody to stay within the designated roster limit, and having fewer bodies will have the most impact on how Tomlin’s second camp here will differ from his first.

“I think that when you are talking about putting together a training camp and we are only carrying 80-81 guys this year compared to 85 and 86 guys last year, there is a difference in terms of keeping your men healthy,” said Tomlin. “The lines will be shorter in some areas. I think that all of the coaches across football have addressed or will be addressing those issues. It is a factor and some of the changes that we have made in terms of scheduling indicate that it is a concern.

“Also, camp will be different because I have a better understanding of the men we work with here, particularly the ones who have been a part of this thing. There is more of a familiarity with how we do our business, and there is more familiarity between players and coaches in terms of what we expect. I think that in those respects, that it will be easier. Camp itself will never be easy, it is not meant to be easy.”

July 10, 2008

Steelers ownership transition

By: Steelers.com

For the past two years the Rooney family has had discussions about a restructuring of the family’s ownership of the Steelers in order to ensure compliance with NFL ownership policies and the continuation of Rooney family ownership and operation of the team.

Pittsburgh Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney, the oldest son of late team founder Art Rooney, wants to stay in the football business while some of his four brothers plan to get out of the NFL and focus their business efforts on their racetracks and other interests. Dan Rooney, and his son, Steelers President Art Rooney II, are arranging a financing plan to buy Dan’s brothers' shares in the team in order to continue substantial ownership of the franchise by the Rooneys.

The other Rooney brothers – Art Jr., Timothy, Patrick and John – each currently has an ownership interest in the Steelers. Another related family, the McGinleys, also owns a minority interest in the team. The Rooney family owns racetracks in New York and Florida, and like many in recent years, these facilities have added forms of gaming that are inconsistent with NFL gambling policy.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell asked former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to serve as a league representative in discussions with the family in order to reach an agreement on the separation of the gambling interests and on a restructuring of ownership going forward if part of the team is sold.

Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney stated, “I have spent my entire life devoted to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football League. I will do everything possible to work out a solution to ensure my father’s legacy of keeping the Steelers in the Rooney family and in Pittsburgh for at least another 75 years.”

Steelers President Art Rooney II stated, “There is no reason to believe that the current internal discussions will have any impact on our fans or on our team this season or in the seasons to come.”

June 17, 2008

Keisel says teammate Aaron Smith is "good to go".

In Pro Football Weekly's 'Whispers' this week, Keisel talks about Smith's recovery from a torn bicep last season.

Steelers DLE Aaron Smith has been limited in practice this offseason after suffering a torn right biceps last December, but he has done some work on the side, including hitting the blocking sled, and what teammate Brett Keisel has seen has been encouraging.

“He looks good to go, from my standpoint,” said Keisel, the Steelers’ other starting defensive end.

“Aaron is a beast, and I took a lot of what I know from watching him for four years.”

June 5, 2008

Training camp dates announced

Ed Bouchette, of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, states this years training camp is one of the shortest ones for the Steelers.

The players will report to camp on July 27, 2008 and will start practicing July 28, 2008.

The final day for practice is August 17, 2008.

June 2, 2008

Main objective: Defense needs to pressure the QB

By: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It's bigger and, according to the plan, will pack more punch. The Steelers' defensive playbook always has been one of the more intricate and confusing in the NFL under coordinator Dick LeBeau, and it might be more so in 2008.

Some of the newer designs are meant for one reason: Get to the quarterback. The Steelers have been among the best at that, traditionally. But the past two seasons, it's not the quarterback who has dropped but Steelers' sack totals. They dipped from 47 during their run to the Super Bowl in 2005, to 39 in 2006 and to 36 last season.

They've gone from Blitzburgh to Zipsburgh when it comes to sacking the quarterback, especially in the second half of last season. Halfway through, the Steelers had 25 sacks and a 6-2 record. In the second half, they managed only 11 sacks and a 4-4 record.

"I do feel like maybe toward the end of the year we weren't getting to the quarterback as much as we should have," said defensive end Brett Keisel.

Little surprise then that LeBeau and head coach Mike Tomlin are trying to devise ways to put more pressure on the quarterback in 2008.

"We have to put guys in position to highlight their skills and let them go," Tomlin said.

Toward that end, there will be lineup changes and schematic ones, too.

LaMarr Woodley replaces Clark Haggans at left outside linebacker, and he has shown he knows his way to the quarterback. He had four sacks while playing in just 80 of the team's 933 defensive snaps as a rookie last regular season, then added two more in the playoff loss to Jacksonville. Haggans had four sacks as a starter. Those six sacks ranked third on the team behind James Harrison's 10 and James Farrior's 6.5.

His teammates predict big things for Woodley as a regular in 2008.

"He's very strong," Keisel said. "I think once he gets more comfortable in our scheme and what he's doing, he's just going to be that much better. I definitely expect double digits from him."

More pressure from Woodley on the left side should provide more opportunities for team MVP Harrison on the right.

"Hopefully, he'll take some of the pressure I had toward the later part of the year, where they started keeping running backs in to block me on the edge, give me a bump," Harrison said. "They're going to have to give him the same respect that they give me.

"I figure through the first half of the year, he'll come out and surprise a few people on opposing teams, and, after they realize it, they'll have to deal with both of us."

Harrison's role will increase, too. The plan is to move him around more in the defense, along with Keisel, to try to further confuse offenses. He'll do more of what Joey Porter did before him.

"It should be confusing," Harrison said. "You're going to get looks where we're inverted or we're both inside. We're both going to rush, both going to drop. One might rush and one might drop, depending on what the call is."

The drop they hope to avoid is another one in their sack total.

"I think our defense is definitely capable of a large playbook where we have all kinds of things that we can throw at an offense," Keisel said. "We don't have to come at one team with one game plan. We can say, well, this team, you can get after them on the right side and then have a whole thing of crazy blitzes, you know. We have a veteran defense and, hopefully, we will do that."

It might get a boost from a rookie, though.

One reason cited for the dropoff in sacks the second half of the season was weariness. Other than Woodley's few plays, Haggans and Harrison played every down. The coaches said they would like to use third-round pick Bruce Davis as a situational pass-rusher to spell Woodley and Harrison. Davis had 24 1/2 sacks the past two seasons at UCLA.

"It has to be a collective thing," Tomlin said, explaining the workings of a good pass rush. "If you have one guy who has standout skills, offenses can make adjustments and do what they need to do in terms of getting it blocked. If you have a collective group that's capable of getting after the quarterback, making the ball come out on time and eliminating escape lanes, then you have a good rush and you can apply consistent pressure."