83-Steelers-43
07-21-2007, 11:25 PM
Steelers philosophically different
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Steelers may have hired a new coach, but the team is essentially the same.
The 2007 Steelers will resemble the 2006 Steelers, with coach Mike Tomlin being the biggest difference.
But delve deeper, and Tomlin's Steelers won't have much in common with Bill Cowher's Steelers. Philosophically, these Steelers aren't the same.
Some players will be utilized in different ways. They will be asked to do new things.
This year, the Steelers offense will feature the same quarterback, the same running back, the same wide receivers and much of the same offensive line as last year.
But expect those players to be utilized so differently that they may actually resemble new players.
Take quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, for instance.
This year, thanks to first-year offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, Roethlisberger will be less of a system quarterback and more of a take-charge quarterback. Not only will he receive the opportunity to make offensive line calls for the first time as a pro -- a move that will involve him more play-calling -- he should have the chance to pass more on first down.
It's a move that could improve Roethlisberger's numbers, helping him become a more confident passer, since he will be put in position to make more throws when the defense is geared toward stopping the run.
So, instead of Roethlisberger throwing a career-high 23 interceptions as he did in 2006, he's likely to have more success this season -- more like he did in 2005, when the Steelers won the Super Bowl.
Willie Parker remains the starter at running back, but that position won't be his exclusively. He'll still receive the majority of the carries, but the Steelers purposely acquired two other running backs who may not have Parker's breakaway speed but do a few things differently.
Najeh Davenport is bigger than Parker and a superior receiver out of the backfield. He has the ability to replace Verron Haynes as the third-down back, if Haynes doesn't bounce back from a serious knee injury.
Former Pitt star Kevan Barlow is a better runner inside the tackles than Parker. Moreover, he has experience as a starter.
Barlow may not be good enough to replace Parker on the depth chart, but he's good enough to make Parker look over his shoulder and not become complacent.
At receiver, veteran Hines Ward will line up at times in the slot, opening the door for youngsters Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington to use their speed and athleticism to make big plays.
Third-round draft pick Matt Spaeth gives Roethlisberger another big target with speed at tight end.
The offensive line is in transition. Marvel Smith and Alan Faneca are the only mainstays, at left tackle and left guard, respectively.
That means the other three positions -- center, right tackle and right guard -- are wide open. And not even left guard is a sure thing, given that Faneca is likely entering his last season with the Steelers.
Tomlin will likely audition other players at that position for the future.
Defensively, the Steelers don't figure to change much.
Technically, they're still a 3-4 team
However, versatile defensive end Brett Keisel may rise from his three-point stance every now and then and play linebacker during passing downs. And the Steelers may break with tradition and rest veteran outside linebackers Clark Haggans and James Harrison, replacing them with rookies Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley.
The idea is that infusing the lineup with youth isn't a bad thing, especially if those young players can rush the passer while gaining valuable experience. And especially if one of those young players, possibly Timmons, has the versatility to drop back and play a rover position, a la safety Troy Polamalu, allowing Polamalu to create havoc elsewhere on the field.
What makes Tomlin's Steelers different? Everything.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_518394.html
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Steelers may have hired a new coach, but the team is essentially the same.
The 2007 Steelers will resemble the 2006 Steelers, with coach Mike Tomlin being the biggest difference.
But delve deeper, and Tomlin's Steelers won't have much in common with Bill Cowher's Steelers. Philosophically, these Steelers aren't the same.
Some players will be utilized in different ways. They will be asked to do new things.
This year, the Steelers offense will feature the same quarterback, the same running back, the same wide receivers and much of the same offensive line as last year.
But expect those players to be utilized so differently that they may actually resemble new players.
Take quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, for instance.
This year, thanks to first-year offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, Roethlisberger will be less of a system quarterback and more of a take-charge quarterback. Not only will he receive the opportunity to make offensive line calls for the first time as a pro -- a move that will involve him more play-calling -- he should have the chance to pass more on first down.
It's a move that could improve Roethlisberger's numbers, helping him become a more confident passer, since he will be put in position to make more throws when the defense is geared toward stopping the run.
So, instead of Roethlisberger throwing a career-high 23 interceptions as he did in 2006, he's likely to have more success this season -- more like he did in 2005, when the Steelers won the Super Bowl.
Willie Parker remains the starter at running back, but that position won't be his exclusively. He'll still receive the majority of the carries, but the Steelers purposely acquired two other running backs who may not have Parker's breakaway speed but do a few things differently.
Najeh Davenport is bigger than Parker and a superior receiver out of the backfield. He has the ability to replace Verron Haynes as the third-down back, if Haynes doesn't bounce back from a serious knee injury.
Former Pitt star Kevan Barlow is a better runner inside the tackles than Parker. Moreover, he has experience as a starter.
Barlow may not be good enough to replace Parker on the depth chart, but he's good enough to make Parker look over his shoulder and not become complacent.
At receiver, veteran Hines Ward will line up at times in the slot, opening the door for youngsters Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington to use their speed and athleticism to make big plays.
Third-round draft pick Matt Spaeth gives Roethlisberger another big target with speed at tight end.
The offensive line is in transition. Marvel Smith and Alan Faneca are the only mainstays, at left tackle and left guard, respectively.
That means the other three positions -- center, right tackle and right guard -- are wide open. And not even left guard is a sure thing, given that Faneca is likely entering his last season with the Steelers.
Tomlin will likely audition other players at that position for the future.
Defensively, the Steelers don't figure to change much.
Technically, they're still a 3-4 team
However, versatile defensive end Brett Keisel may rise from his three-point stance every now and then and play linebacker during passing downs. And the Steelers may break with tradition and rest veteran outside linebackers Clark Haggans and James Harrison, replacing them with rookies Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley.
The idea is that infusing the lineup with youth isn't a bad thing, especially if those young players can rush the passer while gaining valuable experience. And especially if one of those young players, possibly Timmons, has the versatility to drop back and play a rover position, a la safety Troy Polamalu, allowing Polamalu to create havoc elsewhere on the field.
What makes Tomlin's Steelers different? Everything.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_518394.html