Atlanta Dan
08-19-2007, 08:30 AM
Sounds like the honeymoon is over for Tomlin with the local media after 3 preseason games:smile:
Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Having identified the game against Philadelphia next Sunday as the one he'd most like to resemble a regular-season affair, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had Saturday night's preseason exercise against the Washington Redskins left to experiment. ..
Strong safety Troy Polamalu was removed from the game on the second such change in personnel, which for the most part featured nose tackle Casey Hampton, linebacker Larry Foote and one of the starting outside linebackers, either Clark Haggans or James Harrison, leaving the game, and safety Tyrone Carter, cornerback Bryant McFadden and a fresh pass-rusher entering.
Removing Polamalu for any reason other than injury is not something the Steelers want to explore.
Have to agree with that - Troy did not get that contract to be a situational player.
On offense, experimentation along the offensive line that saw Willie Colon and Max Starks share right tackle and Kendall Simmons and Chris Kemoeatu split right guard established only that the Steelers have exhausted their opportunities to mix and match up front.
They need to set their starting five against Philadelphia and play the unit as if something is at stake for continuity's sake.
The starting five of, from left to right, Marvel Smith, Alan Faneca, Chukky Okobi, Kendall Simmons and Max Starks was excelling in the early days of training camp, before all of the shifting around occurred.
Agree again - any experiment that involves attempting to turn Max Starks into a left tackle is a waste of playing time. With the O-line being the major concern this season, next week presumably will have the anticipated starting five playing together for a half, since the last exhibition game will have minimal appearances by the starters.
The decisions aren't obvious, as Tomlin hoped they might become in time.
The time has arrived to make them, all the same.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_522983.html
Of course, unlike Cowher, Tomlin has no real idea as to the strengths and weaknesses of his players, other than what he has seen on film. In addition, Tomlin really is taking a fresh look at the entire roster, which requires more mixing and matching. Finally, no offense was worse than the preseason 2005 Steelers and they started the season firing on all cylinders.
Like everyone else, Priusta is ready for the real games to begin in three weeks.
Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Having identified the game against Philadelphia next Sunday as the one he'd most like to resemble a regular-season affair, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had Saturday night's preseason exercise against the Washington Redskins left to experiment. ..
Strong safety Troy Polamalu was removed from the game on the second such change in personnel, which for the most part featured nose tackle Casey Hampton, linebacker Larry Foote and one of the starting outside linebackers, either Clark Haggans or James Harrison, leaving the game, and safety Tyrone Carter, cornerback Bryant McFadden and a fresh pass-rusher entering.
Removing Polamalu for any reason other than injury is not something the Steelers want to explore.
Have to agree with that - Troy did not get that contract to be a situational player.
On offense, experimentation along the offensive line that saw Willie Colon and Max Starks share right tackle and Kendall Simmons and Chris Kemoeatu split right guard established only that the Steelers have exhausted their opportunities to mix and match up front.
They need to set their starting five against Philadelphia and play the unit as if something is at stake for continuity's sake.
The starting five of, from left to right, Marvel Smith, Alan Faneca, Chukky Okobi, Kendall Simmons and Max Starks was excelling in the early days of training camp, before all of the shifting around occurred.
Agree again - any experiment that involves attempting to turn Max Starks into a left tackle is a waste of playing time. With the O-line being the major concern this season, next week presumably will have the anticipated starting five playing together for a half, since the last exhibition game will have minimal appearances by the starters.
The decisions aren't obvious, as Tomlin hoped they might become in time.
The time has arrived to make them, all the same.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_522983.html
Of course, unlike Cowher, Tomlin has no real idea as to the strengths and weaknesses of his players, other than what he has seen on film. In addition, Tomlin really is taking a fresh look at the entire roster, which requires more mixing and matching. Finally, no offense was worse than the preseason 2005 Steelers and they started the season firing on all cylinders.
Like everyone else, Priusta is ready for the real games to begin in three weeks.