Farrior 'not going out easy'

[SCMom]

Farrior 'not going out easy'
By Ralph N. Paulk (rpaulk@tribweb.com), PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, September 16, 2011
Last updated: 8:25 am

James Farrior is the mortar of a usually brick-solid Steelers defense.

As the 36-year-old linebacker paced the sideline with his helmet dangling at his side Sunday, the defending AFC champions' defense looked like a soft mix of sand and water. It was vulnerable against a revenge-minded, physical Baltimore offense.

Farrior walked slowly onto the field at M&T Bank Stadium during a timeout to offer advice and encouragement to backup linebacker Larry Foote as the Ravens marched methodically downfield during a flawless, 12-play, 84-yard scoring drive.

It was an unusual situation for Farrior, who watched from the sideline during Baltimore's last three first-half possessions. He wasn't hurt, and he didn't ask for a breather.

"We made a commitment that both men (Farrior and Foote) were going to play," said coach Mike Tomlin after a humbling 35-7 season-opening defeat.

But Farrior's extended stay on the bench was curious, if not reflective of the fact that 15 years in the NFL has given Tomlin cause to save Farrior's body, even early in the season.

"We have to keep guys somewhat fresh when you can and take care of guys so they can make it through the season," said defensive end Aaron Smith, a 13-year veteran. "This is a marathon."

Farrior, though, isn't ready to be treated like a washed-up pitcher. He insisted throughout this week he'll be ready to go the distance when the Steelers host the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on Sunday.

Read more: Farrior 'not going out easy' - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_757031.html#ixzz1Y7YcuYvf) http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_757031.html#ixzz1Y7YcuYvf

[Daysnways]

No player is going to, put their hands up and say, I'm not good enough anymore, stick the next guy in . . .

that's the coaches job to see it and act upon it.

That's where we're falling down at the moment, In some respects Dick is too close to guys like Pottsie and Clark, he needs to man up and make some big decisions, and not wait until the end of the season to do it.

I'd prefer Keyaron Fox in the middle to either of this pair at the moment, and Sly . . . . . . . give him a chance, . . please!!:wave:

[Rick5895]

No player is going to, put their hands up and say, I'm not good enough anymore, stick the next guy in . . .

that's the coaches job to see it and act upon it.

That's where we're falling down at the moment, In some respects Dick is too close to guys like Pottsie and Clark, he needs to man up and make some big decisions, and not wait until the end of the season to do it.

I'd prefer Keyaron Fox in the middle to either of this pair at the moment, and Sly . . . . . . . give him a chance, . . please!!:wave:

I agree with what you are saying, however, since we don't have Fox (not re-signed) I would like to see Sylvester in there or at least get opportunity. Where I would like to see changes is at# 2 CB and replace BMAC (who is injured once again) with Lewis or Brown, and get C. Allen on the field. Also its time to start dwindling the playing time of both Keisel and Smith and get Hood and Heyward in the game.

[Steelerfreak58]

Show me a guy that plays Linebacker and will raise their hand and say, "I am done coach" none of them will. They are all athletes and competitors it is all they know. He is slower but maybe doing things this way will help in the second half of the season.

[steeltheone]

I've been saying this for over a year now..We always got rid of players before we got to this point, now we have 5 or 6 that are in the same boat ( age)...

[steeltheone]

No player is going to, put their hands up and say, I'm not good enough anymore, stick the next guy in . . .

that's the coaches job to see it and act upon it.

That's where we're falling down at the moment, In some respects Dick is too close to guys like Pottsie and Clark, he needs to man up and make some big decisions, and not wait until the end of the season to do it.

I'd prefer Keyaron Fox in the middle to either of this pair at the moment, and Sly . . . . . . . give him a chance, . . please!!:wave:

I agree...Thanks for your service but time to move on!

[Atlanta Dan]

Consider the possibiity Tomlin gave Foote some snaps in case Harrison could not continue, which would result in Timmons going outside and both Farrior & Fooote going the rest of the game as the inside linebackers

Of course Tomlin and LeBeau are obviously clueless:noidea:

[Fire Arians]

Consider the possibiity Tomlin gave Foote some snaps in case Harrison could not continue, which would result in Timmons going outside and both Farrior & Fooote going the rest of the game as the inside linebackers

Of course Tomlin and LeBeau are obviously clueless:noidea:

while that's a possibility, it's rather troubling if that's the case. shows zero confidence in worilds to play his position

[truesteelerfan]

I'm ok with Foote being in there....just like I've said about our DL....gotta keep the guys fresh! LOL- In case you haven't heard, some ppl have said our D is kinda old...with that being said, some younger guys like Foote, Hood, Heyward, Mundy can play a few series in a game- not every other, not rotating, but on some drives stick some new guys in to give a rest...Even a guy in his prime can benefit by an extended rest a series or two a game...Just not too many starters out any one series.

[Atlanta Dan]

while that's a possibility, it's rather troubling if that's the case. shows zero confidence in worilds to play his position

it's the old concern the younger players do not know LeBeau's schemes - of course Foote looked completely lost when he played:noidea:

[steelerjim58]

it's the old concern the younger players do not know LeBeau's schemes - of course Foote looked completely lost when he played:noidea:

I would hope that the only reason Worilds, Sylvester, Heyward and any of the other young guys arent playing is because they arent considered ready at this time. But if it is because of some miguided sense of loyalty from the coaching staff that would be unfair to the team as a whole.

All that being said, I am a firm believer in on the job training.