Davenport to start, Ben to see limited duty Sunday

[SteelCityMan786]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_520534.html

Davenport to start, Ben to see limited duty Sunday
By Joe Starkey
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, August 3, 2007

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin plans to play his starters 12-15 snaps in the preseason opener Sunday against the New Orleans Saints in Canton, Ohio.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might only play a series.

"It's our intention to play Ben a little less than most of the starters and go with Charlie Batch after that," Tomlin said Friday at a news conference in Latrobe.

Najeh Davenport will start at tailback, in place of Willie Parker (inflammation, left knee). Others who will sit out include rookie outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (groin), inside linebacker Derek Rehage (thumb) and offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton (knee).

Tomlin did not rule out right outside linebacker James Harrison (ribs), but if Harrison doesn't play, as seems likely, Clark Haggans will switch to the right side and rookie LaMarr Woodley will start on the left side.

Tomlin said Willie Reid will return punts and be the primary kick-return man to start the game. Ryan Clark will start at free safety, ahead of Anthony Smith, and Deshea Townsend at right cornerback, ahead of Bryant McFadden.

"Those guys are extremely consistent," Tomlin said of Townsend and Clark. "You know what you'll get from them."

In addition, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians will work on the field, not the press box. That is his preference. Many offensive coordinators work from the press box, but Arians also worked from the field when he was the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator.

"You can't cook from the living room," Tomlin said.

The quarterback rotation will see Batch followed by Brian St. Pierre, followed by Bryan Randall.

[SteelCityMan786]

I like this idea. Protect Ben the first couple of weeks, then let him show what he's got for a half against Philly.

[xXTheSteelKingsXx]

Originally Posted by SteelCityMan786

I like this idea. Protect Ben the first couple of weeks, then let him show what he's got for a half against Philly.

Yeah I really dont mind him playing only a series. They need to just work him in slowly and let the backups get most of the reps.

[The Duke]

Tomlin said Willie Reid will return punts and be the primary kick-return man to start the game.

Good news Goodbye Colclough

Ryan Clark will start at free safety, ahead of Anthony Smith

Just kidding, I like clark, but I can't wait to see anthony smash someone, maybe they're saving him for the regular season

At least we get to se Dookie after his first steelers TC

[SteelCityMan786]

Originally Posted by The Duke

Good news Goodbye Colclough



Just kidding, I like clark, but I can't wait to see anthony smash someone, maybe they're saving him for the regular season

At least we get to se Dookie after his first steelers TC

I can see Davenport playing a quarter or so. He's probably going to be the number 2 back followed by Haynes as the 3rd down. However, Najeh is built like Jerome to get the tough yards.

[fansince'76]

As long as there are no injuries, it's all good to me.

[mental.apparition]

I'm not sure Coclough is going anywhere just yet. The kid has some talent as a DB.

Davenport is big but not a bruiser like the Bus. Reports are Haynes is not yet fully recovered from the knee. He is no lock as the 3rd down guy.

There are a lot of exciting young guys on this team and this is the game we'll see who starts to separate from the pack.

[iloveben7]

I'm really excited to see Reid play a lot this season. I was disappointed last season when he injured his ankle. I think Reid will do great things for us.

[HometownGal]

Originally Posted by iloveben7

I'm really excited to see Reid play a lot this season. I was disappointed last season when he injured his ankle. I think Reid will do great things for us.

Most definitely. I believe Reid is going to make his mark this season.

I'm really looking forward to the HOF game. It will be just a taste of what we Steelers fans will get to savor in the coming weeks and months!

[rog]

I'm excited to see Woodley get after Brees if he gets the chance to start not to mention Reid hopefully getting to return some punts. Sunday can't get here fast enough.