Surprised by some of the "elected starters"

[Welcome To Smashmouth]

Mike Tomlin obviously knows his DBs, as hes had some valuable experience as a secondary coordinator. Knowing this, I can only hope that he sees the potential in two future start players in our secondary, that at the moment aren't listed as starters. Townsend and Clark are pretty solid players, no doubt about it. But McFadden has PROVEN it is his time, and I believe the same goes for Smith. Both are not only instinctive players, but they can jar a ball loose on a ferocious hit better than 80% of DBs out there. Granted, its not all about hard hits, but when you add that kind of power in the backfield, ON TOP of the hard-hitting linebackers, something tells me the message sent to the opposing team is exactly what the burgh is looking for!

Thankfully its still ealry, and these roster spots are far from solid, we've still got all of preseason and the tail end of training camp to go, so my boys still have the time to prove themselves. Just shocked me to go over to the offfical site and see that Clark and Townsend are still calling themselves the starters. May the right decision be made by week 1!!!

[Crushzilla]

You're right about how "un-solid" these roster spots are right now.

I don't think you should worry. It won't be long until both of those guys are starting.

[Preacher]

Two things.

1. I have found that www.steelers.com is usually quite far behind in everything they do.

2. Your right, it isn't all about hitting. I too think that Clark and Townsend are better as 2nd stringers. But I guess Tomlin sees different. It may be the fact that they pick up on the other responsibilities that aren't seen better then McFadden and Smith.

[OneForTheToe]

I think in the case of Anthony Smith it's just a matter of making sure that he can cover the expanded resposibility of playing next to Troy. I think Smith has a great future, and no doubt is a bigger hitter than Ryan Clark now , but those big its won't mean much if we are giving up td passes. Smith will eventually be the starter, But there is no reason to put him in there until he is ready because Clark can do the job.

As for Townsend, I do think McFadden was better by then end of last year. However, I guess Townsend is just a tough guy to get out of the starting line-up.

[FourThreeMafia]

I agree that BMac should get the nod over Townsy, but Ryan Clark is still the starter, and Smith is going to have to take the job from Clark. I laugh when people say Clark didnt play well. Those people obviously have no clue what they are talking about. Clark played very well for his first year in a new system. Smith played well too, so both are solid options. Like I said though, Smith is going to have to step up and take the job.

[jjpro11]

my guess that those guys will rotate starting the first couple preseason games if you guys are talking about starters for this sunday.

[19ward86]

anthony smith has a problem with staying in coverage, a lot of big plays happened because there would be a WR wide open where he was supposed to be. basically i think he is too aggressive at this stage, which is good for a young guy but he isnt ready to start, i think he could be a not as good troy polamalu in a couple of seasons.

[lilyoder6]

i think that townsend is just getting too old... and i think that who ever between clark and smith the loser out of them will still see a lot of playing time in the def packages that we have.. same with carter.

[Welcome To Smashmouth]

Yeah, at this point theres no for sure starter in each of the two positions (FS and CB) and don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Clark is a bad player. Last year finishing with 70 tackles an INT and 3 FR is pretty solid. But then again, if you've got a Sean Taylor-in-the-making behind him in Smith, we've gotta turn him into the player hes going to become and get him on the field sooner rather than later. I feel somethin special in that kid.

And in terms of McFadden, its arguable that hes our best corner period. The way I look at our corner situation is that we've got three #2 corners. Townsend is going to be a solid nickel back for a couple more years, meaning we can only hope Ike picks it back up from falling a little last season. If anybody here wants to argue about McFadden's capabilities, I'd be glad to hear it...the kids going to be rock-solid

[Galax Steeler]

I think smith will be played more as the season progresses.