Steelers need on-the-move safety Carter

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Steelers need on-the-move safety Carter
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, June 9, 2008

Tyrone Carter knows what Steelers fans are thinking.

How in the name of Carl Lewis did Carter allow Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard (6-foot-1, 245 pounds) to outrace him for a 32-yard gain on fourth-and-two late in the AFC Wild Card playoff game?

Garrard's long, torturous run led to the winning field goal with 37 seconds remaining.

Carter has spent the offseason pondering the play he didn't make.

"He only needed 2 yards. I thought he was going to slide," Carter said.
Once Jacksonville's blockers picked up the blitz and Garrard secured the first down, Carter was alone on an island. When Garrard made the decision to continue running instead of sliding, Carter wasn't prepared to make the tackle.

Carter's indecision made the waddling Garrard appear to be the fastest quarterback in the NFL.

"You can't assume anything," Carter said. "I was right there and didn't get him."

Carter, one of the Steelers' hardest hitters, normally makes those type of plays.

Not coming through against Jacksonville wasn't the norm for Carter, but his indecision didn't cost the Steelers the game. There were plenty of mistakes to go around. If anything, Carter's versatility makes him one of the Steelers' most valuable defenders.

As he displayed against Jacksonville, Carter, 32, lacks the requisite straight-line speed to be a full-time starter.

But Carter is valuable to the Steelers because he's a team player who understands and accepts his role: backing up starter Troy Polamalu.

Carter started a total of six games last season at both safety positions. Carter moved over and started at free safety in the playoff game.

It's not easy finding a player who can play both safety positions adequately, either as a starter or as a backup.

Carter does it seamlessly.

Carter has taken most of the first-team, strong-safety snaps in minicamp and voluntary workouts this year as Polamalu recovers from knee surgery.

But Carter said "nothing has changed" regarding his status as a backup.

"My job is to prepare myself to play and always be ready," said Carter, who had 56 tackles, three forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries in 2007.

Carter is a veteran who prides himself on his ability to make plays. The one time he was out of position in the playoff game resulted in a play he would like to forget.

That's unfortunate, because Carter's play during the regular season helped the Steelers reach the playoffs.


http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_571693.html

[Aussie_steeler]

His lack of speed was a liability in the Jacksonville game and unfortunately we are all getting older as we speak.

It also sounds like he has made the mental concession that he is only ever going to be a backup and he is comfortable with that. That is a real fine line to live on. Yes Troy is the starter and Carter is never going to beat him out, but on the other hand there has to be a little fire in side that drives you to believe that you could be as good, maybe better?

I am probably be a little hard on him with that assessment but in my view he probably only really has this year left in him before he becomes a retirement / pats free agent candidate.

This year I would much rather have Deshea sliding over to cover the FS spot in times of need than Carter.

[Galax Steeler]

Carter plays hard but his speed is an issue and you can't make mistakes like he did against jacksonville.

[The Duke]

I'm hoping ryan mundy is carter's ticket out of town. maybe not this year, but definitely next.

but if carter can help in his previous role then no problem, I just don't want to see him starting. so many freakin injuries last year....

[revefsreleets]

Originally Posted by Aussie_steeler

This year I would much rather have Deshea sliding over to cover the FS spot in times of need than Carter.

It's inevitable that one of these years Mac is gonna beat out Townsend for the CB spot, and I'd like to see Deshea in nickel, dime and playing some safety.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Originally Posted by revefsreleets

It's inevitable that one of these years Mac is gonna beat out Townsend for the CB spot, and I'd like to see Deshea in nickel, dime and playing some safety.

Mac better do it this year since its the last year on his contract. I have a feeling if he doesnt take the starters role, he will want out and the Steelers will probably let him walk.

[revefsreleets]

Yeah, I'm thinking this is the year, too. Deshea is impressive though, because year after year he finds a way to keep his position, and he is pretty consistent.

[ChronoCross]

if the refs would of called the several holds on that play it would not matter about tyrone nor would this discussion even take place.

[SteelersTilIDie]

thank god we drafted a safety that might supplant him on the team, he sucks

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by SteelersTilIDie

thank god we drafted a safety that might supplant him on the team, he sucks

I think that is a bit of an overstatement... actually, quite an overstatement.

He is an EXCELLENT backup.

Remember, he is a backup that was playing against the starters of the other team... and held his own.