Admittedly, yesterday was more of a fluff piece. Players checking in, Coach Tomlin getting a Twitter, not much going on the football field. That’s all pushed aside as the team hit Chuck Noll Field for its first practice of the season. Notable observations from those there.
– Some of the early rotation/depth chart action
RB rotation is: Redman Dwyer, Batch, McNeal, Stephens Howling, Johnson, Bell
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) July 27, 2013
Beachum second team left tackle. Malecki second team center
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) July 27, 2013
Left to right: Long, Malecki, Beachum, Cheadle, Whimper today’s 2nd team OL.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) July 27, 2013
A.Brown, Sanders, Wheaton, J.Brown & Hawthorne all got work fielding punts on Saturday #steelers
— Steelers Depot (@Steelersdepot) July 27, 2013
– Tomlin did forewarn not to read too much into it though after the first day.
“We’re at the very beginning stages of trying to identify the 53 plus 8 practice squad…I wouldn’t read too much into who’s running with what groups. There’s going to be plenty of time to ascend and descend within these ranks. “
– Severe weather forced the team off the field for a little while though they returned to finish.
– James Wexell provides information on nose tackle Alameda Ta’amu, who is on the PUP with a hamstring injury.
Alameda Ta’amu injured hamstring 2 weeks ago running sprints. He’s lost 27 pounds to 350. Last yr’s belly is this yr’s chest & shoulders.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) July 27, 2013
QUOTES TO NOTE:
Heath Miller on losing Mike Wallace: “With Mike gone, it just creates opportunities for everyone else. There’s plenty of capable men in training camps everywhere. It’s about guys earning their opportunities and what they do when they get them.”
Ike Taylor on if the Steelers felt like the number one defense last season: “Not at all.Every time we’re #1 though, it never feels like that. That’s a good thing.”
On if he appreciates his health more after battling injuries last season: “No because I don’t take nothing for granted. I know playing football in this career is a short-lived career. I myself felt like I lasted longer than what people expected, what I expected. “
How much longer he thinks Clark/Troy will play: “Man, if I was God, I’d let you know. Just having Troy and Ryan Clark back there, you know what you’re gunna get. One is a Hall of Famer. The other is a Pro Bowler.”
The progress of rookie safety Shamarko Thomas: “He picks up things real well. Good thing about Shamarko is that we wants to learn. And why not learn from a Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu. He sees that, he understands that, so he’s asking questions. That’s a good thing. “
Coach Tomlin on dealing with the weather: “We had a little adversity today with the weather but the guys dealt with it in a nice manner but I’d like to see them do it consistently.”
How Ben looked: “Thought he looked good. It’s the first day. Thought everyone looked good, but I’m not rushing to judge. Obviously,it’s still football in shorts for us. But just enjoying the process. “
Photo Credit: Flickr.com/RJ Schmidt
