This opener will be like most others
LATROBE — If you thought the new CBA would change the Steelers approach to their first preseason game, think again.
Coach Mike Tomlin laid out a plan for Friday night’s preseason opener against the Washington Redskins that appears to be very similar, if not an exact replica of the team’s normal preseason lid-lifters.
“We take the simple aproach,” Tomlin said. “We wanto to see who can block, tackle, run, pass and kick in this environment.”
As in the past, Tomlin said the Steelers’ first team offense and defense would plan no more than 10 snaps against the Redskins.
Loosely translated, that means first-possession success means a quick switch from helmets to baseball caps.
A first-possession three-and-out would keep the first-teamers on the field for a second possession.
Tomlin named seven players who will not play against the Redskins, due to various injuries.
Two of them, tight end Eugene Bright and guard Chris Kemoeatu, are on the active physically unable to perform list. The other five are linebacker Mario Harvey, cornerbacks Cortez Allen and Bryant McFadden, wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Adam Mims.
Tomlin noted that he is “excited about this next step,” which is actually playing football against an opponent.
With an off-season shortened by the lockout, the focus of camp and of this game falls on first-year players who did not have the benefit of mini-camps or OTAs.
“So far, I have been pleased with their willingness to compete,” Tomlin said of the young players hoping to make the team. “Of course, Friday night will be telling in that regard. Intelligence in the classroom and in practice is one thing. Intelligence inside a stadium is another thing.”
As a matter of course, Tomlin noted the case of Maurkice Pouncey last season. The rookie didn’t play with the starters in the preseason opener, even though the Steelers coaches knew he would be a starter from Day 1.
The Steelers second preseason game will be played six days after the opener in Washington, so the starters may see extended playing time in that game, at home against Philadelphia.