Steelers Morning Huddle 10/11/2013
By Kim Myers
Huddle up!
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers are wrapping up their practice week and preparing to head to New Jersey with the hopes of returning with their first victory of the season. A little piece of me dies inside every time I have to write a phrase like that. Here’s what’s being said about your Pittsburgh Steelers around the block.
Coordinator’s Corner
Thursday afternoon following practice each Steelers coordinator spoke with reporters about the upcoming game against the Jets. Dick LeBeau spoke about the promotion of Cameron Heyward over Ziggy Hood at defensive end.
"“We were just trying to balance the snaps up a little bit. He wasn’t getting enough snaps. One way to take care of that is to put him out there and let him go. Ziggy Hood will still play a lot. We are going to use all those lineman. I just think Cam needs more snaps. That’s the reason he is in there. I think he will do a good job.” – Dick LeBeau"
Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley spoke about integrating Levi Brown into the offensive zone blocking scheme.
"“Yeah, I think he’s a capable guy. There’s a reason he was taken high in the draft, and I think he’s excited to be part of this group, part of this team and to help us wherever he can.” – Todd Haley"
In response to the question asking for any comments about the lawsuit he’s currently involved in, Haley responded, “No. Personal, legal, no comment.”
No more fun and games
A few weeks ago it was leaked that several veteran Steelers players instituted a locker room policy banning the entertainment in the locker room such as pool, Ping-Pong, and shuffle board for the younger players. Now, as Gerry Dulac of the PPG reports as of yesterday, Tomlin went ahead and made that policy across the board. He has banned all players, including the veterans, from playing games in the locker room. This move is going to get a lot of flak, and deservedly so, it’s ridiculous. It’s ridiculous that a winless team in October is talking about Ping-Pong and shuffleboard. I kind of wish this kind of stuff never got out to the press. I could give a crap if they’re allowed to play World of Warcraft in the locker room as long as they don’t play like crap on Sundays anymore.
Steelers face Willie Colon
The Steelers will face former Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon when they go up against the Jets on Sunday. The team parted ways with the 30-year-old lineman who had spent more time on IR the past two seasons than he did in the lineup. He was coming off of injured reserve again and the Steelers decided to resign Ramon Foster and part ways with Colon. Colon signed with the Jets and is now part of a more talented line including Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Colon says he has no hard feelings about the Steelers letting him go, according to Ralph Paulk of the Trib, but does play with a chip on his shoulder trying to prove that he can finish a season strong without it ending prematurely injury. I’m sure Colon will go on to have a long, successful career with the Jets and never end up on the IR again because, of course that’s how that’s going to end up. The Steelers offensive line certainly doesn’t have as many holding penalties called since Colon’s departure but Ben has been constantly running for his life so not really sure if you call it a loss or gain.
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