Steelers Morning Huddle 10/18/2013
By Kim Myers
Huddle up!
I can only hope that Steeler Nation is wearing its black & gold today in preparation for Ravens Week. The game may not have the same meaning, standings-wise because of each team’s records but it’s still Ravens Week and we still hate those guys. Here’s what’s being said about your Pittsburgh Steelers around the block.
Coordinator’s Corner
Dick LeBeau and Todd Haley spoke to reporters following yesterday’s practice as they do every week. Each unit is preparing to build on the positives and improve on the negatives from last week’s victory. LeBeau somewhat addressed the status of Jarvis Jones with his concussion diagnosis.
"“I cannot (provide any information), although he is pretty good today. I think they are going to continue to check and monitor him. He has some symptoms of being hit. They watch those things pretty close now. The medical team will decide everything on that. I am optimistic on it.” – Dick LeBeau on Jarvis Jones"
Since last Sunday against the Jets the Steelers defense was finally able to grab those turnovers that had eluded them the first four games, LeBeau was asked if the defense is headed in the right direction now.
"“Let’s put it this way, we won the football game. That’s definitely heading in the right direction.” – Dick LeBeau"
Todd Haley was asked about Antonio Brown’s performance in the previous three games and if the offense had planned to include him more.
"“We’re doing what we always do and trying to play to each guy’s strength, but he’s our number one guy. When Mike (Wallace) left, he knew he had an opportunity to step into that role. He’s embraced it, he’s worked hard and he’s making plays. That’s tough to do when you are the guy because that’s the guy that generally sees some of the double coverage that’s going on within games. We’ve moved him around and he’s done a good job with that. We’ve got to just keep him playing fast and making plays.” – Todd Haley"
In response to his coach’s positive remarks about him, Brown pointed the ball forwards and then dropped it. I assume.
Rookies involved in rivalry
For those that think the Steelers and Ravens rivalry isn’t all what it used to be for this game because of each teams’ records, think again because each team is preparing the rookies to deal with the intensity that can only come from a Steelers vs. Ravens game. ESPN’s Scott Brown spoke to a few Steelers in the locker room to get a sense of how the players feel about the upcoming game, especially the rookies.
"“I know how big the game is. I just haven’t been a part of it yet. This is going to be like a bloodbath, two teams that really don’t like each other.” – Le’Veon Bell"
Cowboys can still win some polls
Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk reported that per the Sports Business Daily’s recent Harris poll, the Cowboys are still “America’s Team”. The last time the poll was taken in 2011, the Cowboys topped the list of most popular team even though the team hasn’t won a playoff game since 2009. The Steelers, however, dropped in popularity (according to this poll) from the No. 2 most popular team in the country, to just the seventh most popular team behind the Bears, Giants, Broncos, Packers, and of course Cowboys. It’s important to remember that this poll did not rank best teams or most Super Bowls, and also, per the stats; only polled 2,577 people. So sure, Florio, that means that as far as those 2,577 people are concerned, the Cowboys are still “America’s Team”. That’s a real accurate representation of football fans you have there.
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