Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints: Coordinator’s Comments

The Pittsburgh Steelers bye week has come and gone.  This Sunday the Steelers will play at home for the first time since November 2nd when the 4-7 New Orleans Saints visit Heinz Field.  On Tuesday Mike Tomlin gave his weekly press conference, in which he commented on the matchup with the Saints, injuries, and he said obviously 12 times.  NPC’s Kim Myers gave an overview of the presser in Tomlin Tuesday.  On Thursday both Dick LeBeau and Todd Haley gave quick interviews about how their unit is looking and what they expect come Sunday.

Todd Haley’s interview questions revolved around the running back position.  The first topic of conversation for Haley was Dri Archer, whose role in the offense will likely increase due to the departure of LeGarrette Blount.  Haley said that this week has not been different for Archer because he always comes to work and knows what to do, while doing it at a fast pace.  Haley then said that he needs to keep getting opportunities and to take advantage of one of them.  Haley was then asked if Archer can be a between the tackles type runner.  Haley responded by saying yes and that some of his big runs, or close to big runs, have come when running in the middle of the field.  Haley added that he doesn’t have a workhorse size so diving him at the tackles 20 times a game isn’t in the future but he said that Archer’s vision has impressed them since he’s been on the Steelers.

Josh Harris could be seeing some time this week in the Steelers backfield and Haley said that he doesn’t look any different in practice other than he’s getting ready to play and he’s going against the first team in practice reps.  Haley said that since Harris has been used as the practice squad running back all season he has been getting beat up all year by the defense that wants to hit somebody but Harris keeps coming back no matter how hard he gets hit.  Haley said that those traits are a big way for younger guys to develop.

Finally Haley was asked about how much Will Johnson will be used.  He said that the good thing about Will is that he is very versatile. He has proven he can play fullback, tight end, or even get carries.

With the New Orleans Saints high-powered offense coming to Pittsburgh, Dick LeBeau was asked about the Saints major weapons.  First off was Jimmy Graham, who LeBeau said there aren’t any receiving tight ends that are better than him.  He said that Graham is excellent and one of the best athletes at the tight end position, he referred to Antonio Gates as another great athletic tight end.  LeBeau also added that it isn’t as rare to see very athletic guys at tight end anymore because of all the passing in the NFL and in college, so tight ends are expected to pass catchers more often than not.

The next Saints threat discussed was Drew Brees.  LeBeau said he is also one of the best players at his position without a doubt.  LeBeau said that, “Anybody who has put up the numbers Drew has over the years is great. Not good, great.”  He said that Brees leads the team and doesn’t turn the ball over often.  Lastly with a laugh and a smile LeBeau said that if the Steelers weren’t going against Brees, “I would really admire him.”

Finally LeBeau commented on the Saints running game.  He said that they are a good running team, not just because of their threat to pass, but because of their running back depth and blocking schemes.  He added that the Saints rank seventh in rushing and second overall in total offense, so they are good everywhere.

You can listen to Haley’s interview here and LeBeau’s here.