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Sunday, July 31, 2011

The other Batch shines

The Steelers agreed to terms with running back Mewelde Moore on Sunday. But the old third-down back might want to figure out a way to get back on the football field before Aug. 4 - when the league permits free agents to practice – sooner.

Rookie Barron Batch wasn't perfect in the backs on backers drill Sunday, but he did enough to show that he is an up and comer.

When you beat James Harrison, the unofficial king of the drill, it opens eyes.

In fact, Joe Greene, who was watching, leaned over to reporters and said, "That boy is from Texas," after he stoned Harrison.

For the record, Batch went 6-2 in backs on backers, a fine performance in a drill in which the defense holds all the advantages.

He also showed some nifty moves running with the ball. The Steelers may have gotten a steal in the seventh round.

© William Gay also re-signed on Sunday, giving the Steelers options at defensive back.

Many fans are still critical of Gay after his 2009 season, when he was forced into the starting lineup. But he was solid last season as the team's third corner, a role he's more suited to.

© Ben Roethlisberger wore No. 78 at practice Sunday in honor of Max Starks. No word if he'll wear 71 Tuesday when the Steelers return to practice. Then again, Starks' locker has been right next to Roethlisberger's since 2004.

© Bryant McFadden had an excellent over-the-shoulder interception in coverage against Mike Wallace on a deep pass from Roethlisberger.

© Roethlisberger threw a short touchdown pass to Heath Miller during a two-minute drill. But the drill should have ended when Antonio Brown dropped a ball over the middle on fourth down earlier. Mike Tomlin gave the offense a pass on the play because he wanted to see the drill finished.

4 comments:

Braden said...

I imagine McFadden's interception happened because - once again - Ben could not quite get Wallace in stride.

Dale, could you provide more detail on Batch handling Harrison? Did he simply pop him and stand his ground, or did he pop him and pancake him?

How has John Clay looked, or does he have to wait until Thursday?

Dale Lolley said...

Oh, you don't pancake Harrison. But standing him up is more than enough.
Clay is practicing. He doesn't look as big as his listed weight.

And actually, McFadden made a nice play on the ball to Wallace.

Anonymous said...

Gay sucks

adamg said...

Again, there's no reason for Dixon to sign a contract/tender since he can't attend meetings or practice until Thursday. There are plenty of teams with average or below QBs, including the team near Dixon's college alma mater, where he'd stand a better shot at starting than with Pgh.