Visit NFL from the sidelines on the new Observer-Reporter site: http://www.observer-reporter.com/section/BLOGS08

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Day two of minicamp

The Steelers just completed their second day of minicamp Wednesday and will wrap things up Thursday.

Usually, Mike Tomlin has cut his troops free early, but I don't think that will happen this year with so many new faces in key spots. Every practice counts.

@ Ben Roethlisberger confirmed today that Dri Archer is working  with the running backs one day and the receivers the next.

The Steelers want Archer to learn both roles, which will give them some flexibility when he's on the field.

Opponents won't be able to key on him just coming into the huddle. They'll need to figure out if he's lining up at running back or receiver.

@ Roethlisberger also confirmed what some other guys have been saying about the Steelers wanting to increase the number of packages from which they can run their no-huddle.

The idea is to start a drive at a regular pace and then go no-huddle at a moment's notice to catch the other team in a bad personnel package.

@ Talked to a source today about cornerback Brandon Flowers, who was released recently by Kansas City.

The Steelers have some interest in Flowers, though they're not about to go overboard to acquire him.

@ Martavis Bryant was back working today after sitting out Tuesday with an illness.

@ Here is how misinformation gets passed along.

One of the local newspapers did a story quoting a couple of national analysts - nobody from the Steelers - about how the team could be considering a shift to the 4-3 defense.

One of the analysts is an NFL Network guy.

A day after the story runs in said local paper, again, with nobody from the Steelers saying anything of the sort, the NFL Network starts tweeting that the Steelers are considering changing to a 4-3, with the source being their own guys answering a question.

And people wonder why I get frustrated with this job.

@ The Steelers released corner Deion Belue and signed running back Jordan Hall.

@ Congrats to the Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette for being named the 2014 McCants Award winner for a career of excellence covering the NFL.

4 comments:

adamg said...

I believe it's Jordan (not Justin)Hall from Jeannette HS.

kelly said...

Thanks for the updates Dale, it's very much appreciated.

Big Patty said...

getting Flowers signed could make them a real contender this coming season

gotta try to sign him

Anonymous said...

@ Roethlisberger also confirmed what some other guys have been saying about the Steelers wanting to increase the number of packages from which they can run their no-huddle.

The idea is to start a drive at a regular pace and then go no-huddle at a moment's notice to catch the other team in a bad personnel package.


Well, I've been beating that drum since last season, including here, and haven't heard/read anyone else saying these things, so I'm gonna assume 'some other guys' is me. lol

Have you noticed if Roethlisberger is taking some snaps from center in no-huddle, or if it's all from the gun? That will tell me how much the playbook has been opened or if they're just smoke and mirrors, making it appear multiple/broader by using hybrid types. Is it pretty much still just 3WR formations with unconventional/hybrid personnel?