Over the past two weeks, I've noticed a number of stories coming out of Latrobe about how hard and physical things are in Camp Tomlin. At first listen, this all sounds well and good, but is it really ALL good? Everyone is so gung-ho about Tomlin's two-a-days and encouraging contact. But should we be?
Before I go any further, let me make it clear that I do think we need to test our guys physically (to a relatively great extent) this preseason to light a fire and improve on what was a disappointing 2006-2007. Last year complacency ruled and that is unacceptable. These guys need to understand, and I think most already do, that no one is going to allow that this season. They should be ready to work harder than they have ever worked in the past and keep their eyes on the prize. One ring isn't enough...we should be striving for One For The Other Thumb (pardon the pun...couldn't help myself).
That all said, we were one of the first teams in camp, we have an extra preseason game, and we were a little banged up even coming into Latrobe. At what point do you draw the line between hard preparation and danger?
It's not the majority of Tomlin's drills that worry me so much. But rather, primarily what I've heard was his unwillingness to step in and maintain discipline when the secondary got a little too overzealous during their drills with receivers, especially the younger guys...Anthony Smith...ahem ahem. [And I love that guy, seriously]
Some of you, actually probably most, may be saying "Why is Hines Ward complaining about guys getting hit?" The real question you should be asking is - When was the last time Hines Ward complained about anything (before the whole being skeptical of Mike Tomlin)? To me it's a red flag. The secondary should not be hitting guys hard enough so that their health could be jeopardized. I love a little good-natured competition and I applaud their attitude. But save it for the regular season when you're covering Chad Johnson and not WILLIE REID (of all people)! God knows one bad hit and the guy could be out for the whole season...(exaggerating of course)
Anyways, I guess my point is - Let's keep them working hard, but keep them disciplined. Tomlin, the so-called disciplinarian should have no problem with this, and from the sound of it we've got some great momentum going, practice-wise. Everyone is ready to come out of the corner swinging. Which can only mean loads of excitement this year...I've got a feeeelinnnnnng...
Other entertaining news, for your general amusement:
- See below for image of a "Simpsonized" Jeff Reed...yeah I don't know when I had time to do that either...
- Brett Keisel can catch a fish like nobody's business...good thing he's never challenged this guy to a head to head...I'm what they call a master fisherman. Oh, and I think I might also be interested in a Kendall Simmons original print...
- Did Paul Zeise really say Vick would've been better off being accused of raping a woman?? If so, someone get that man counseling...very misguided...
- Cedric Wilson unhappy with the amount of balls he's getting...
- "Big Snack" wants him some 4-3 action...
- Lamar Woodley will smack you in the mouth...
2 comments:
Watched the Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley show on tv last night (gotta love watching Pittsburgh local news shows!) where they were discussing their observations from latrobe thus far. They both seem real happy with the secondary. Especially the resurgence of ike taylor. They said that deshea looks younger, mcfadden is always competing, and william gay has picked the ball off and took it to the house! Gay is said to have played a similar defense at Louisville. Staying on the defensive side they said that Timmons is missing valuable time, while Woodley is stepping up big time by using a low center of gravity to get under offensive linemen. Anthony Smith is hitting like a pile of bricks. Personally I'm glad that they are hitting hard and working out like this because if Tomlin comes in and gets soft one minute he could possibly lose the respect of the team because of his youth. Hines is complaining about the secondary getting too physical?!? I LOVE IT! According to Ilkin, Willie Reid needs to keep his head on a swivel or he wont just get leveled by Anthony Smith going 75%, but Ed Reed going 100 mph! But, Ilkin also said that Reid is showing that he is fearless going across the middle. Other receivers mentioned were Baker and Washington. Baker is said to be smooth and fluid while catching the ball and not afraid to pull the ball away from 5 guys in the endzone for a TD. Washington has seemed to have matured a bit and is rumored to have a 40+ vertical! The O-line is said to have a lot of good competition, which is a positive sign as well. And finally, Big Ben is looking more confident, a leader, and more careful with the ball...Thank God!
Love it now, but if/when someone gets hurt you've now forfeited your right to complain about it...
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