That's Just Troy Being Troy...

As I'm sure you all well know by now, Troy Polamalu is not at Steelers OTAs this year. Rather, he's out in California training with Marv Marinovich - famed father of two troubled sons (Todd and Mikhail), and purveyor of this crazy holisticness.

Needless to say, there are some who question the effectiveness of letting a player train on his own, in an unorthodox fashion, with Marv Marinovich. Count Trib writer John Harris in that camp.

On Saturday, Harris wrote an interesting article asking the question...

"If the Steelers are so comfortable with Polamalu missing OTAs to train on his own because they are only voluntary workouts, why bother having OTAs at all? Why not permit players to train on their own?"

The same day, Fanhouse's Michael David Smith then posted a reply that can be summed up in one line (taken directly from the post)...

"The Steelers are not comfortable with all their players working out on their own because not every player is Troy Polamalu.

I pretty much fall into the Michael David Smith camp, with one important caveat - not every player has Troy Polamalu's motivation.

Yes, a large part of the Steelers accepting Polamalu's unorthodox methods is his superior ability. Just as a large part of the Steelers treatment of James Harrison was his superior ability (kidding...sort of). But even more importantly to me is that he is clearly powered by a notably stronger internal drive than most. He and the Energizer Bunny have that in common. Hence, he'll get the same or better out of whatever workout regimen he feels is best for him.

So to answer the question Harris poses - it certainly would NOT be beneficial in my mind for all of the Steelers to do their own thing. Some players, rookies in particular, need a structured workout. Or at least I would think (though I'm obviously not drawing from any personal experience on this one). They either haven't been at the pro level long enough, or haven't been strict enough with themselves to establish a routine that will prepare them for the grueling five to six months between late July and late December to late January (in our case, hopefully the latter). Not to mention the fact that working out on one's own can never help establish chemistry with one's team.

Nevertheless, for Polamalu, his independent training should afford him the same benefits as OTAs might for others. He certainly needs no work at his position. And no matter what workout he's maintained he's always been a beast. So I wonder, why would anyone rather he do something he has decided doesn't feel right?

Of course, OTAs are, as Harris says, "voluntary." So really, why all this discussion?

You guys have any thoughts on this? Anyone know anything further about this Marv Marinovich what-have-you? Where do you align - with Harris or Smith (and me)?

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers OTAs Being Questioned [Trib]
If Polamalu Jumped Off A Bridge, Would The Other Steelers Do It Too? [Fanhouse]

Baby Steps...BIG Baby Steps...

"He’s finally gaining an understanding of what he needs to be doing...He’s starting to realize what the other players on defense are doing."
- James Farrior

I feel like this isn't the first time I'm saying this, but - Thank God for Jim Wexell. If not for this report from OTAs, I'd probably be writing about Dinosaurs again. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Actually, at this point in the offseason I kind of prefer it. But I imagine it is Steelers news you crave from a Steelers blog, right? Hey, maybe someday I'll even bring you some of it first hand. That'd be nice.

Anyways, according to Wexell's report, Lawrence Timmons, who missed just about all of last year's preseason with a neverending groin injury, is finally getting a handle on the inside linebacker spot. As you'll all remember, Timmons was an outside linebacker at Florida State. But since Silverback's pretty much inhuman and Lamarr Woodley is emerging as the yin to Silverback's yang, there isn't much room for Timmons on the outside.

Plus, I'd imagine the Steelers are thinking long-term. I believe James Farrior is going into a contract year, and at 33, he isn't exactly the pair of fresh legs he once was. So it would seem like only a matter of time before Timmons goes from heir apparent to just heir.

Back to the discussion at hand - as evidence of Timmons' progress (because actions speak louder than words), Wexell offers the following:

Timmons dropped into the flat to cover the running back, who was the checkdown receiver on the play. Quarterback Jared Zabransky looked deep, saw the primary receiver covered, and threw to the back. The pass never got there. Timmons intercepted it for a touchdown.

And while that sounds real nice and everything, my two favorite parts of Wexell's report follow immediately after.

The first, is Timmons' response to making this play - "I was just doing my job, that’s all." Sounds like the right attitude to me. In fact, I'll bet that's what Moses said when he delivered the Ten Commandments. Humility is important, you know?

The second, is Wexell's professional assessment of the same play - "He couldn’t even do that last year at this time." A friendly observation after my own heart. Enthusiastic, but honest. I think that pretty much sums it up.

Now, of course it's only June 2. And training camp doesn't even start for a good six weeks or so. Which means the season is even further off. But it's great to hear that the man who really missed it all last year is finally looking like he's making progress. Usually what you like to hear about your 1st round draft picks, wouldn't you say?

What do you guys think about Timmons? Still disappointed by last year? This sound promising to you? Ready to secure your #94 jersey now?

PS - Timmons' groin may feel better but it really feels like someone kicked me in my junk. Mondays suck. Commence commenting.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Timmons Picks Up Pace [Steel City Insider]