Steelers training camp 2009...

So I went on vacation to Pittsburgh to celebrate my one year wedding anniversary and while we were there we attended the Steelers-Cardinals preseason game. It was awesome being back in Heinz Field for a Steelers game(its been 5 years) and of course the Steelers won 20-10. The first unit didn't play much but I am a little worried because the offensive line didn't get a good enough push on running plays during the game. Starting center Justin Hartwig and guard Darnell Stapelton were injured and didn't play in the game so I will give them some slack but their running stats were pretty bad(32 rushes for 90 yards)...except for Isaac Redman. Redman scored 2 rushing TDs in the fourth quarter to give Pittsburgh the lead and the win. Redman ran with low shoulders and fought through tackles to get into the end zone on both runs and he looks to be making a name for himself as the team's short yardage and goal line back.
Fellow rookies Joe Burnett, Ziggy Hood, and Mike Wallace all made big contributions for the team in the win. Wallace finished the game with 2 receptions for 35 yards and he made some nice plays but he also missed a couple of catches in the end zone but that should come with experience. Ziggy finished with a sack and a QB pressure that lead to Burnett's interception which he returned 41 yards to set up Redman's first touchdown. Burnett's interception was set up by Ziggy's pressure off the end but it was also a great play by Burnett who read Cardinals' quarterback(and former Steelers backup) Brian St. Pierre the entire time and then broke on the pass forcing the turnover. It looks like the Steelers might get bigger contributions this year then they have so far during the Mike Tomlin era.

At Steelers training camp in Latrobe, Pa was a blast and everyone involved were very nice and helpful. We got full access to the players and coaches as they were going to lunch and they were usually more than happy to stop and chat for a few minutes. We got to eat lunch in the same cafeteria as the players and it was pretty cool because defensive genius Dick LeBeau was really cool and he went out of his way to talk to me and shoot the breeze for a few minutes during lunch. While at practice we were given access to the field where we were able to take pictures and even chat briefly with some of the players. It was really cool seeing how the Super Bowl champions practiced and how they conducted themselves. Coach Tomlin is already a top 3 coach in the NFL and it was unbelievable to see him operate and interact with the players and media. All in all it was a great experience that I will never forget and I hope to do it again next year!

GO STEELERS!