Steelers lineup set ... for now
excerpt:
Coach Mike Tomlin penciled in starters at several contested positions when he ended the Steelers' spring practices yesterday, emphasizing that's precisely how they're written -- in pencil.
The more permanent ink won't be used until well into training camp.
"You define guys on how they play this game when they play it in pads," Tomlin said. "I like what I saw out there, but I am not making decisions on what I saw in this offseason."
Because someone has to go first, Chukky Okobi will open training camp with the first team at center over Sean Mahan; Deshea Townsend over Bryant McFadden at right cornerback; Ryan Clark over Anthony Smith at free safety; Max Starks at right tackle over Willie Colon; and Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback.
That last one was a ringer, even if Tomlin talked as if not many positions are written in ink yet.
"No job is secure," Tomlin insisted. "This is not a security business and if they are looking for security, they need to find a new line of work."
Of course, players such as Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, Alan Faneca, Marvel Smith, Heath Miller, the entire defensive line and halfback Willie Parker have as much job security as any NFL players. But Tomlin, as a new coach, probably will be quicker to make changes than Bill Cowher might have been.
"I told those guys that I am going to base my decision on them and what they do on a day-to-day basis, not their reputation or resume -- and I mean what I say in that regard," Tomlin said.
"People want to establish depth charts at this time of year, which is good, so be it. They change. I am not worried about who the starting center is or who the starting corners are. I am worried about acquiring guys that are capable of doing a job and fighting it out in Latrobe and in the preseason."
Steelers lineup set ... for now
Steelers lineup set ... for now
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