No time to wait for Steelers rookies

[stillers4me]

The Steelers (http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/) defense isn't giving out internships any longer.

Not that long ago, not even the early round draft picks were expected to start right away. Troy Polamalu didn't. Cam Heyward didn't. Ziggy Hood didn't. Lawrence Timmons didn't. Even Rod Woodson didn't.

Once these Steelers report to training camp July 25, inside linebacker Ryan Shazier and defensive end Stephon Tuitt are expected to push their way into the lineup and stay there. There's not only room for them, there's a great need for them.

When a defense declines during successive 8-8 seasons, there's no time for apprenticeships.......


Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6101910-74/steelers-shazier-defensive#ixzz327zoWoge

[Moose]

Amen !!

[Steelerette]

Let's go through the growing pains this year, finish strong, we won't win the top seed but we have a decent shot at getting to the playoffs...

If all or even most things work out, then in 2015 we should be flat out dominant... maybe less a CB or OT.

[Steelman]

After watching the player interviews on Steelers.com, I definitely noticed that the staff is pounding "24/7" and "eat the playbook" into Tuitt's head. I can tell he's realizing the implications of the dedication needed to play for a pro team, and I think he'll turn that into a starting spot on this team come fall.

[ALLD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC0Qt1lvLq8

[Mojouw]

This season will be a critical test of the Steelers' coaching staff as well. No longer will statements that it takes a long time for a rookie to digest our complex system blah blah blah be acceptable. The team has holes that must be filled by rookies - regardless of complexity. It will be on the coaching staff to find a way to scheme around what the rookies don't or can't know and get them ready to play each week.

Finally the Steelers will be forced to do what every other team has been doing for several years now. Get younger and cheaper at a handful of positions so that they can afford big $ performers at other positions.

[Steelerette]

Man, is this making me wish we'd nabbed Verner. I'm thinking that I'd rather have a solid D-line than have CBs who are "getting paid" but, he was such a bargain where he signed... I bet he could have been incredible with the front seven we're going to be putting out.

[Moose]

Let's get some good hard training and hitting on them also so there aren't so many early injuries. Harden them up so to speak.