Steelers top pick Pouncey practicing with first team

[Shoes]

This kid is going to be outstanding!

First-round pick Maurkice Pouncey worked extensively with the Steelers' first-team offense at Monday's practice.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10228/1080453-66.stm


http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_695055.html

[MasterOfPuppets]

i thought it had been established long ago that he was running with the 1st team ?:huh:

[Chidi29]

Anyone sense Hartwig getting cut? He doesn't have much, if any, experience at guard. Tomlin loves his backup lineman to be versatile so he only has to dress two.

[solardave]

No he stays one more year even if he is nothing but a backup to Pouncey.

[Killer]

Bout time they listen to me.

[steelerdude15]

Good. :yup:

[Psycho Ward 86]

Atta boy Pouncey, Claw your way through the damn starting lineup!

[Chidi29]

No he stays one more year even if he is nothing but a backup to Pouncey.

But that takes another spot away. Probably another helmet (can't see Hartwig being inactive), too.

[ricardisimo]

Did anyone else notice that Pouncey was right next to Redman at the end of his 30-yard rumble, even though he had been headed in the opposite direction at the start of the play, finishing off the key block for Isaac? He's big and fast. Nice.

[steeldevil]

Good. He should be.

[SteelerFanInStl]

I'd love to see him starting. Hartwig is worthless.

[Bluecoat96]

Did anyone else notice that Pouncey was right next to Redman at the end of his 30-yard rumble, even though he had been headed in the opposite direction at the start of the play, finishing off the key block for Isaac? He's big and fast. Nice.


I saw that as well. :rockon:

[Chidi29]

What about this block Pouncey had? Anyone else catch it. For the record, and not to toot my own horn, I first saw it watching the game. Not off of steelersdepot.

The photo is theirs, by the way (hence their site on the pic). Credit to them for getting the snapshot.

http://i38.tinypic.com/mwwjs1.jpg

[HometownGal]

:applaudit: :thumbsup: :clap2:

Awesome! This young man has everything a team could want in a C. :wave: Hartwig!

[Texasteel]

Something has to be done, and this kid can do it. The interior of the starting line still looked very soft, and a little lost.

[SteelerSal]

Lovin it!!! I thought he looked like a seasoned vet in his first professional game saturday.

[Shoes]

Something has to be done, and this kid can do it. The interior of the starting line still looked very soft, and a little lost.

Maybe we can pickup brother Pouncey in next years draft. :eyebrows:

[Shoes]

Lovin it!!! I thought he looked like a seasoned vet in his first professional game saturday.

I agree Sal....he looked very solid and confident.

[stillers4me]

Tomlin is happy to be wrong

By Bob Labriola – Steelers Digest
Posted 3 hours ago

LATROBE, Pa. – Mike Tomlin was wrong. He admits it. In fact, he’s happy about it.

Back in April, in the immediate aftermath of making Maurkice Pounceyhttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/maurkice-pouncey/9d33439a-ec2b-4a65-a2a2-0b63719b0604/) the team’s first-round draft pick, Tomlin explained the plan for getting the player on the field. Tomlin said at the time that Pouncey would begin his career as a guard before eventually moving to center, because it’s easier to take calls than make calls.

“He’s proven me quite wrong in that area, which is good,” said Tomlin. “It’s better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed, and we’re probably erring on the side of conservatism when we made that statement.”..................


................“You have to go out there and read defenses and make all the points for the guys,” said Pouncey. “It takes a lot. I’m doing good right now. I need to get a lot better at it, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m on the right track.”

Pouncey then gave a brief explanation of what a center might be looking for on a particular play. ...............

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Tomlin-is-happy-to-be-wrong/c1979116-b62b-4ad3-92b3-d092402f592f

[Shoes]

Tomlin is happy to be wrong

By Bob Labriola – Steelers Digest
Posted 3 hours ago

LATROBE, Pa. – Mike Tomlin was wrong. He admits it. In fact, he’s happy about it.

Back in April, in the immediate aftermath of making Maurkice Pounceyhttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/maurkice-pouncey/9d33439a-ec2b-4a65-a2a2-0b63719b0604/) the team’s first-round draft pick, Tomlin explained the plan for getting the player on the field. Tomlin said at the time that Pouncey would begin his career as a guard before eventually moving to center, because it’s easier to take calls than make calls.

“He’s proven me quite wrong in that area, which is good,” said Tomlin. “It’s better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed, and we’re probably erring on the side of conservatism when we made that statement.”..................


................“You have to go out there and read defenses and make all the points for the guys,” said Pouncey. “It takes a lot. I’m doing good right now. I need to get a lot better at it, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m on the right track.”

Pouncey then gave a brief explanation of what a center might be looking for on a particular play. ...............

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Tomlin-is-happy-to-be-wrong/c1979116-b62b-4ad3-92b3-d092402f592f


That is wonderful!.....I think Maurkice will be lobbying for his brother, if he hasn't already done so.

[SteelerSal]

...I think Maurkice will be lobbying for his brother, if he hasn't already done so.

I sure hope so...

[steelpride12]

Guess this kid is impressing more than we already thought he was! I mean he could be starting at Center on the first regular season game if he keeps impressing this much!

[xX-TSK-Xx]

I'm curious about Hartwig's versatility. If Pouncey overtakes him in the depth chart at center, can he move to guard or is he strickly regulated to playing back up center? If he can't move over, we might be better off just to cut ties. Kemoeatu, Pouncey and Foster(my guess if Pouncey becomes staring C and we cut Hartwig) would not a terribly poor interior line. Now if we only had some improvement at tackle. :doh:

[tony hipchest]

Ed: Pouncey Should Start at Center (http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports-town/steelers/104329-ed-pouncey-should-start-at-center)


Monday, 16 August 2010 08:02
Written by Ed Bouchette http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/templates/pg_twn/images/emailButton.png (http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3BsdXMuc2l0ZXMucG9zdC1nYXpldHRlLmNvb S9pbmRleC5waHAvc3BvcnRzLXRvd24vc3RlZWxlcnMvMTA0MzI 5LWVkLXBvdW5jZXktc2hvdWxkLXN0YXJ0LWF0LWNlbnRlcg%3D %3D)

It’s time for Mike Tomlin to make The Decision. It’s not LeBron-like, it’s much simpler. It’s time for the Steelers coach to insert a rookie into the starting lineup, and time for him to remove a veteran in order to do so.
Tomlin has not started a rookie in his previous three seasons as coach, other than an occasional game (Rashard Mendenall vs. Baltimore in 2008 because Willie Parker was out with an injury). Lawrence Timmons, his first pick as a coach, had to wait two years to become a regular. It appears Ziggy Hood will have to wait at least that long.
There should be no wait for Maurkice Pouncey. He should be the Steelers starting center.


http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports-town/steelers/104329-ed-pouncey-should-start-at-center?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[tube517]

It's time. Get on with it, Coach Tomlin. Just like Casey Hampton in 2001, start the rookie. He's only going to get better.

[tony hipchest]

there are some who regarded pouncy as the most "pro-ready" player entering the 2010 draft.

maybe art II's directives to get the youngsters more involved hasnt fallen on deaf ears.

[Steeldude]

i think hartwig stays one more year. unless they feel legursky can start.

hartwig
adams
kemo
essex
starks
legursky
pouncey
foster
j. scott

that's my guess for the OL's regular season roster

[ricardisimo]

Ed: Pouncey Should Start at Center (http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports-town/steelers/104329-ed-pouncey-should-start-at-center)


Monday, 16 August 2010 08:02
Written by Ed Bouchette http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/templates/pg_twn/images/emailButton.png (http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3BsdXMuc2l0ZXMucG9zdC1nYXpldHRlLmNvb S9pbmRleC5waHAvc3BvcnRzLXRvd24vc3RlZWxlcnMvMTA0MzI 5LWVkLXBvdW5jZXktc2hvdWxkLXN0YXJ0LWF0LWNlbnRlcg%3D %3D)

It’s time for Mike Tomlin to make The Decision. It’s not LeBron-like, it’s much simpler. It’s time for the Steelers coach to insert a rookie into the starting lineup, and time for him to remove a veteran in order to do so.
Tomlin has not started a rookie in his previous three seasons as coach, other than an occasional game (Rashard Mendenall vs. Baltimore in 2008 because Willie Parker was out with an injury). Lawrence Timmons, his first pick as a coach, had to wait two years to become a regular. It appears Ziggy Hood will have to wait at least that long.
There should be no wait for Maurkice Pouncey. He should be the Steelers starting center.


http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports-town/steelers/104329-ed-pouncey-should-start-at-center?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Amazing. Not even Lamarr Woodley started his rookie season, and he was on fire almost from the get-go. Sepulveda... I think that's it, right? The reluctance to start the rookies can backfire if they feel the team lacks confidence in them. Just sayin...

[MasterOfPuppets]

i hate the thought of losing a linemen with potential , just to make a roster spot for hartwig for just 1 more year. if pouncey CAN take over at center , then let him and put hartwig on the trading block.


The National Football League's deadline is the Tuesday following the sixth week of the regular season, which typically falls in mid-October. However, there is fairly little activity on this day and almost no star players are ever dealt to other clubs on the sixth week of the season.

Of the players who are dealt, usually they are wide receivers or defensive players so it is easier for them to learn the playbook.

[Galax Steeler]

Everything you read about Pouncey is good hope he can continue to improve and grow.

[Boomerang]

Exciting to see how close he is to being nfl ready,looks a great talent.

[Texasteel]

Amazing. Not even Lamarr Woodley started his rookie season, and he was on fire almost from the get-go. Sepulveda... I think that's it, right? The reluctance to start the rookies can backfire if they feel the team lacks confidence in them. Just sayin...

For a rookie to start at center on opening day is amazing to me. Not only is this kid a very good player, he must be extremely bright.

[SteelMember]

For a rookie to start at center on opening day is amazing to me. Not only is this kid a very good player, he must be extremely bright.

I think your right on both counts.

[Indo]

Did anyone else notice that Pouncey was right next to Redman at the end of his 30-yard rumble, even though he had been headed in the opposite direction at the start of the play, finishing off the key block for Isaac? He's big and fast. Nice.

Yep.
The kid's hungry.

[oneforthetoe]

I hope Pouncy can start at center as well. He has the potential to be great. I would be a little worried about getting rid of Hartwig just yet. Unless the Steelers are absolutely convinced that both Legursky and Pouncy can handle the position against the Haloti Ngatas of the league, I'd like to keep Hartwig on the roster for one more season.

[O'Malley]

Could we have found the next Dermontti Dawson? I sure hope so.

[86WARD]

He's a beastly bad ass.

[SMR]

Did anyone else notice that Pouncey was right next to Redman at the end of his 30-yard rumble, even though he had been headed in the opposite direction at the start of the play, finishing off the key block for Isaac? He's big and fast. Nice.

Yes, and I am soooo stoked!!!

[SMR]

It's time. Get on with it, Coach Tomlin. Just like Casey Hampton in 2001, start the rookie. He's only going to get better.

That's a good point with the Big Snack!

[MasterOfPuppets]

For a rookie to start at center on opening day is amazing to me. Not only is this kid a very good player, he must be extremely bright.
for the steelers maybe, but for other NFL teams a rookie starting isn't out of the ordinary. nick mangold ( jets ) started his rookie year and went to the probowl his second year.

the 49'ers are starting rookies lupati and davis on their line.

[Texasteel]

for the steelers maybe, but for other NFL teams a rookie starting isn't out of the ordinary. nick mangold ( jets ) started his rookie year and went to the probowl his second year.

Actually MOP, I think I would classify Mangold as out of the ordinary.

[MasterOfPuppets]

Actually MOP, I think I would classify Mangold as out of the ordinary.

looks like the donko's might be starting their rookie center as well..


According to the Denver Broncos’ public relations staff, since the 1970 merger the Broncos have never had a rookie center start the first game of the season. Walton, a third-round pick, has an excellent chance to be the first. The Broncos have had just five rookie linemen start the season opener. Since 1992, the only rookie offensive lineman to start the Broncos’ opener is Ryan Clady.

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/walton-100285-center-history.html#ixzz0wyEyjCdt

[Texasteel]

looks like the donko's might be starting their rookie center as well..


Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/walton-100285-center-history.html#ixzz0wyEyjCdt

That IS interesting. I liked Walton last year, I think LLT liked him quite a bit, but a first year starter does suprise me. Could be the center crop was better than we thought last year.

[xX-TSK-Xx]

Pouncey makes me real excited for the future of our offensive line. He along with Kemoeatu and a healthy Colon is a solid core for the future. If we could just find a young stud left tackle we could probably have a premire line for the next 5-8 years.

[Chidi29]

for the steelers maybe, but for other NFL teams a rookie starting isn't out of the ordinary. nick mangold ( jets ) started his rookie year and went to the probowl his second year.

the 49'ers are starting rookies lupati and davis on their line.

Alex Mack was one of the best centers in the league last year IMO.

Eric Wood and Andy LeVitre both started, even if it was for the injury-plagued Bills.

[Texasteel]

Alex Mack was one of the best centers in the league last year IMO.

Eric Wood and Andy LeVitre both started, even if it was for the injury-plagued Bills.

Talk about pouring salt in the wound. Mack is the one almost every one of use here wanted. Eric Wood was the 2nd in line.

[zulater]

http://www.postgameheroes.com/?p=9778

Not sure if this has been posted here yet, got some good iso on Pouncey.

[Galax Steeler]

http://www.postgameheroes.com/?p=9778

Not sure if this has been posted here yet, got some good iso on Pouncey.

Thanks for sharing Zulater that is a great video of Pouncey. He is playing like a veteran.