Steelers' suitor Stanley Druckenmiller has always been ... · PDF fileSteelers' suitor Stanley Druckenmiller has always been good ... the boy who would spin around the ... Steelers

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Steelers' suitor Stanley Druckenmiller has always been good at making money Hot dogs to Wall Street Sunday, August 17, 2008 By Bill Toland, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Doug Jones/Portland Press Herald

Stan Druckenmiller in 1997 photo.

This anecdote, like so many others about Stanley Freeman Druckenmiller, involves sports, money and rarefied ambition. He's at a Yankees game with a longtime pal and fellow Wall Street brawler Jimmy Dunne III, when the topic turns to those players in the pinstripes.

They must have been losing that day, 10 or so years ago, because Mr. Dunne turns and says: "Druck, why don't you just buy the Yankees and turn this thing around?"

Joe Fan to Joe Fan, this is wishful banter, club cellar fantasy. Jimmy Dunne to Stan Druckenmiller -- one of the richest men in the United States -- and now it's more than mere fancy. Now it's possible. You have $3.5 billion at your disposal, and suddenly, lots of things are possible.

Except it's impossible.

"I would never, ever think about doing that," Mr. Druckenmiller replies, according to Mr. Dunne's recollection.

"Now the Steelers -- that would be a different story."

There are plenty more stories. Like the one about the adolescent who would show up at his mother's New Jersey home, pockets full of loose change that he had won by gambling with sailors on the train ride north from Virginia. Or the one about the boy who would spin around the neighborhood on his bicycle, proclaiming to anyone who would listen, "I'm gonna be a millionaire someday."

Or the one about the college student who, while attending Bowdoin in Brunswick, Maine, bought and ran a hot dog stand to make some extra cash. Or the one about the hotshot Pittsburgh National Bank analyst who once lost a month's salary betting on a basketball game (his employer lent him the money to pay the debt, but gave it to him in small bills, the bank's way of telling him to maybe bet a little smarter next time).

The Stanley Druckenmiller we know, relatively speaking, is the one who emerged from Bowdoin, dropped out of graduate school, married his college sweetheart in Pittsburgh in 1976, catapulted through various research and leadership posts at PNB, and in 1980 (the same year he and his first wife filed for divorce) left the bank to build his own investment firm, Duquesne Capital Management.

He was 28 at the time. What follows is Wall Street legend. By 1986, he's at Dreyfus, the big investment house. By 1988, he's sidekick to investment wizard George Soros and remarried to securities analyst Fiona Biggs. All the while, he's still running his own Duquesne fund, racking up gains of 30, 40 percent a year or more. Twenty years later, he's a billionaire and philanthropist -- home in the Hamptons, home in Florida, place in Manhattan, golf nut, three lovely teen daughters, one

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lovely wife, and thinking about buying the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Rooney family, which controls the Steelers, is under pressure from the National Football League to restructure. On the table now are offers from Mr. Druckenmiller and Dan Rooney, who runs the team but owns only a part of it.

If Mr. Druckenmiller takes control, Steelers fans hoping for another lovable loser, a cigar-champing racetrack junkie, a pug boxer, son of Irish Catholic immigrants -- well, they'll be disappointed. His dad (Stanley T. Druckenmiller, who died in 2005) was a 37-year veteran of Dupont, trained in chemical engineering. Mom (Anne, still living in New Jersey) had a brain for stocks and investments. It was a typical middle-class upbringing, in the Philadelphia suburbs, until mom and dad split when Stan was still in early elementary school.

His sisters, Helen and Salley, would stay with their mother, Stan would live with his father, first in Gibbstown, N.J., then in Richmond, Va.

Fiercely competitive

Like many youths, Stan occupied his spare hours with sports, throwing a no-hitter in Little League and soon falling in love with golf, a sport passed down by both his father and his mother, a club champion with four holes-in-one to her name.

"He spent much of his childhood in Richmond building little miniature golf courses in the woods," said older sister Helen Skelly. "Ramps and everything." He was intensely competitive. It's not just golf. Badminton, bocce, and those card games when he was younger; on the train rides from Virginia at 11 or 12, poker in college.

Now, he makes his big gambles during the daylight hours -- or into the evening if he's playing the Asian markets. He might bet the caddy's fee or a box of cigars -- even though he doesn't smoke them -- on a round of golf, but friends say the days of cards and gambling with sailors on trains, are behind him (Mr. Druckenmiller, now 55, said through a PR agent that he hasn'tplayed poker in 20 years).

But that doesn't mean he's any less competitive. "He takes his golf very seriously," joked Geoffrey Canada, head of the Harlem Children's Zone, one of Mr. Druckenmiller's pet charities. Mr. Canada, a duffer, won't golf with his friend and fellow Bowdoin alum, because, he says, "I want to stay friends."

Hey, he's a busy guy. A nine-handicap and a member at Oakmont Country Club, he lays down the bag for weeks or months at a time because of his schedule, but picks up right where he left off, swinging the driver swiftly, tightly, compactly, getting nice distance courtesy of that 6-foot-5 frame.

He golfs fast. He eats fast ("Like a man going to the chair," says Mr. Dunne). He thinks fast, always a beat ahead, always processing. "He takes what's going on in the world and distills it" into something the rest of us can understand, said retired commodities broker Sam Reeves, a friend who has accompanied Mr. Druckenmiller on his occasional golf trips to Ireland.

He's prompt. He tries to exercise regularly. He hates Diet Coke: "You ever see a skinny guy drinking a Diet Coke?" he'll ask his friends. And about that hot dog stand at Bowdoin -- he operated it with Larry Lindsey, former economic policy adviser to President Bush.

"If I had stuck with that stand, I'm sure I would have made a lot more money than I made otherwise," Mr. Lindsey told a columnist in 2002.

Fiercely private

The same words keep popping up when you ask people what they know about Stanley Druckenmiller: Brilliant. Polite. Humble. Family man. Loyal. Private -- almost shy, and occasionally awkward. He doesn't like it when people talk about him to the news media, and several people contacted for this story asked if the interview had been OK'd by Mr. Druckenmiller beforehand.

"There should be a new word for how private he is," said one friend, a money manager. Said another: "He doesn't need to be the center of attention. He doesn't want to be the center of attention." Said Mr. Canada: "There is absolutely nothing that I think could have Stan leave this private lifestyle that he has led [and] expose himself to the public eye -- except for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

Would a man who has guarded his privacy so carefully -- not just because he likes it that way, but because he wants his three daughters to live unaffected lives -- be ready for all those television close-ups? For the press conferences?

For the hundreds of thousands of fans calling him a cheapskate for letting that free agent get away?



Friends wonder what kind of owner he would make. Would he delegate? Or would he like to steer the ship?

"He's definitely a hands-on guy," said E. Lee Hennessee, head of Hennessee Investments, who has known Mr. Druckenmiller since the mid-1980s.

She expects him to stay that way, because why monkey with a good thing? "Everything he's ever touched has been successful," she said. But others say he'd be content to hire a talented management team and let them run the operation, mainly because it's tough to imagine him ever giving up his day job and moving from New York.

Besides "private," the word one hears most is "generous." There are no hospitals with his name on the side because Mr. Druckenmiller tends to be more discreet than that. For every $36 million contribution to Bowdoin or well-known connection to the Harlem Children's Zone, there's the quiet bankrolling of the Hamptons Shakespeare Festival (little-known fact: Mr. Druckenmiller acted in a couple plays, not Shakespeare, in college), or The New York Stem Cell Foundation; checks made out to Rice High School in Harlem, the Spence School in Manhattan, the Institute of International Education.

And sometimes, in addition to giving money, he gives his time and advice to friends who need it. Mr. Dunne's firm, Sandler O'Neill & Partners, was headquartered on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center, tower two. Eighty-eight people were working there on Sept. 11, 2001, and only 22 of them made it out alive that morning.

They had to rebuild a company from the ground up. No records. No computers. Half of a work force. Sixty-six funerals in a matter of weeks. Mr. Druckenmiller seeded a fund that would benefit the children and widows of the traders who died in the attacks, and sat on an advisory committee that would guide a ravaged Sandler O'Neill through its long recovery.

"I was working literally around the clock then, [and] Druck would come over a couple days a week, late," Mr. Dunne says, and insist that he get some exercise, that he move from his desk.

"He would literally walk me home," he said, words soft and shaky. "He helped get me out of the office, and get me home."

It's one of his favorite stories.

Bill Toland can be reached at [email protected] or 412-263-2625.

First published on August 17, 2008 at 12:00 am




Defensive catalyst Polamalu might return tomorrowMonday, August 18, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana / Post-Gazette

Troy Polamalu is a man of many talents, but his skills on the field have been missed while he has been out at training camp with a hamstring injury.

The oh-so-modest Troy Polamalu thinks the Steelers' defense doesn't change much without him.

If true the Steelers should pay Tyrone Carter as much as they do the man with the curly, long black hair that nearly prompted the NFL to pass a rule against it last spring.

Offenses have yet to devise anything to fight Polamalu's play on defense and it looks as if they will have to contend with himagain, perhaps as soon as Saturday night in Minnesota.

"There are rumors going around, we'll see," said Polamalu, smiling widely because coach Mike Tomlin has set tomorrow as Polamalu's target to leave the physically unable to perform list and practice for the first time this summer.

It will be their first practice in Pittsburgh after the final drill at Saint Vincent College yesterday afternoon, the door closing on camp a welcome site for Polamalu, who reported with an injured left hamstring and never practiced.

"Yeah, it is. I've just been going to meetings and watching practice like a coach. I'm a football player, not a coach, not a cheerleader."

He played the part of pied piper Saturday when, after a planned week of not running at all, he ran the fields at Saint Vincent and was joined by about 50 kids he welcomed from the crowd that had gathered for the afternoon practice. It was a day they'll all remember, including Polamalu because it was his best day since training camp began July 27. He had another yesterday, when he ran hard again with no setbacks.

"It felt good," Polamalu said.

It also was a good day for coordinator Dick LeBeau because Polamalu means so much to his defense.

"He's one of our best players, he just means that," said LeBeau, citing his strong safety's playmaking ability.

Besides making those plays, Polamalu can prevent the big ones, the intermediate gains that can turn into back-breakers, the ones "that normally might seam your defense," LeBeau said.

"He has that burst and he gets the ball on the ground and instead of a 20-yard gain it's a 7-yard gain and at the end of the season that adds up to a lot of yards. He's a valuable guy."

Polamalu wants to play against the Vikings Saturday in Minnesota, as long as he's at full strength, which will be determined

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later in the week.

"Yeah, I do but I don't want to play in the sense that, like you said, if I can't be myself, you know what I mean? The way I see things, as soon as they put me on the field, I'm like, 'Shut up, let me practice the new play, don't take me out of the game.'That's always every preseason football player's mind-set. It's like, 'Oh, man, preseason!' And once you get in the game, 'Don't take me out,' you know?"

Even though Polamalu played through several different injuries, including ones to a knee and rib, and did not have a sack or interception for the first time in his career, the Steelers led NFL defenses in fewest yards allowed.

"Last year we were very successful," Polamalu said. "I don't think people understand, last year we could have been the best defense in the history of football, statistically."

They ranked No. 1 in total yards, No. 3 in rushing yards allowed and No. 3 in passing yards allowed. No defense has ever gone 1-1-1 across the board, but the Steelers came close twice previously in this century when they ranked No. 1 total, No. 1 against the run and No. 4 against the pass in 2001 and 2004.

"We were a couple of plays from doing that," Polamalu said. "It's so crazy that we were that close."

Polamalu said the defense has grown increasingly complex since Dick LeBeau arrived for his second tour of duty as its coordinator in 2004.

"I was thinking about our defense, and the evolution of our defense. We were very simple when coach LeBeau came in. As time progressed, things started getting a little more complex. He's doing a lot more things with us, which has made us a better defense."

Polamalu permitted LeBeau to disguise his defenses even more because he moves so quickly before the snap of the ball, giving offenses fits. That is why Tomlin waited an entire training camp to put his star defender back onto the practice field.

"Everybody knows he's somewhat of a catalyst for our defense," Tomlin said.

What's important is the Sept. 7 opener and what follows over the next 15 games and perhaps beyond.

As Polamalu said yesterday as everyone put Saint Vincent practices behind them, "Before you know it, everybody's going to forget about this little camp."

Ed Bouchette can be reached at [email protected].


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Steelers Notebook: Old familiar face joins defenseMonday, August 18, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Defensive end Orpheus Roye listens to defensive line coach John Mitchell yesterday at the final practice at Saint Vincent College. The Steelers signed Roye, a former player for the team, as a defensive end.

Mike Tomlin said before the draft that his team needed to get younger and bigger on both lines.

Instead, the Steelers are getting older.

The Steelers, with five of their top six defensive linemen 30 or older by the start of the season, added 35-year-old end Orpheus Roye to their collection of graybeards yesterday.

Roye, drafted by the Steelers in 1996, left them to sign with the expansion Cleveland Browns in 2000 as a restricted free agent. He spent the past eight seasons with the Browns, who released him in February to save his $3 million salary and $1.5 million in roster bonuses.

When Roye left the Steelers, Aaron Smith replaced him at left end in 2000 and remains there.

Tomlin called Roye "a veteran defensive lineman, a guy who knows how to play the game, a professional."

"We're able to put him in the mix due to the [knee] injury of Kyle Clement. We'll see what he's capable of doing. He had a very solid workout. He appears to be in pretty good shape. We'll continue over the next couple weeks and see if he can find a seat on the bus, if you will."

Roye will work in with two other veteran defensive ends, Travis Kirschke, 34 before the season starts, and Nick Eason, 29, and a former Browns teammate of Roye's. His signing may signal the disappointment in younger ends such as Ryan McBean and undrafted rookies Martavius Prince and Jordan Reffett.

Roye said he's fully recovered from what he termed clean-up surgery on his knee.

"I know I can help," Roye said. "I've been around for a while. I was used to this defense. I think I can contribute."

No decision

Quarterback Charlie Batch returned to the sideline with his right arm in a sling, the result of surgery to repair his broken clavicle. Although he could be healthy in five weeks, Tomlin would not commit to holding a roster spot for him.

"We'll make that decision when we have to," Tomlin said. "Right now we're just evaluating this thing day to day. There are so many things that can happen between now and when we have to make that roster cut that it's a pure waste of time to speculate on those at this point. People could get hurt, so forth and so on."

The Steelers must cut to 75 Aug. 26 and to 53 Aug. 30.

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Not worried

Tight end Heath Miller might feel like the forgotten receiver if he did not know better. Twelve Steelers have caught a pass in two exhibition games, but no pass has gone his way.

"I've been out on some routes," Miller said. "As always, the coverage kind of dictates where the ball goes. It's not like I've taken a lot of snaps so far, so I'm not really concerned about it."

Miller caught 47 passes last season, the most in his three-year career, and has 120 total. Adding rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed, wide receiver Santonio Holmes' continued development and perhaps a better pass-catching third-down back could cut into Miller's numbers.

He sounded unconcerned if it did.

"I think offensively we have a lot of weapons," Miller said. "That's definitely a good thing. If we use everybody and spread the ball around, we'll be that much tougher to defend and that's definitely our goal as an offense."

Breaking camp

The Steelers held their final camp practice at Saint Vincent yesterday afternoon. They have off today and resume practices attheir UPMC facility on the South Side tomorrow.

Tomlin called the three weeks in Latrobe "a very productive camp" and "we're looking forward to putting this phase of our team-building behind us."

Quick hits

Rookie safety Ryan Mundy came out of the boot that protected his high ankle sprain and ran yesterday. "We'll continue to crawl him back," Tomlin said. ... Fullback Corey Davis became ill and could not finish practice. ... Deshea Townsend took some snaps at safety but remains the starting corner.


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Steelers Notebook: Holmes will return some punts against MinnesotaSunday, August 17, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Expect to see Santonio Holmes return one or two punts Saturday night against the Vikings.

Mike Tomlin would not allow Santonio Holmes to return punts last season. Yesterday, the coach not only said he will get a renewed shot to do so but compared him to a Hall of Famer who returned punts.

"I grew up in a generation in Virginia when Darrell Green was a situational return man of the [Washington] Redskins," Tomlin said. "When he went back there, it kind of electrified the crowd. Hopefully, we have a vision of maybe having that with Santonio."

Green, inducted this month into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was a great cornerback and return man. He averaged more than 12 yards a punt return over his career on 51 tries.

Holmes averaged 10.2 yards a punt return and ranked among the AFC leaders as a rookie, scoring one touchdown. But Tomlin wanted him to concentrate on his position as a wide receiver last season and had been reluctant to use him on returns this year, even though Holmes fervently wanted to do so and said it helped him as a receiver, not hurt him.

"I think he craves that kind of pressure," Tomlin said. "I think that's what kind of makes him who he is."

Tomlin said Holmes will return one or two punts against the Vikings in Minnesota Saturday night.

Rooneys' meeting is delayed

The five Rooney brothers will meet with commissioner Roger Goodell Aug. 26 at NFL headquarters in New York, a week later than originally planned.

The four brothers of Steelers chairman Dan Rooney asked for the delay so they could prepare for the meeting and possibly meet beforehand with former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who has tried to facilitate their ownership discussions. Tagliabue, though, is attending the Olympics in China. The brothers are trying to find a way to abide by NFL rules regarding ownership of their racetrack-casinos, as well as the Steelers. Goodell wants to talk to them about the progress they have made toward doing so.

Center battle rages on

Justin Hartwig again ran with the first team at center yesterday, but Tomlin said not to read anything into it yet. He said the competition remains open between Hartwig and Sean Mahan, the starter last season.

Mahan started the first game, Hartwig the second, and a decision was expected on the starter this week.

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"No, we're still looking at those guys," Tomlin said. "Both guys, I thought, played well. We'll continue to work [both]. I think it's important we get a true evaluation of the position by allowing Justin to continue to work with the first group and get some cohesion things squared away, some communication, some silent-count issues."

Townsend retains starting spot

It has been apparent for a long time, but Tomlin made it official: Deshea Townsend remains the starting right cornerback. Bryant McFadden will be No. 3. Townsend worked his way back into practice yesterday after missing last week, plus the game in Toronto, with a groin injury.

"Deshea is a quality guy -- he's the guy," Tomlin said. "He's just been experiencing some discomfort with his groin. He'll be OK."

Dekker prefers Heinz Field

All things considered, tight end Jon Dekker prefers the grass at Heinz Field, no matter the condition. Dekker will have surgery in a week to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, which occurred on what the players say was a poor playing surface at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

"It was non-contact. I was just planting and trying to cut on it," Dekker said. "It gave way. I knew it the second it happened."

The Steelers yesterday placed Dekker on the waived/injured list. As long as he clears waivers, he could rejoin the team later on their injured-reserve list. They signed tight end Lee Vickers to replace him and also waived defensive end Kevin Huntley after he failed their physical. They claimed him off waivers last week from the Redskins.

Dekker was bidding to make it as the third tight end.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger yesterday cited the poor playing surface in Toronto, where old, worn-out FieldTurf is rolled in and out by sections.

"I don't think many guys liked playing on it," Dekker said.

Vickers (6 feet 6, 275 pounds) will try to become the No. 3 tight end behind Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth. He was a defensive end when the Steelers signed him as an undrafted rookie from North Alabama in 2006. The Philadelphia Eagles signed him and switched him to offense on their practice squad, and that's where he played last season for Baltimore, which released him last week.


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Polamalu slated to return to practice By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 18, 2008

Paul Kariya is Troy Polamalu's surfing buddy, and the NHL star told the Steelers strong safety something that is particularly relevant this year.

"He says whenever he's missed (training) camp before, I think two or three times maybe, he's always had the best seasons of his career," Polamalu said.

The Steelers will be elated if the same holds true for Polamalu.

The four-time Pro Bowler missed training camp because of a pulled hamstring, but he is scheduled to practice Tuesday at the Steelers' South Side facility. He could play Saturday when the Steelers visit the Minnesota Vikings for an 8 p.m. game.

Polamalu's expected return should boost a defense that looked vulnerable at the end of the season and has been shaky in the Steelers' first two preseason games.

"Everybody knows that he's somewhat of a catalyst for our defense," coach Mike Tomlin said Sunday after the Steelers' final practice at St. Vincent.

"The sooner we can get him in there, getting his timing (down) with his teammates, I think the better off we'll all be," Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. "He's kind of a special player."

Of course, getting back out on the field and staying there have become two different things for Polamalu.

He didn't miss a game his first three NFL seasons but has since been sidelined by a number of injuries. Last year, Polamalu missed five games because of knee and rib problems, and he failed to record either a sack or an interception.

That his body has broken down is not all that surprising, considering the utter disregard for it with which Polamalu plays.

Polamalu won't change his playing style -- "Otherwise, I wouldn't be me," he said -- but he has taken at least one significant step toward trying to hold up physically for an entire season.

The 5-foot-10 Polamalu is listed at 207 pounds, but he said he played at closer

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to 200 pounds the last two seasons. He put more of an emphasis on lifting weights during the offseason than he had in past years.

As a result, Polamalu said, he is at about the same playing weight (215 pounds) that he was his first three NFL seasons.

"I want to stay there," Polamalu said, "but I'm afraid I'm going to lose weight once I start practicing."

Polamalu and the Steelers didn't expect it to take this long for him to practice.

Polamalu arrived at training camp with a mild hamstring pull, but that didn't stop him from taking part in the conditioning test that preceded the start of preseason practice.

The sixth-year veteran said he "fatigued" his hamstring during the conditioning run. Polamalu later aggravated the injury while trying to run in cleats, and he stopped -- albeit reluctantly -- pushing himself so hard.

Polamalu didn't run or lift weights for a week, though he did some cardiovascular work to stay in shape.

"I said, 'Listen: Shut it down, do nothing, eat Cheetos,' " Polamalu said.

One benefit of missing training camp for Polamalu: he didn't leave St. Vincent with any wear and tear on his body.

Asked whether the hamstring injury that reduced him to a spectator during camp could be a lingering one, Polamalu said, "I hope not. Only time will tell that. I've just got to be smart, along with the training staff."

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

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Batch's status remains in doubt By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 18, 2008

Charlie Batch returned to Steelers training camp Sunday, but all he could do was watch and wonder if there will be a place for him on the team this season.

Batch, who has been one of the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL, broke his right collarbone in an Aug. 8 game, and he said it will be a couple of weeks until he gets a better idea of when he will be able to play.

The problem for Batch is that the Steelers have to set their 53-man roster for the regular season on Aug. 30.

If the Steelers keep Batch on the roster, they are taking a risk since the timetable for his return is still murky -- he said yesterday that there is a chance he won't be able to play this season.

Their other option is to place him on injured reserve, which would end his season and possibly his career with the Steelers. The 33-year-old Batch is in the final year of his contract.

"We'll make that decision when we have to," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "There are a myriad of things that could happen between now and when we have to make that final roster cut, so it's a pure waste of time to speculate."

The Steelers won't carry more than three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster.

If they keep Batch and current backup Byron Leftwich, they would have to try to sneak Dennis Dixon onto their practice squad. The promising rookie, however, would be eligible to sign with any other team in that scenario.

If the Steelers release Leftwich, the untested Dixon would be starter Ben Roethlisberger's backup if Batch's recovery hit a snag.

The Homestead native would "prefer not to" go on injured reserve, and he had surgery to accelerate the healing process and decrease the chances of that happening.

Batch, whose right arm is in a sling after last week's surgery, said doctors are encouraged that he will be able to start rehabilitation exercises Tuesday.

"I'm hurt, and they found a man to replace me," Batch said of his situation. "All I

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can do is worry about getting healthy."




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Steelers add defensive tackle Roye By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 18, 2008

The Steelers signed veteran defensive lineman Orpheus Roye to a one-year contract Sunday, and he suited up for the team's final practice of training camp. Taken by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 1996 draft, Roye spent four seasons in Pittsburgh before leaving for Cleveland.

• Linebackers Keyaron Fox (back) and Mike Humpal (stinger) did not practice Sunday. Tight end Cody Boyd (shoulder), defensive tackle Scott Paxson (stinger) and free safety Ryan Mundy (ankle) also missed the Steelers' final practice at St. Vincent. Mundy, a Woodland Hills High graduate, did some light running yesterday. Fullback Carey Davis couldn't finish practice because of stomach flu, coach Mike Tomlin said.

• Cornerback Deshea Townsend played safety for the second consecutive day, but Tomlin said the Steelers just wanted to get the veteran some work at the position.

• Veteran punters Mitch Berger and Paul Ernster are competing to replace Daniel Sepulveda, who was lost for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. The significance of that for Jeff Reed is whoever wins the punting job will also hold for his field goal and extra point attempts. Reed is working with Berger and Ernster, but he said he probably won't get enough repetitions with either one of them to feel comfortable with whoever is tabbed to punt for the Steelers this season.

Digits

9 -- Orpheus Roye's sack total with the Steelers from 1996-99.

9.5 -- Sacks registered by Roye with Cleveland (2000-07).




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Inside the ropes By The Tribune-Review Monday, August 18, 2008

An inside look at Steelers training camp ...

Punt return duty: After coach Mike Tomlin said receiver Santonio Holmes would have the opportunity to return punts in the Steelers' next preseason game at Minnesota, Holmes fielded punts during Sunday's practice.

Sharp as a tack: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked sharp in the final 7-on-7 drill of training camp, going 7 for 9.

Roethlisberger to Miller: Tight end Heath Miller was the Steelers' busiest receiver yesterday. Miller had four catches in 7-on-7 drills, including three from Roethlisberger.

Pick it up: Deshea Townsend made a nice interception of a Roethlisberger pass in 11-on-11 drills.

Nate the skate: Receiver Nate Washington had a quietly efficient camp, catching nearly every ball throw his way and appearing much more comfortable in his role as the No. 3 receiver. Washington made a couple of tough catches yesterday, including hauling in a long pass against Bryant McFadden in 7-on-7 drills.

Concentrate: Rookie receiver Limas Sweed continues to have trouble hanging onto the ball. Sweed, who had a drop in the preseason game against Buffalo, couldn't come up with a pass in tight quarters from quarterback Byron Leftwich in 7-on-7 drills.

Play of the day: Receiver Jeremy Bloom made his biggest play of training camp when he got behind cornerback Ike Taylor on a long pass in 11-on-11 work. Bloom's catch stood out because Taylor probably had his strongest camp since joining the Steelers.

The Tribune-Review can be reached at or .



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Subplots develop at Camp Tomlin By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, August 18, 2008

Observations from coach Mike Tomlin's second training camp with the Steelers that ended Sunday afternoon at St. Vincent College:

Camp Tomlin still plenty tough: So much for Tomlin taking it easier on his players this year at St. Vincent. Truth be told, Tomlin may have worked his players harder than he did in 2007. "We've been in pads every single day this year," running back Willie Parker said. "Last year, we weren't in pads every single day." Said linebacker Larry Foote: "We had a lot of two-a-days. That was rough."

Batch out, Leftwich in: The Steelers were content with Charlie Batch backing up Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. Enter Byron Leftwich, who was signed to replace Batch, out with a broken collarbone. Leftwich can now make the Steelers reconsider retaining Batch, who is five years older. Leftwich has the potential to keep Roethlisberger on his toes -- not as a potential threat as a starter, but as someone who can produce when given the opportunity.

Battle of wills: Tomlin won the battle, but Casey Hampton may have won the war. Despite Tomlin's attempt to punish the overweight Hampton by putting him on the physically unable to perform list, Hampton accepted his punishment because he understands that as the Steelers' No. 1 nose tackle, he gives them the best chance to win.

Double-secret-probation switch at cornerback: Ike Taylor continues to play right cornerback and Deshea Townsend remains on the left in the biggest -- and least publicized -- position change this offseason. When asked about the flip-flop, which began with the AFC wild-card playoff game against Jacksonville, Townsend said Sunday: "It's just Coach's decision. It's a little different in route progressions for the guy that's covering. A lot of times when you're on the right side, you're on the single side of the receiver. When you're on the left side, you're on the strong side, a combination of tight end and receiver."

Strange situation: It's not like the fiscally prudent Steelers to overpay a backup tackle, especially given the team's tenuous ownership situation. So why sign Max Starks as a one-year, $6.895 million transition player? Makes you wonder if management believed it could release Starks even after signing him; his contract's guaranteed for the season. Why else pay so much for someone to do so little?

Broken promise: Four days before the start of training camp, Tomlin told

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reporters he had spoken with safety Troy Polamalu and "we anticipate him being ready to go." So much for the best-laid plans. Polamalu, who was granted permission to train in California during the offseason, is expected to practice for the first time Tuesday. There was nothing wrong with Polamalu being allowed to work out where he felt comfortable, but if the team had been able to monitor his situation more closely, perhaps his surprise hamstring injury wouldn't have surprised Tomlin when camp opened.

John Harris can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.



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Columnist cuts to chase By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW Sunday, August 17, 2008

The cut to 75 isn't until Aug. 26, and the final slice to 53 isn't until Aug. 30.

That being the case, publishing a presumptive regular-season roster at this early juncture qualifies as a preseason media false start.

But that's never stopped us before.

When it's time to leave St. Vincent College, it's time to get serious.

So, here we go again.

Presenting the 2008 Steelers, or, more accurately, the Trib's vision of what the roster should be as check-out time from the St. Benedict Hall Hilton approaches:

QB (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich, Dennis Dixon.

Dixon arrived as a long-term project but has played well enough to carve out a spot for himself above and beyond the practice squad. To get him a roster spot, the Steelers are going to have to place Charlie Batch on the injured-reserve list or cut him. Leftwich's presence makes either alternative an option.

RB (5): Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, Carey Davis, Gary Russell. That's been established since Moore was signed as a free agent from Minnesota, and Mendenhall was drafted No. 1 out of Illinois.

TE (3): Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth and Cody Boyd. Boyd almost made it a year ago and is an NFL-ready blocker.

WR (5): Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Nate Washington, Limas Sweed, Eddie Drummond. There really isn't a legitimate No. 5 receiver, but Drummond has a chance to contribute on both ends of the kicking game.

OL (9): Marvel Smith, Chris Kemoeatu, Justin Hartwig, Kendall Simmons, Willie Colon, Max Starks, Trai Essex, Sean Mahan, Darnell Stapleton. The list does not include No. 4 pick Tony Hills. Position flexibility affords the Steelers the luxury of relegating to the practice squad a guy they can't yet afford to play.

DL (6): Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Chris Hoke, Travis

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Kirschke, Scott Paxson. Nick Eason didn't last as Smith's replacement last season. Paxson doesn't play end, but Hoke could. And Paxson may yet become a factor on kickoffs.

LB (9): LaMarr Woodley, Larry Foote, James Farrior, James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, Bruce Davis, Keyaron Fox, Arnold Harrison, Andre Frazier. Mike Humpal winds up on the practice squad, for now.

DB (10): Deshea Townsend, Ike Taylor, Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Bryant McFadden, William Gay, Anthony Smith, Tyrone Carter, Ryan Mundy, Roy Lewis. Lewis edges Anthony Madison because of position flexibility (Lewis plays cornerback and safety) and because Madison isn't a consideration on anything but special teams.

Special Teams (3): Kicker, Jeff Reed; snapper, Greg Warren, and punter, pick one. We'll allow more time for the preseason punt off to resolve itself.

This much we know: whoever emerges will be a battler.

Paul Ernster is trying to overcome being on the field for Cleveland last season when his first punt traveled 15 yards and four penalties were called on the Browns.

Let the best leg, and best hands to hold for Reed, win.

Mike Prisuta can be reached at [email protected] or 412-320-7923.



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Battles for starting spots heating up By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Sunday, August 17, 2008

Justin Hartwig worked with the first-team offensive line Saturday, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he has not settled on a starter at center.

Hartwig is battling incumbent Sean Mahan for the job.

Mahan started the Steelers' first preseason game, while Hartwig started last Thursday night against the Bills in Toronto.

"I think it's important that we get a true evaluation of the position by allowing Justin to continue to work with the first group and get some cohesion, some communication, some silent count issues," Tomlin said. "I like where both those guys are, and I think we've got two viable options there."

There doesn't appear to be a competition at the cornerback spot opposite Ike Taylor even though Bryant McFadden played with the other starters on the Steelers' base defense yesterday.

Tomlin said the Steelers are easing Deshea Townsend, who has started since the 2003 season, back into action. Townsend had been nursing a tender groin, and the Steelers held him out of last Thursday night's game as a precaution.

"I think he's the guy," Tomlin said of Townsend, who is trying to fend off McFadden for yet another year.

Larry Foote still appears to be the guy at right inside linebacker even though he is getting pushed by Lawrence Timmons, who has been one of the Steelers' standouts of the preseason.

The seventh-year veteran worked with the first-team base defense yesterday.

POLAMALU CLOSE TO RETURNING

Troy Polamalu did some running yesterday, and the Steelers have targeted Tuesday as the day that the Pro Bowl strong safety starts practicing with the team.

Polamalu has yet to practice because of a pulled hamstring

Wide receiver Hines Ward rested his ankle yesterday, but he is expected to

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return to practice today.

Linebackers Keyaron Fox (back), Mike Humpal (stinger), Andre Frazier (shoulder) and Patrick Bailey (knee) did not practice yesterday. Defensive tackle Scott Paxson (stinger) and tight end Cody Boyd (shoulder) also missed practice.

All are considered "day to day," Tomlin said.

Rookie free safety Ryan Mundy appears to be making a fast recovery from the high ankle sprain he suffered in the Steelers' first exhibition game Aug. 8.

The Woodland Hills graduate is no longer wearing a protective boot on his left foot, and Tomlin said Mundy may return to practice this week.

HAVE AT IT, HOLMES

Santonio Holmes will get a "punt return or two" in next Saturday's game, Tomlin said.

Holmes is one of the Steelers' top playmakers, and he has said he would like to return punts, something he did his rookie season.

Tomlin has been reluctant to use Holmes as a return man because he wants the third-year professional to concentrate on playing wide receiver.

Tomlin appears to be softening that stance.

"I grew up in a generation in Virginia where Darrell Green was a situational return man for the Redskins, and when he went back there, it kind of electrified the crowd," Tomlin said. "We've got a vision of maybe that developing with Santonio. We'll see how it goes."

DEKKER GONE FOR THE SEASON

The Steelers lost tight end Jon Dekker for the season to a torn ACL in his right knee.

They placed Dekker, who played in three regular-season games last season, on the waived/injured list and signed tight end Lee Vickers.

The Steelers can re-sign Dekker and put the third-year professional on injured reserve if he clears waivers.

Dekker said he blew out his knee while making a cut in the Steelers' 24-21 loss to the Bills Thursday in Toronto.

Vickers was in training camp with the Steelers as a defensive end in 2006. The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder has since switched to tight end, and he played nine games, starting two of them, for the Ravens last season. Baltimore released



Vickers last week.

In another roster move that the Steelers made yesterday, the team released defensive end Kevin Huntley.

Huntley was claimed off waivers last Tuesday, but he failed his physical.






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WTAE-TV's Perrine attends Women's Camp By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

Always looking for a good story to tell as a reporter/weekend anchor for WTAE-TV, Shannon Perrine found one Sunday at St. Vincent College. For Perrine, a 1990 graduate of Moon Area High School, it was a first-person tale as she joined 279 women at the eighth annual Women’s Training Camp 101 conducted by the Steelers.

Highlights of Perrine’s first experience at this women’s only camp will be aired today at 5 p.m. on WTAE Channel 4 Action News. “Oh, my, gosh, we’re having so much fun,” Perrine said after one of the drills. “But it’s been an education, too. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for years now, but never found the time to do it. This year, I finally carved out enough time on my schedule. I’ve never really played football before except when I was fifth grader in my front yard.” For $95, the women campers, who ranged in age from 21 to 75, got to spend a full day at St. Vincent. From 7-11:45 a.m., they were on the practice field, learning football techniques and then running through a series of drills. Under the supervision of two former Steelers _ centers Dermontti Dawson and safety Mike Logan _ as well as two current Steelers _ kicker Jeff Reed and long snapper Greg Warren _ the campers worked on running with the football, passing, pass catching, blocking, pass defense and field goal kicking. After practice, they had lunch and watched the Steelers’ 2007 Highlight DVD. Then at 2:55 p.m., they were back on the practice field to watch the Steelers’ final workout at camp this year. After practice, they had dinner and had the chance to get autographs from linebackers James Harrison and Larry Foote. “The hardest part by was kicking,” said Perrine, who typically works out three-to-four times a week. “I have so much more respect for Jeff Reed. We made a bet. If I made it through the uprights (from 20 yards out), Jeff had to do 50 push-ups. If I missed it, I had to do 15. Well, I

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missed it, but not by that much. “The most fun was blocking. They said at the beginning, no hitting. But I got hit. I’m telling you, the rules were bent. But it was still so much fun.” Even though he and Warren had to report to the practice field early Sunday morning, Reed said he enjoyed working with the women. “Unlike the rest of the team, I had a two-a-day today,” he said. “Four hours with 280 women, that’s not really a bad gig. It was nice. Some of my teammates, although they were probably happy sleeping, were also probably a little jealous. There were some pretty ones out there.”


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Steelers notes: Hartwig with first-team offense By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

LATROBE — Publicly at least, the Steelers have yet to reach a decision on who’ll be their starting center. But it was Justin Hartwig who practiced with the first-team offense Saturday. Both head coach Mike Tomin and offensive line coach Larry Zierlein hinted recently that a determination would be made after the second preseason game. But no decision has been reached, at least not one for public consumption.

“All I know is that today, they had me running with the ones,” said Hartwig, who’s battling Sean Mahan. “That’s as much as I know. They haven’t told me anything more than that.” Mahan, who struggled last year after he signed as a free agent, started the first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Hartwig, signed this year via free agency, started Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto. “I think I did better than I thought,” Hartwig said. “Typically, offensive linemen remember the plays we didn’t do so well on. I had a few plays I’d like to get back, including that holding call that killed our first drive. That was frustrating. But overall, I did all right.” “We’re still looking at those guys,” Tomlin said. “Both guys played well and did a nice job. I think it’s important that we get a true evaluation of the position by allowing Justin to continue to work with the first group and get some cohesion things squared away. “But I like where both of those guys are. We’ve got two viable options there.” POLAMALU TO RETURN Troy Polamalu’s days as a P.U.P. are about to end. He’ll begin practicing Tuesday. Due to a hamstring pull, the all-star strong safety has been on the physically unable to perform list since July 27 when the Steelers reported to camp. Last week, Polamalu told The Times that he needed one more week of “rest” and then would rejoin the team on the practice field. On Saturday, Tomlin announced that Polamalu would indeed practice Tuesday when the Steelers resume workouts at team headquarters on the South Side of Pittsburgh. MINOR ROSTER MOVES The Steelers cut two players Saturday and signed another.

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Tight end Jon Dekker, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Bills, received an injury settlement and was placed on the waived/injured list. Dekker spent the entire 2006 season and 11 games of the ‘07 season on the Steelers’ practice squad. He was signed to the active roster for the final five games of the season. Defensive end Kevin Huntley, who signed with the Steelers last week, was cut after failing to pass his physical. Added to the roster was tight end Lee Vickers, who was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Steelers as a defensive end out of North Alabama in 2006. He was cut that year in training camp. Vickers spent the ’06 season as a tight end on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Last year, he played nine games, two starts included, for the Baltimore Ravens. It’s unlikely that Vickers will make the final 53-man roster. ODDS AND ENDS l Nine Steelers missed practiced Saturday due to injuries. Beside Polamalu, the only other starter held out was wide receiver Hines Ward due to a sore ankle. Ward is expected to return to practice today. l Today at 2:55 p.m., the Steelers will hold their last camp practice. They leave St Vincent College on Monday. l Kickoff for the Steelers’ preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers — Aug. 28 at Heinz Field — has been changed from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The change was made to accommodate the Democratic National Convention.



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Defining moments of training camp By Mike Bires Times Sports Staff

LATROBE — On the last day of camp, the Steelers were still wheeling and dealing. They signed a blast from the past, an aging 35-year-old defensive end with a gimpy knee. Adding Orpheus Roye to the roster won’t do anything to the Steelers’ chances of winning a Super Bowl. But give credit to the powers-at-be. They gave us more news on the final day of a camp full of storylines.

The Steelers have been coming to St. Vincent College for 42 summers, but it’s hard to imagine a camp having as many news flashes as this one. Here’s a look back at 10 of the most compelling: Big Snack fails run test It didn’t take long for drama to unfold. Nose tackle Casey Hampton reported out of shape, flunked the run test and wasn’t allowed to practice for two weeks. “I’m a grown man. I don’t need another grown man motivating me,” he said of the punishment levied by coach Mike Tomlin. Polamalu placed on PUP Two hours after Hampton was placed on the PUP list on July 27, so was all-star Troy Polamalu. The long-haired safety tweaked a hamstring a week before camp started and has yet to practice with the team. The good news is that Polamalu will practice Tuesday. Colon confirms Faneca/Zierlein tension Also on the first day of camp, right tackle Willie Colon said some of the Steelers’ offensive linemen had issues last year with new O-line coach Larry Zierlein. Colon suggested that it was since departed Alan Faneca, the greatest guard in franchise history, who was most resistant to Zierlein’s ways. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” Colon said. “(But) Alan’s gone ... Coach Z is the boss now.” Punter’s season ends with knee injury On just the second day of camp, Daniel Sepulveda re-tore a knee ligament that needed reconstructive surgery. The Steelers thought so highly of him that they traded up to get him last year in the fourth round of the draft.

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Now, with the regular season just three weeks away, the Steelers aren’t sure who’ll punt or them. It could be Paul Ernster or Mitch Berger, who are both on the roster, or it may be someone else who gets cut from another team’s roster. Batch breaks collarbone On a busted play in the first preseason game, backup quarterback Charlie Batch may have seen his career with the Steelers end. Forced to carry the ball when running back Mewelde Moore went the wrong way, Batch suffered a season-ending injury as he was tackled. He could be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list. Or he could be cut if the Steelers are happy with the man replacing Batch. Steelers sign Leftwich When Batch went down, the Steelers had to sign someone. But they couldn’t be happier when they worked out Byron Leftwich and determined he’d be the man to back up Ben Roethliserger. The former Jacksonville Jaguar is only 28 but has 46 career starts on his resume. The Steelers believed they had one of the NF’s best backup QBs in Batch. They still believe that with Leftwich. Anthony Smith nails Hines Ward In practice, players should never deliver hard hits to teammates in non-contact drills, especially veterans. But that’s what Smith did to Ward on Aug. 6. In a 7-on-7 passing drill, Smith planted a hit on an unsuspecting Ward as the Steelers’ all-time leading receiver caught a pass over the middle. Tomlin rips columnist for “thuggery” reference Five days after Smith’s hit on Ward, Tomlin criticized Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Gene Collier for describing the incident as “training camp thuggery.” Tomlin said he and the Steelers were offended that Smith was linked with the word “thug.” Tomlin’s tirade became radio talk show fodder for two days. Timmons shines on defense Time will tell how soon Lawrence Timmons becomes a starter. But if last year’s No. 1 draft pick keeps performing like he did at camp, it will be sooner than later. An inside linebacker, Timmons is a quick, explosive athlete who’s obviously rebounded from a lackluster rookie season when he was slowed by a nagging groin injury. He’s been the camp sensation, at least defensively. 7 and 10: Dynamic duo On the day he reported to camp, wide receiver Santonio Holmes said he wanted to be the passing attack’s “go-to guy.” He came close to assuming that role last year by leading the team in receiving yards and TD catches. So far in this preseason, he’s picking up where he left off. Roethlisberger, a No. 1 draft pick in 2004, senses that Holmes, a No. 1 pick in ’06, is a special athlete. They’re developing a bond that could lead to great things.


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Scene at Latrobe By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

OK, so coach Mike Tomlin broke tradition and didn’t take the Steelers to the movies during training camp this summer. But Saturday night, he did provide his players with some hilarious entertainment. Tomlin arranged for nationally-known comedian Ralphie May to put on a private show for the Steelers in a St. Vincent College auditorium.

May, who’s 36, got his big break in the 2003 debut season of the TV reality series, “Last Comic Standing.” May finished as the first runner-up, and since then his career has skyrocketed. He appears at many of the most well-known comedy clubs in the United States.

In fact, it was an appearance at the Pittsburgh Improv a few years ago that led him to become an avid Steelers fan.

A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., who was living in Houston, Texas, at the time, May wore a Dallas Cowboys jersey while performing in Pittsburgh. It was a replica jersey of future Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith.

In the crowd that night was a member of the Steelers’ marketing department who approached May after the show. Shortly afterwards, that Steeler employee sent May a replica jersey of running back Jerome Bettis.

Earlier this year, Variety magazine included May in its “10 Comics to Watch in 2008.”

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Steelers notes: Hartwig with first-team offense By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

LATROBE — Publicly at least, the Steelers have yet to reach a decision on who’ll be their starting center. But it was Justin Hartwig who practiced with the first-team offense Saturday. Both head coach Mike Tomin and offensive line coach Larry Zierlein hinted recently that a determination would be made after the second preseason game. But no decision has been reached, at least not one for public consumption.

“All I know is that today, they had me running with the ones,” said Hartwig, who’s battling Sean Mahan. “That’s as much as I know. They haven’t told me anything more than that.” Mahan, who struggled last year after he signed as a free agent, started the first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Hartwig, signed this year via free agency, started Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto. “I think I did better than I thought,” Hartwig said. “Typically, offensive linemen remember the plays we didn’t do so well on. I had a few plays I’d like to get back, including that holding call that killed our first drive. That was frustrating. But overall, I did all right.” “We’re still looking at those guys,” Tomlin said. “Both guys played well and did a nice job. I think it’s important that we get a true evaluation of the position by allowing Justin to continue to work with the first group and get some cohesion things squared away. “But I like where both of those guys are. We’ve got two viable options there.” POLAMALU TO RETURN Troy Polamalu’s days as a P.U.P. are about to end. He’ll begin practicing Tuesday. Due to a hamstring pull, the all-star strong safety has been on the physically unable to perform list since July 27 when the Steelers reported to camp. Last week, Polamalu told The Times that he needed one more week of “rest” and then would rejoin the team on the practice field. On Saturday, Tomlin announced that Polamalu would indeed practice Tuesday when the Steelers resume workouts at team headquarters on the South Side of Pittsburgh. MINOR ROSTER MOVES The Steelers cut two players Saturday and signed another.

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Tight end Jon Dekker, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Bills, received an injury settlement and was placed on the waived/injured list. Dekker spent the entire 2006 season and 11 games of the ‘07 season on the Steelers’ practice squad. He was signed to the active roster for the final five games of the season. Defensive end Kevin Huntley, who signed with the Steelers last week, was cut after failing to pass his physical. Added to the roster was tight end Lee Vickers, who was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Steelers as a defensive end out of North Alabama in 2006. He was cut that year in training camp. Vickers spent the ’06 season as a tight end on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Last year, he played nine games, two starts included, for the Baltimore Ravens. It’s unlikely that Vickers will make the final 53-man roster. ODDS AND ENDS l Nine Steelers missed practiced Saturday due to injuries. Beside Polamalu, the only other starter held out was wide receiver Hines Ward due to a sore ankle. Ward is expected to return to practice today. l Today at 2:55 p.m., the Steelers will hold their last camp practice. They leave St Vincent College on Monday. l Kickoff for the Steelers’ preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers — Aug. 28 at Heinz Field — has been changed from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The change was made to accommodate the Democratic National Convention.




Hesitant Holmes to return punts By Mike Bires Times Sports Staff

LATROBE — From the moment he arrived in camp, Santonio Holmes said that he prefers not to return punts. But next Saturday, he’ll be pressed into double duty. He’ll start again at wide receiver when the Steelers play the Minnesota Vikings, and he’ll also drop back as a punt returner.

Holmes, the Steelers’ No. 1 draft pick in 2006, got the word Saturday afternoon during a period of practice devoted to kickoff returns. As he watched Eddie Drummond, Mewelde Moore and a few others vying for kickoff return duties, coach Mike Tomlin spotted Holmes watching from the sidelines. “Santonio, come here,” Tomlin said. As Holmes conferred with his coach about punt returns, Tomlin said, “Target for two.” Depending on the flow of Saturday night’s game in the Metrodome, Holmes is scheduled to return at least the first two Viking punts. Holmes, though, didn’t sound very enthused about it. Now a third-year pro, he’s developing into the No. 1 pass receiving target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. As a rookie, he caught 49 passes for 824 yards and two touchdowns. Last year, he caught 52 passes and led the team with 942 receiving yards and eight TDs. His 18.2 yards per catch average was tops in the NFL among starting wide receivers. Hines Ward likes to call himself “the leader of the wideouts.” But it may be Holmes who assumes that role this year — at least when it comes to production. So far in two preseason games, Holmes has three catches for 72 yards and two TDs. No one else has yet to catch a touchdown pass. So, when asked about returning punts on Saturday, Holmes didn’t sound like a happy camper. “I really don’t care if I do or I don’t,” he said. “I’m doing my job right now as the leading receiver. But if that’s what the coaches want me to do, I’ll do it.”

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Special teams coach Bob Ligashesky just laughed when told of Holmes’ perceived reluctance to return punts. “Don’t let him fool you,” Ligashesky said. “Anytime Santonio gets his hands on the ball, he’s excited about it.” When asked about the risks of using a star position player as a punt returner, Tomlin harkened back to the days when he was a kid growing up in Newport News, Va. “There’s risk/reward in everything you do,” Tomlin said. “I grew up in a generation in Virginia where Darrell Green was a situational return man for the Redskins. When he went back there (to return a punt), it kind of electrified the crowd. “We’re hoping we can develop that in Santonio. We’ll see how it goes.” Like Green, a cornerback inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this month, the Steelers also once featured a star cornerback who doubled as a kick returner. Rod Woodson, a future Hall of Famer with 71 career interceptions and four touchdowns on kick returns (two punts, two kickoffs) did it also. “We have some guys who are viable options,” Tomlin said of his candidates to return kicks. “It’s competitive. But we’ll add a new guy this week. We’ll give Santonio a few punt returns in Minnesota.” Last year when the since-departed Allen Rossum returned punts, the Steelers ranked 30th in the league with a punt return average of 6.1 yards. Two years ago after taking over for Ricardo Colclough as the punt returner, Holmes averaged 10.2 yards a return. One of his returns was a 65-yarder for a TD. Among punt returners with at least 17 returns, he ranked eighth in the league. “I think Santonio really craves that kind of pressure,” Tomlin said of giving Holmes mores chances to touch the football. “I think that makes him who he is.” So for a week at least, Holmes will be a multi-purpose player. He’ll be catching passes and returning punts.


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Miller catching on as a top tight end By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer

[email protected]

LATROBE - There's a school of thought that says players are often rewarded for all-star efforts the season after they actually deserve it.

If that's the case, 2008 could be the season Steelers' tight end Heath Miller is named to the Pro Bowl.

Then again, Miller isn't holding his breath until that happens.

In a conference that includes San Diego's Antonio Gates, Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez and Cleveland's Kellen Winslow Jr., Miller was overlooked last season, despite catching 47 passes for 566 yards and seven touchdowns - all career highs.

Miller knows that it's the guys who put up the big reception totals who go to the Pro Bowl - despite the fact that he is considered a better all-around tight end than all but a few players at his position.

"I think catching the ball is a big part of the game for some tight ends," Miller said Sunday as the Steelers wrapped up their training camp here at Saint Vincent College. "But I feel like I'm the type of tight end that wants to be good at every aspect, that needs to be good at every aspect for this team. That's what I strive to be."

It's an approach his coaches and teammates appreciate, even if the Pro Bowl voters don't.

"He's a valued member of this team and the offense specifically," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "I know (Ben Roethlisberger) has a great appreciation of him, as does this coaching staff."

Miller's aw-shucks attitude and yoeman-like effort on the football field might earn him praise in Pittsburgh, but nationally, he's still something of an unknown.

That's why Miller isn't ready to make any plans to be in Hawaii again this year.

"If I were a betting man, I would maybe put my money on the other guys," said Miller, a No. 1 pick in 2005. "There are a lot of good tight ends in our conference and I'm OK with not going to the Pro Bowl. Obviously that would be nice, but my goal is to help this team in any way I can."

Miller's biggest role with the Steelers has been as a red zone target. In three seasons, he's caught 18 touchdown passes, second on the team only to wide receiver Hines Ward's 24. He's also caught 120 passes in three seasons.

Yet many feel Miller is the forgotten man in the Steelers' offense.

"I've always said we have our fair share of opportunities," Miller said. "The thing about this offense is we have so many different people that can contribute and help our team out. And we use them all, obviously. That's where we're most effective."

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Miller took advantage of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' more wide-open passing attack last season to catch the most passes for a Pittsburgh tight end since Eric Green led the team with 63 catches in 1993.

He did a lot of his damage lined up wide instead of on the line, something Arians wanted to do more of to get the 6-5, 256-pound Miller matched up one-on-one with a safety or cornerback.

The team would like to do even more of that this year, but much will depend on how well the offensive line is blocking.

Miller, however, would just as soon make a great block as he would a great catch.

"I try to look at it as my total game," he said. "It would be unrealistic of me to say that I want to catch 70 balls. I just know that there are certain things that I can't control. The things I can control are the things I worry about."

Odds and end zones

Tomlin said there's a good chance safety Troy Polamalu, who has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a hamstring injury, should return to practice Tuesday. ... The Steelers signed defensive end Orpheus Roye, who was released by Cleveland following the 2007 season. The 6-4, 330-pound Roye was a sixth-round draft pick of the Steelers in 1996, but signed with the Browns in 2000. ... Fullback Carey Davis left practice early Sunday with a stomach illness. ... Defensive lineman Scott Paxson and linebackers Keyaron Fox and Mike Humpal did not practice Sunday. ... Rookie safety Ryan Mundy is no longer wearing a walking cast on his injured left ankle and was jogging on the sidelines.

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Logjam at LB for Steelers Associated Press

LATROBE - Even when talented players leave, the Pittsburgh Steelers always seem to be stocked with quality linebackers.

After three Pro Bowl appearances, Joey Porter was cut two years ago, and starter Clark Haggans left as a free agent after last season.

Pittsburgh spent its top two picks in last year's draft on linebackers - Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley were Mike Tomlin's first selections as coach - and then drafted two more linebackers this year in third-rounder Bruce Davis and sixth-rounder Mike Humpal.

That has created a logjam at the position with veterans Larry Foote, James Farrior and James Harrison returning as starters.

"I think that's awesome," Tomlin said. "We've got a good group of guys working there. We've got some tough decisions to make at that position, not only in terms of who makes the team but in how we sort it out. Those are good problems to have."

For a franchise that boasted Hall of Famers Jack Lambert and Jack Ham in the 1970s and prides itself on defense, linebacker remained the glamour position.

Eleven different Pittsburgh linebackers have made the Pro Bowl since Bill Cowher took over as coach in 1992, making 20 different trips to the game in those 16 seasons.

"We know we have to uphold the tradition around here of all these great linebackers that have come through here," Farrior said. "We've got to hold up our end of the bargain."

This season Woodley and Timmons are featured. Woodley is taking over at left outside linebacker for Haggans, and Timmons is pushing Foote at right inside linebacker.

"I think, athletically, they have a chance to be good Steeler linebackers," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. "We like what we have seen from those young men."

Notes

Wide receiver Hines Ward did not practice Saturday. He twisted his ankle in Thursday's preseason game against Buffalo, but Tomlin said he should practice Sunday. ... Safety Troy Polamalu is close to finally being able to come off the physically unable to perform list and could practice by Tuesday. ... Starting wide receiver Santonio Holmes will also see more action in the team's preseason game at Minnesota on Saturday. He'll get a chance to return punts. ... The Steelers signed tight end Lee Vickers, who was originally in camp with team two years ago as a defensive end, to replace Jonathan Dekker. Dekker tore his right ACL against Buffalo. Vickers takes the roster spot of Kevin Huntley, who was claimed off waivers by the Washington Redskins after failing his physical with the Steelers. Dekker was placed on the waived/injured list.

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08/18/2008

Polamalu has great timing Steelers notebook , For the Herald-Standard

By Jim Wexell LATROBE - Troy Polamalu has some great timing. He missed training camp because of a hamstring injury, which healed just in time to break camp. Polamalu, the Steelers' All-Pro strong safety, will return to the team Tuesday for the first practice at the South Side facility. "I wish I could've caught at least one," he said of camp practices. "But, hey, it's a nice streak I guess." Polamalu injured his hamstring a week before the start of camp. He ran the conditioning test and thought he fatigued the injured muscle then. "I started running and doing stuff and it didn't get any better," he said. "So then I said, 'Listen, shut it down, do nothing, and eat Cheetos.'" Polamalu was asked about the significance of missing camp. He shrugged it off. "Before you know it, everybody's going to forget about this little camp," he said. He was also asked if this type of injury could linger in the back of his mind. "No, not with hamstrings," he said. Polamalu will go to the South Side still weighing the 215 pounds to which he had bulked up over the summer. "I want to stay there," he said, "but I'm afraid I'm going to lose weight once I really start practicing." He could always eat more Cheetos. RETURN OF ROYE: The Steelers on Sunday signed defensive end Orpheus Roye, 35, who played with the team from 1996-99. Roye spent the last eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He made six starts last season, but was released after playing with an injured knee the last two seasons. "He had a very solid workout," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. "He appears to be in pretty good shape, so we'll continue on here the next couple weeks and see if he can find a seat on the bus." BREAKING CAMP: Sunday was the final practice day for the Steelers, who'll hold a meeting this morning and then depart. Lost to injuries this camp were punter Dan Sepulveda, backup quarterback Charlie Batch, and backup tight end Jon Dekker. "One thing about camp," Tomlin said, "There are good days, there are bad days; people make plays, people make mistakes. It's a building process and we're still in the midst of that." SAFETY WORK: Deshea Townsend worked at safety Sunday, so for the second day Bryant McFadden was the starting cornerback opposite Ike Taylor. And for the second day, Tomlin had to answer the same question. "Deshea is our corner; B-Mac is our nickel," Tomlin said. "There are corners who are safety-capable. We like to give them a couple snaps every now and then to make sure they remain sharp." FINAL QUESTION: The last question of camp dealt with the backup holder. "We've got a secret weapon," Tomlin said. "His name's Hines Ward."

©The Herald Standard 2008

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Sunday, August 17, 2008

Polamalu (hamstring) may practice with Steelers on TuesdayAssociated Press LATROBE, Pa. -- Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu could return to practice Tuesday.

Coach Mike Tomlin indicated after weekend practices that the team is ready to remove Polamalu from the physically unable to perform list when the team breaks camp Monday at Saint Vincent College and heads back to the Pittsburgh facility.

Tomlin said he hopes Polamalu will be ready to practice Tuesday, but "we'll see where he is." Assuming there are no setbacks, the four-time Pro Bowler would play Saturday in a preseason game at Minnesota.

After an offseason of training almost exclusively in California in lieu of joining the team in organized activities, Polamalu "tweaked" his hamstring while running on his own a week before training camp began.

He took part in the traditional team conditioning test on the first day of camp but said that tired the leg and likely set him back. He watched the final camp practice Sunday as he has all the others -- on the sideline and in his practice jersey.

"I wish I would have at least caught one [camp practice]," Polamalu said.

Polamalu said he tried to come back too quickly during the early stages of camp, so he has stayed away from running and lifting in the past week, although he has been working out.

"I started training a little bit, but when I started running again in cleats, I think that's when I really aggravated it," Polamalu said. "So we shut it down."

The return of Polamalu would certainly boost a defense that has seen its first team scored upon after long drives early in each of the first two preseason games. Defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau has been known to use Polamalu in coverage or on blitzes, having him line up all over the field.

Polamalu missed five games last season due to rib and knee injuries, ailments that appeared to rob him of his explosiveness. He finished without a sack or an interception and with only 58 tackles (45 solo) but was still selected for the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive year.

"Everybody knows that he's somewhat of a catalyst for our defense, and rightfully so," Tomlin said. "He's a very good player, but his absence is by no means an excuse for poor performance."

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August 18, 2008

N.F.L. ROUNDUP

Bengals Receiver Johnson Hurts His Shoulder in Loss

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson hurt his left shoulder on Sunday night as the Cincinnati Bengals lost to

the visiting Detroit Lions, 27-10.

The Bengals were already missing the Pro Bowl receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh and running back Rudi

Johnson, who have each missed the first two preseason games with hamstring injuries.

Johnson landed awkwardly on his left side after cornerback Brian Kelly intercepted a pass thrown his way on

Cincinnati’s first series. Johnson went to the locker room for an examination.

After the game, Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis said Johnson’s shoulder popped out and back into place on the

field. Medical tests found no fracture.

“I think he should be ready by the opener,” Lewis said.

Jon Kitna had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 for the second straight game. Playing in the stadium where he

started the Bengals’ resurgence in 2003, Kitna was much better than Carson Palmer, the No. 1 draft pick who

took his place in Cincinnati.

In another ominous sign for the Bengals, Palmer was repeatedly hit as he threw and was sacked once. He was

6 of 13 for 50 yards.

PATRIOTS LOSE WITHOUT BRADY With quarterback Tom Brady sitting out for the second straight week,

the New England Patriots sputtered with the backup Matt Cassel running the show in a 27-10 loss to the host

Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady did not make the trip to Tampa, reportedly to rest a sore foot, and Cassel had limited success moving

the ball against the Buccaneers’ defense, which scored on a third-quarter fumble by Cassell and intercepted

the first pass thrown by his successor, Kevin O’Connell.

Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback, Jeff Garcia, has not played this preseason after missing most of training

camp with a sprained right calf.

POLAMALU READY TO RETURN Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu could return to practice Tuesday.

Coach Mike Tomlin said the team was ready to remove Polamalu from the physically unable to perform list

when the team breaks camp Monday.

Polamalu injured his hamstring while running on his own a week before training camp.

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RAMS GUARD INJURED St. Louis Rams offensive guard Mark Setterstrom, who has made nine starts in two

seasons, fractured his left kneecap in the second half of Saturday’s preseason game and will be placed on

injured reserve. FILLING IN FOR GIANTS Giants place-kicker Josh Huston caddied most of the summer,

and he will do it again Monday night when the Super Bowl champions play the Cleveland Browns in a

preseason game at Giants Stadium.

Huston was signed on Friday after the starting kicker Lawrence Tynes was sidelined by a knee injury.

GIANTS’ CAMP IS OVER The Giants broke training camp Sunday after a jog-through workout. The camp,

which opened on July 25, drew 44,505 fans, the second-highest total in the Giants’ 13 summers at Albany.

The record of 45,040 was set in 2004, when 9,210 fans watched a scrimmage with the Jets.

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By Larry Weisman, USA TODAY

Three of a kind. That should give the Houston Texans a solid hand.

Three of Houston's four starting defensive linemen were No. 1 draft picks, including Mario Williams, the overall top selection in 2006. Now, in a league where pressure is paramount, pressure is also mounting.

PHOTOS: Texans training camp THE HUDDLE BLOG: Texans' woes at RB continue

The Texans ranked 24th in total defense last year, their 8-8 record the best in franchise history. They finished with a rush, winning three of their last four and five of seven. But they finished last in the AFC South, where every other team — Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee — made the playoffs.

When the Texans drafted Williams instead of running back Reggie Bush, they made a conscious decision as to what their nature would be over time. Now that time has arrived.

"We thought we could win by improving our defense and that even if we had a (Reggie) Bush, our offense would not be better than, say, Indianapolis," Texans owner Bob McNair says. "And so the way for us to win in our division was to strengthen our defense and that was the decision that was made and Mario is turning out to be a great defensive player for us."

Williams set a club record with 14 sacks last season but he's not ready to retire and reminisce quite yet. Not with the Texans yet to claim their first winning season or playoff berth since joining the NFL in 2002.

PRO BOWLER? Williams one of many in line for first all-star nod

"What I did before wasn't good enough. I see it like that and I want my teammates to see it that way. We all push each other," he says.

He is joined up front by defensive tackles Amobi Okoye (2007) and Travis Johnson (2005), both first-rounders. Okoye started 14 of 16 games last year, had 5½ sacks and was Defensive Rookie of the Month in September.

Playing together for a second year allows for a greater sense of the scheme and each other, says Okoye, who is only 21.

"We have a lot of young guys and we're getting a whole lot better year by year, practice by practice, snap by snap," he says.

It is noticeable to middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the tackling machine who anchors this unit.

"They've gotten a lot better. They've improved a lot over the last two years. I'm seeing a lot more push," Ryans says. "They're making more plays in the backfield and we definitely need more of that out of our defensive line."

Ryans led his team in tackles last season (128) and topped all rookies in that category (155) in 2006. His role in what the Texans do won't be diminished by a more aggressive and effective defensive line.

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"He's a very instinctive player," defensive coordinator Richard Smith says. "He's the backbone of that front seven."

The front aligns with Williams at the right end and Anthony Weaver on the left. But the Texans are looking at a rotation there that might bolster their rush and make Weaver a situational player. Okoye's role is to be more mobile and make plays, while Johnson anchors against the run as the nose tackle.

"We thought that role suited Travis' skills better. Amobi still has a ways to go and we're working on it," Smith says.

Injuries in the secondary last year kept the Texans from playing the tight press coverage Smith prefers and they've been bitten again, with cornerback Dunta Robinson (knee, hamstring) out until October. Jacques Reeves is replacing Robinson and Smith says "he has really good speed. I've been really pleased with him."

They may be able to cover any deficiencies in the back end with an increased pass rush. Aside from the three No. 1s on the line, they're still seeking the starter at left end.

"We're looking for the complement to Mario," Smith says.

And still looking for that overall improvement. Sure, the Texans are 2-0 in preseason play after their 31-27 victory Saturday night against the New Orleans Saints. But they allowed the Saints 4.6 yards per rush, though they did corral their first and only sack in eight quarters.

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One of the NFL's most chewed-over topics in preseason, for hardcore and casual fans alike, is the fight for the starting job at quarterback.

But there are other backfield jobs in play at several camps across the league.

With the Chicago Bears, second-round draft pick Matt Forte is competing for time with recently acquired Kevin Jones. The latter has yet to play as he recovers from a torn knee ligament; Forte has 14 carries for 42 yards in two games.

Free agent pickup Julius Jones and Maurice Morris, Shaun Alexander's former backup, have split time with the Seattle Seahawks.

After all, unless your name is LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook or Adrian Peterson, it's unlikely you'll enter camp and automatically be anointed the starter.

Consider the situation with the Carolina Panthers.

They finally decided to part with often-injured DeShaun Foster, who has moved on to the San Francisco 49ers. Five seasons ago, Foster and Stephen Davis helped lead Carolina to the Super Bowl.

But now the Panthers are looking to DeAngelo Williams, a first-round draft pick in 2006, and rookie Jonathan Stewart, a first-rounder this year, to remake the running game.

But which one will be No. 1?

"Both of them are quality backs," Panthers coach John Fox says. "We've seen enough of Jonathan Stewart in practice to see that, and I think (Williams) is a year better than he was a year ago. I like both those guys. As far as defining their carries at this point, we're still evaluating that."

Rookie Kevin Smith has been impressive enough that the Detroit Lions might be left to see who is the odd man out among Tatum Bell, Aveion Cason, Artose Pinner and Brian Calhoun.

"He really understands what we're doing," coach Rod Marinelli said of Smith. "He's picking up the blitzes well … and is doing all the things we're asking him to do."

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Sunday, August 17, 2008

Source: MRI reveals Vikings' Jackson has sprained MCL

By John Clayton ESPN.com

An MRI revealed Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson suffered a sprained medial collateral knee ligament during the Vikings 23-15 victory over the Ravens Saturday night, according to a source.

The MCL injury could keep Jackson out of the Vikings' preseason game next Saturday against the Steelers but the injury isn't considered serious enough to sideline him for the start of the regular season.

Vikings coach Brad Childress labeled the injury a contusion. Jackson was hit in the knee while making a run toward the right sidelines in the first quarter of the game.

Jackson, who was seven of 11 passing for 82 yards, stayed in the game a couple of plays before the pain in the knee forced him to the ground.

It's possible Childress could keep him out of the Vikings' final two preseason games to ensure Jackson is healthy for the regular-season opener against the Packers.

Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

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