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fordfixer
01-05-2011, 03:19 AM
Steelers' defensive end Smith takes 'significant' step
By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 16643.html (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_716643.html)

The Steelers were treated to a welcome sight Tuesday at practice as defensive end Aaron Smith donned full pads for the first time since partially tearing his left triceps in an Oct. 24 game in Miami.

Smith, who is hoping to return to action at some point during the postseason, did not do a whole lot and left practice before his teammates.

But the step he took yesterday, several of his teammates said, was significant even if it was a small one.

"I think he needed to remember how to put his helmet back on and tie his shoes," Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel joked. "To get him back on the football field running around a little bit was a step in the right direction."

Smith has been strengthening the arm on which he had surgery in late October, but he said there is no timetable for his return.

Smith is probably a long shot to play in the Steelers' AFC divisional playoff game Jan. 15 given the limited work he has been able to do to this point.

But Ziggy Hood, who has been starting at left defensive end in Smith's absence, said he has no doubt that one of the most indispensable players on the Steelers' defense will return this season.

"He's back running, and in no time, he'll be back on the field practicing," Hood said.

On the injury front

Strong safety Troy Polamalu (Achilles) and cornerback Bryant McFadden (abdomen) did not practice yesterday because of injuries.

Neither are expected to practice today or tomorrow since the Steelers have a bye in the AFC playoffs and don't play until the following Saturday.

McFadden, who suffered the only injury of note last Sunday in Cleveland, said he will play in the divisional playoff game that the Steelers will host Jan. 15.

"Make no mistake about it," McFadden said.

No-shave zone

Keisel's wife gave him a razor for Christmas, but the beard he has been growing since the middle of June — yes, the middle of June — might require hedge clippers.

Not that Keisel has plans to lose the beard anytime soon since the Steelers are on a roll.

"I told her 'We've got to ride this thing until the wheels fall off,' " Keisel said.

Keisel did offer something to his wife in the spirit of compromise.

"The mustache is getting a little bit out of control," he said. "I'm going to have to get some wax or something and try to tame it a little bit."

Sacks are down

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he has tried to get rid of the ball quicker this season. His success in doing so may be reflected in his sack totals.

Roethlisberger was sacked 2.7 times per game this season, compared with 3.3 in 2009.

Not that he has made a drastic change in his approach to the game.

"My style of play is to always try and make a play, and that usually entails holding onto the ball," Roethlisberger said. "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't."

jj28west
01-05-2011, 06:38 AM
Thanks ff for the info juice.

proudpittsburgher
01-05-2011, 10:02 AM
not the toughest interview in the world as far as grilling questions . . . but he looks a bit closer to returning.

http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio ... 22a3f9bf43 (http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Gameday-Exclusive---Cleveland-Browns/b3619dcb-9f38-4a70-a460-6b348b274e3d#?id=44f192e4-a660-4be3-a4ff-ba22a3f9bf43)

Jooser
01-05-2011, 11:44 AM
Per PFT:

Aaron Smith in full pads, but probably won’t play in playoff opener

Posted by Michael David Smith on January 5, 2011, 7:33 AM EST

Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith was back in full pads on Tuesday at the Steelers’ practice, which some of his teammates saw as a positive step toward getting back on the field for the first time since suffering a torn triceps in October.

“I think he needed to remember how to put his helmet back on and tie his shoes,” Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel said. “To get him back on the football field running around a little bit was a step in the right direction.”

But it’s only a small step: Smith, who didn’t talk to reporters, mostly watched practice and left early, and he isn’t expected to play in the Steelers’ AFC divisional playoff game on January 15.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (Achilles) and cornerback Bryant McFadden (abdomen) sat out practice but expect to be on the field in the Steelers’ playoff opener.

RuthlessBurgher
01-05-2011, 01:39 PM
"The mustache is getting a little bit out of control," he said. "I'm going to have to get some wax or something and try to tame it a little bit."

I don't want Fop, D@mmit! I'm a Dapper Dan Man!

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=384081659943&id=ae008cf9bbfc28407 5cff886399f769a&index=ch1 http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldc16z9SMJ1qzruh6o1_500.jpg

SanAntonioSteelerFan
01-05-2011, 01:46 PM
"The mustache is getting a little bit out of control," he said. "I'm going to have to get some wax or something and try to tame it a little bit."

I don't want Fop, D@mmit! I'm a Dapper Dan Man!

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=384081659943&id=ae008cf9bbfc28407 5cff886399f769a&index=ch1 http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldc16z9SMJ1qzruh6o1_500.jpg

"The Rabbi", Wolf (?) called him on the radio, to Keisel's apparent at least mild discomfort.

That's hilarious to hear ... "The return of the Redheaded Rabbi" ... sounds like a Sherlock Holmes title!

hawaiiansteel
01-06-2011, 07:24 PM
Powerful Mojo

by Craig Wolfley

Every week for the last three months Mike Tomlin has reported that Aaron Smith is “one week closer” to getting back on the field.

As of this moment Aaron hasn’t gone through a full practice, but the fact that Coach Mike has kept a “seat on the bus” for Aaron says three things;

1. It speaks volumes of the value and respect the Steelers have for Aaron Smith both as a player, and as a man. When Aaron is at full strength, there is not a better 3-4 DE in the world.

2. The fact that the Steelers have gone this long being a player down on the defensive line while also suffering the loss of Brett Keisel for six games tells you that the Steelers seriously consider themselves a Lombardi Trophy candidate, and not a one and done pretender.

3. Aaron is also a symbol of hope. There is great mojo in the comeback of a beloved player who lifts his teammates on and off the field. And believe me when i tell you that in the lockerroom, and in the front office, Aaron is a beloved man.

Never underestimate the power of a man’s determination to climb the mountain of adversity and in doing so lifting others around him to cresting that mountain.

There is powerful mojo in the attempt, greater still in the actual accomplishment of that feat. It might be just enough to get #7!

http://craigwolfley.com/2011/01/powerful-mojo/

SanAntonioSteelerFan
01-06-2011, 07:31 PM
Powerful Mojo

by Craig Wolfley

Every week for the last three months Mike Tomlin has reported that Aaron Smith is “one week closer” to getting back on the field.

As of this moment Aaron hasn’t gone through a full practice, but the fact that Coach Mike has kept a “seat on the bus” for Aaron says three things;

1. It speaks volumes of the value and respect the Steelers have for Aaron Smith both as a player, and as a man. When Aaron is at full strength, there is not a better 3-4 DE in the world.

2. The fact that the Steelers have gone this long being a player down on the defensive line while also suffering the loss of Brett Keisel for six games tells you that the Steelers seriously consider themselves a Lombardi Trophy candidate, and not a one and done pretender.

3. Aaron is also a symbol of hope. There is great mojo in the comeback of a beloved player who lifts his teammates on and off the field. And believe me when i tell you that in the lockerroom, and in the front office, Aaron is a beloved man.

Never underestimate the power of a man’s determination to climb the mountain of adversity and in doing so lifting others around him to cresting that mountain.

There is powerful mojo in the attempt, greater still in the actual accomplishment of that feat. It might be just enough to get #7!

http://craigwolfley.com/2011/01/powerful-mojo/

I like Wolf. I met him with SASF, Jr., Ruthlessburger, and Mrs. Ruthlessburger at the pregame activities for the 1st Cleveland game, in the "Steelers Carnival" tent, for lack of any better description I can come up with. OK, I didn't really meet him, but I sat in on his pre-game radio show, and then shook hands with him in awe when he was done (it wasn't HIM in awe, it was me, in case you had a hard time with that sentence construction).

So now, anything he says and does is great by me!!

RuthlessBurgher
01-07-2011, 03:34 PM
Powerful Mojo

by Craig Wolfley

Every week for the last three months Mike Tomlin has reported that Aaron Smith is “one week closer” to getting back on the field.

As of this moment Aaron hasn’t gone through a full practice, but the fact that Coach Mike has kept a “seat on the bus” for Aaron says three things;

1. It speaks volumes of the value and respect the Steelers have for Aaron Smith both as a player, and as a man. When Aaron is at full strength, there is not a better 3-4 DE in the world.

2. The fact that the Steelers have gone this long being a player down on the defensive line while also suffering the loss of Brett Keisel for six games tells you that the Steelers seriously consider themselves a Lombardi Trophy candidate, and not a one and done pretender.

3. Aaron is also a symbol of hope. There is great mojo in the comeback of a beloved player who lifts his teammates on and off the field. And believe me when i tell you that in the lockerroom, and in the front office, Aaron is a beloved man.

Never underestimate the power of a man’s determination to climb the mountain of adversity and in doing so lifting others around him to cresting that mountain.

There is powerful mojo in the attempt, greater still in the actual accomplishment of that feat. It might be just enough to get #7!

http://craigwolfley.com/2011/01/powerful-mojo/

I like Wolf. I met him with SASF, Jr., Ruthlessburger, and Mrs. Ruthlessburger at the pregame activities for the 1st Cleveland game, in the "Steelers Carnival" tent, for lack of any better description I can come up with. OK, I didn't really meet him, but I sat in on his pre-game radio show, and then shook hands with him in awe when he was done (it wasn't HIM in awe, it was me, in case you had a hard time with that sentence construction).

So now, anything he says and does is great by me!!

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/niqueoh/SteelersBrowns101710WendySASF018.jpg

NC Steeler Fan
01-07-2011, 06:01 PM
"The mustache is getting a little bit out of control," he said. "I'm going to have to get some wax or something and try to tame it a little bit."

I don't want Fop, D@mmit! I'm a Dapper Dan Man!

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=384081659943&id=ae008cf9bbfc28407 5cff886399f769a&index=ch1 http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldc16z9SMJ1qzruh6o1_500.jpg

Now see, I don't understand why guys think this new "five o'clock" shadow look is appealing to
women when a nice, soft, fluffy beard is sooooo much better to get next to! :Boobs

I hope he doesn't shave until after he hoists the Lombardi this year! :Cheers

SanAntonioSteelerFan
01-07-2011, 07:53 PM
Powerful Mojo

by Craig Wolfley

Every week for the last three months Mike Tomlin has reported that Aaron Smith is “one week closer” to getting back on the field.

As of this moment Aaron hasn’t gone through a full practice, but the fact that Coach Mike has kept a “seat on the bus” for Aaron says three things;

1. It speaks volumes of the value and respect the Steelers have for Aaron Smith both as a player, and as a man. When Aaron is at full strength, there is not a better 3-4 DE in the world.

2. The fact that the Steelers have gone this long being a player down on the defensive line while also suffering the loss of Brett Keisel for six games tells you that the Steelers seriously consider themselves a Lombardi Trophy candidate, and not a one and done pretender.

3. Aaron is also a symbol of hope. There is great mojo in the comeback of a beloved player who lifts his teammates on and off the field. And believe me when i tell you that in the lockerroom, and in the front office, Aaron is a beloved man.

Never underestimate the power of a man’s determination to climb the mountain of adversity and in doing so lifting others around him to cresting that mountain.

There is powerful mojo in the attempt, greater still in the actual accomplishment of that feat. It might be just enough to get #7!

http://craigwolfley.com/2011/01/powerful-mojo/

I like Wolf. I met him with SASF, Jr., Ruthlessburger, and Mrs. Ruthlessburger at the pregame activities for the 1st Cleveland game, in the "Steelers Carnival" tent, for lack of any better description I can come up with. OK, I didn't really meet him, but I sat in on his pre-game radio show, and then shook hands with him in awe when he was done (it wasn't HIM in awe, it was me, in case you had a hard time with that sentence construction).

So now, anything he says and does is great by me!!

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/niqueoh/SteelersBrowns101710WendySASF018.jpg

Ruth :Bow :Bow - tears of joy, dude, tears of joy! Thanks! :Cheers

(And thanks to Mrs. Ruth for taking the pic!!)

hawaiiansteel
01-07-2011, 08:09 PM
Powerful Mojo

by Craig Wolfley

Every week for the last three months Mike Tomlin has reported that Aaron Smith is “one week closer” to getting back on the field.

As of this moment Aaron hasn’t gone through a full practice, but the fact that Coach Mike has kept a “seat on the bus” for Aaron says three things;

1. It speaks volumes of the value and respect the Steelers have for Aaron Smith both as a player, and as a man. When Aaron is at full strength, there is not a better 3-4 DE in the world.

2. The fact that the Steelers have gone this long being a player down on the defensive line while also suffering the loss of Brett Keisel for six games tells you that the Steelers seriously consider themselves a Lombardi Trophy candidate, and not a one and done pretender.

3. Aaron is also a symbol of hope. There is great mojo in the comeback of a beloved player who lifts his teammates on and off the field. And believe me when i tell you that in the lockerroom, and in the front office, Aaron is a beloved man.

Never underestimate the power of a man’s determination to climb the mountain of adversity and in doing so lifting others around him to cresting that mountain.

There is powerful mojo in the attempt, greater still in the actual accomplishment of that feat. It might be just enough to get #7!

http://craigwolfley.com/2011/01/powerful-mojo/

I like Wolf. I met him with SASF, Jr., Ruthlessburger, and Mrs. Ruthlessburger at the pregame activities for the 1st Cleveland game, in the "Steelers Carnival" tent, for lack of any better description I can come up with. OK, I didn't really meet him, but I sat in on his pre-game radio show, and then shook hands with him in awe when he was done (it wasn't HIM in awe, it was me, in case you had a hard time with that sentence construction).

So now, anything he says and does is great by me!!

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/niqueoh/SteelersBrowns101710WendySASF018.jpg

Ruth :Bow :Bow - tears of joy, dude, tears of joy! Thanks! :Cheers

(And thanks to Mrs. Ruth for taking the pic!!)


are you in this pic SASF?