Thursday, May 22, 2008
Random thoughts
I talked at length to running back Mewelde Moore this week at OTAs and came away impressed with the young man.
While many free agent running backs the Steelers have signed in the past come in looking to carry the ball as much as possible or even win a starting job, Moore – who was signed away from Minnesota – seems to be more than happy to fill his niche with the Steelers.
What will that niche be?
Returning punts and possibly kickoffs and being the third-down back.
Those were both jobs Najeh Davenport filled in the past.
© Gary Russell, another young back the team has, looks awfully good running with the ball. His cuts are sharp and he has a nice burst.
Russell saw limited playing time as a rookie in 2007, but the team liked him enough that it didn't dare try to put him on the practice squad.
With the addition of Moore and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers have a very crowded backfield.
© A national writer took the Steelers to task recently after Mendenhall suffered a strained hamstring during mini-camp, citing that and 2007 No. 1 pick Lawrence Timmons' groin injury as evidence that the Steelers are pushing their young players too hard in these drills.
Maybe he should take a look at Cleveland instead.
Cornerback Daven Holly blew his knee out in the Browns' workouts, adding just another injury to a long list of them that have happened to Cleveland players in that team's workouts.
And after trading Leigh Bodden in the deal to get Shaun Rogers from Detroit, cornerback was one spot the Browns couldn't afford to lose anyone.
Cleveland's run defense may be better this season, but the pass defense promises to be awful.
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