Tomlin had it covered...

[Discipline of Steel]

Its just that Harrisons adrenaline took over. With all the injuries, it kind of stretches our depth to the limits. Further down it says Ryan Clark will be out this Monday but we will likely see the return of FWP.

Tomlin defends using LB as emergency snapper
Associated Press

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin vigorously defended his decision to use Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison as an emergency long snapper, a move that may have cost the team its game against the Giants on Sunday.

Tomlin denied Tuesday the team didn't have an emergency snapper ready after Greg Warren tore a knee ligament, saying two linebackers -- Harrison and James Farrior -- practiced the specialist's role.

James snaps at least once a week, every week since I've been here," Tomlin said of Harrison, a Pro Bowl starter and team MVP last season. "In practice and training camp is one thing. Inside stadiums and in the fourth quarter of a football game against the defending world champions is another thing. ... If I had to do it all over again, I'd do the same thing. I'd hope for a different outcome, but I'd do it again."

Harrison's snap sailed over punter Mitch Berger's head for a game-tying safety in the fourth quarter. Given excellent field position following the ensuing free kick, the Giants drove for the decisive touchdown with about three minutes remaining and a 21-14 victory.

Some fans questioned why Tomlin didn't use center Justin Hartwig or right guard Darnell Stapleton, a former Rutgers center, for such an important snap. Tomlin explained that punt snapping is much different from centering the ball to the quarterback, even in a shotgun formation.

"Two totally different skill sets," Tomlin said.

Tomlin gave a lengthy explanation for a decision that made the Steelers (5-2) look ill-prepared. On Monday, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he has three players capable of being a long snapper, including his backup center.

Being a center doesn't prepare a lineman to snap, Tomlin said, because velocity is as important as accuracy -- one reason why NFL teams carry a player who does nothing but snap to the punter.

"A center in shotgun snaps with one hand," Tomlin said. "When you're a long snapper in a punt situation, you're a two-handed snapper. Velocity is very important. Operation time, snap to kick, defines you.

"Velocity and accuracy are less important from a center standpoint because you cut down on distance. Really, it's a significant distance. Anybody is capable of delivering a shotgun snap."

Warren was placed on injured reserve and is out for the season. Jared Retkofsky, a rookie free agent cut during training camp, was signed to replace him after the Steelers worked out three other snappers.

With punter Mitch Berger's sore left hamstring also a worry, left-footed punter Ricky Schmitt joined the practice squad. Schmitt, from Shepherd University, was cut by the Cardinals in 2007 and the 49ers this year.

As a result, the Steelers may have a new punter, long snapper and holder for Monday night's game against the Washington Redskins (6-2). Berger also is kicker Jeff Reed's holder so, if he can't play, wide receiver Hines Ward would hold.

Backup quarterback Charlie Batch was the backup holder last season, but he is out with a broken collarbone.

"Hines has done it every week, twice a week since Charlie went down," Tomlin said. "Hines has a little comfort and continuity with Jeff." And if a punter gets hurt in a game, Tomlin said, Reed can punt.

The Steelers also are expected to be without safety Ryan Clark (dislocated shoulder) against the Redskins, his former team.

Unlike last season, when Anthony Smith started after Clark developed spleen and gall bladder problems following a midseason game against Denver, Tyrone Carter probably would replace him in Washington.

Smith created a stir by guaranteeing the Steelers would upset the then-undefeated Patriots, only to be benched one game after being beaten on several pass plays during New England's 34-13 victory.

Left tackle Marvel Smith, whose back problems may be worsening, remains listed as day to day. Running back Willie Parker, out for four games with a knee injury, worked out Tuesday and hopes to play.

[papillon]

Does anyone really believe that Mike Tomlin is that poor at preparing this team for games that he doesn't have a backup plan for nearly every situation that may occur during a season? game?

If you do believe this, I would love to hear your reasons and read what facts you believe prove this out.

Pappy

[ghettoscott]

Unlike last season, when Anthony Smith started after Clark developed spleen and gall bladder problems following a midseason game against Denver, Tyrone Carter probably would replace him in Washington.

Smith created a stir by guaranteeing the Steelers would upset the then-undefeated Patriots, only to be benched one game after being beaten on several pass plays during New England's 34-13 victory.

Whats the deal with Anthony Smith? I would prefer him over Tyrone Carter....give the guy another chance already.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Does anyone really believe that Mike Tomlin is that poor at preparing this team for games that he doesn't have a backup plan for nearly every situation that may occur during a season? game?

If you do believe this, I would love to hear your reasons and read what facts you believe prove this out.

Pappy

Sadly, many do.

[Discipline of Steel]

Does anyone really believe that Mike Tomlin is that poor at preparing this team for games that he doesn't have a backup plan for nearly every situation that may occur during a season? game?

If you do believe this, I would love to hear your reasons and read what facts you believe prove this out.

Pappy

Sadly, many do.

That is why I wanted to get this info out, so people dont jump on THAT bandwagon. Some forget that we are currently 5-2 and much better off than a lot of clubs. In fact, most of the power ranking have us at #3, right behind the Giants.

[MeetJoeGreene]

Unlike last season, when Anthony Smith started after Clark developed spleen and gall bladder problems following a midseason game against Denver, Tyrone Carter probably would replace him in Washington.

Smith created a stir by guaranteeing the Steelers would upset the then-undefeated Patriots, only to be benched one game after being beaten on several pass plays during New England's 34-13 victory.

Whats the deal with Anthony Smith? I would prefer him over Tyrone Carter....give the guy another chance already.

Smith must really be in a Tomlin or Bad Word doghouse.

[SteelerSal]

Unlike last season, when Anthony Smith started after Clark developed spleen and gall bladder problems following a midseason game against Denver, Tyrone Carter probably would replace him in Washington.

Smith created a stir by guaranteeing the Steelers would upset the then-undefeated Patriots, only to be benched one game after being beaten on several pass plays during New England's 34-13 victory.

Whats the deal with Anthony Smith? I would prefer him over Tyrone Carter....give the guy another chance already.

Smith is just a hitting machine with a lack of cover skills and apparently Carter has more smarts than him, which is not saying much.

[papillon]

Does anyone really believe that Mike Tomlin is that poor at preparing this team for games that he doesn't have a backup plan for nearly every situation that may occur during a season? game?

If you do believe this, I would love to hear your reasons and read what facts you believe prove this out.

Pappy

I do. A 1 year defensive coordinator doesn't have a backup plan for the long snapper going down. It showed when Harrison drew straws with the rest of the team and was forced to try the snap. Tomlin is clearly trying to hide he doesn't have a clue.

As the article at the beginning of this thread indicated, Tomlin did have a backup plan for a long snapper and they practice it once a week. James Harrison simlpy air mailed the snap and was disgusted with himself for doing so. The look on his face said it all. Farrior is also part of the backup plan and that's why you believe they drew straws and Harrison lost. My guess is that Harrison stepped up to the plate and requested that he make the snap.

It didn't work out, that doesn't meant that there wasn't a plan in place.

Pappy

[Sugar]

Wow, I didn't know so much went into long-snapping. It's amazing what things come up only when it doesn't work.

I guess it's kind of like your pinky-toe, you don't think about it much until you stub it!

[papillon]

Does anyone really believe that Mike Tomlin is that poor at preparing this team for games that he doesn't have a backup plan for nearly every situation that may occur during a season? game?

If you do believe this, I would love to hear your reasons and read what facts you believe prove this out.

Pappy

I do. A 1 year defensive coordinator doesn't have a backup plan for the long snapper going down. It showed when Harrison drew straws with the rest of the team and was forced to try the snap. Tomlin is clearly trying to hide he doesn't have a clue.

As the article at the beginning of this thread indicated, Tomlin did have a backup plan for a long snapper and they practice it once a week. James Harrison simlpy air mailed the snap and was disgusted with himself for doing so. The look on his face said it all. Farrior is also part of the backup plan and that's why you believe they drew straws and Harrison lost. My guess is that Harrison stepped up to the plate and requested that he make the snap.

It didn't work out, that doesn't meant that there wasn't a plan in place.

Pappy

It's all flubber and a way for the team to protect their coach and the coach to protect his ass from the media. If you practice the snap don't tell me the first time you try it for real you "airmail" it over the punters head. That's why you practice it. Seems like a bit of a stretch for me.

Did he have a backup plan for an obviously injured punter? I don't think so. How many times do we have to watch Bulger make a punt and grab his hamstring before we realize he is a liability out there? Nobody on the team can make a measly 40 yard punt because that is all Bulger was getting into them anyway. Also, do we have a backup plan for a kick returner or do we not care about field position? If I have to watch the "dump truck" lumber to the 22 yard line waiting to be hit again I am going to scream. Let's dump his a s s and get a guy who is a threat to break it at anytime or at least get to the 40. Big difference between starting drives at the 40 then it is at your own 20. With this horrendous offensive line and a quarterback that doesn't understand the meaning of the word throw away we are asking alot to go 80 yards to score. But I am sure Tomlin has it all covered. (insert sarcasm)

The punter issue was addressed in the article as well: Jeff Reed is the backup punter and Hines Ward is the backup holder if Berger can't go. Berger's punts with the pulled hammy or quad were as good or better than the ones he punted healthy during the game, there's no reason to complain about that.

Airmailing the first long snap not done in practice isn't a stretch, crucial situation, prime time game, amped to begin with and he airmailed it, it happens. No reason to believe that Harrison isn't the emergency snapper.

Now, Davenport, that's a different story, I have to believe that Holmes will give this a shot again. I wish the Steelers had a better answer, but, they don't. Maybe, it's poor planning or maybe, it's not performing, not sure, but, you have to agree that the punts and kickoffs have been fielded without any problems and that's an upgrade from last year.

Pappy