Steelers' return team goals

**fordfixer** · 08-11-2010, 01:29 AM

Everest outlines Steelers' return team goals
By John Harris, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_694310.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 94310.html[/url]

» New special teams coach Al Everest has four goals for his return teams: 1. Ball security. 2. Positive yards. 3. Return the ball in scoring position. 4. Scoring touchdowns. "As long as we go with those first three, the fourth one will come to us," Everest said following Tuesday morning's practice, which was devoted entirely to special teams. Everest emphasized his unit must eliminate mistakes that hampered the return game last season. "Don't block in the back; don't make stupid mistakes," he said. "There will be some tough calls that are aggressive plays but not stupid mistakes." A good return game, Everest emphasized, can put the offense in excellent scoring position while also taking pressure off the defense. "Regardless of what happens, you've got a chance of at least picking up three (points), hopefully you pick up six."

» Cornerback Anthony Madison, who remains a stalwart on special teams, intercepted Ben Roethlisberger during 7-on-7 team drills. LB Lawrence Timmons demolished RB Isaac Redman during blocking drills. QB Byron Leftwich, who resumed his No. 1 status after sitting out Monday, underthrew WR Mike Wallace on a long pass attempt.

» Among those who didn't practice were linebacker James Harrison (shoulder), who missed his third consecutive day. "He's got a little discomfort," coach Mike Tomlin said. "We expect him back (today). We'll see though." Tackle Tony Hills (ankle) also didn't practice. Cornerback Joe Burnett suffered a rib-related injury. Tight end Matt Spaeth didn't practice.

**steelblood** · 08-11-2010, 08:58 AM

wasn't the shoulder one of the things that slowed harrison down last year?

**papillon** · 08-11-2010, 09:02 AM

I'm more concerned about the coverage units than the return units. For the return units the only thing I hope for is for the ball to be fielded and secured, giving the ball to the offense.

The return unit on the other hand needs to have a better accounting of their play this year. Too many shorter fields to defend last year and the defense wasn't in any position to be able to bail out the coverage units.

Pappy