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First preseason game to be a test for Polamalu
By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, August 14, 2010
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_694886.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 94886.html[/url]
Strong safety Troy Polamalu, a five-time Pro Bowler, does not have to prove anything when the Steelers play their first preseason game against the visiting Detroit Lions.
Or does he?
Polamalu injured his left knee twice last season and will test it in a game tonight for the first time since November.
The eight-year veteran has looked good during training camp. But, he said, "It's just practice. When we get out there and start playing, we'll see."
Polamalu will be eased back into action. Coach Mike Tomlin said last week that the starters will take part in only eight to 12 plays. Polamalu has mixed feelings about that.
"Preseason's tough because you know the only thing good about the preseason is just trying to make it out injury-free," said Polamalu, who strained two ligaments last season and played only five games. "But, once you get out there and you start playing, you never really want to come out because that's what it's all about — playing football and enjoying yourself."
Mundy eyes big jump
With a solid grasp of the defense, third-year safety Ryan Mundy spent the offseason studying offensive tendencies.
"Knowing the formations, situations, down and distance — those are things that's going to help take my game to the next level," Mundy said.
Polamalu and free safety Ryan Clark are entrenched as starters. Mundy, who can play both safety positions, is hoping to show his coaches that he can be a valuable reserve and play in substitution packages, such as the dime defense.
"I feel like I'm ready to take a step this year, and this is going to be a defining year in my career," said Mundy, who had 25 tackles last season. "So, I just prepared myself — not only physically, but mentally."
Extra points
Punter Daniel Sepulveda may get a chance at kicking off tonight, Tomlin said. He has gotten a look during camp as a kickoff specialist. ... Rookie receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown are slated to return kicks. Tomlin said they will get an opportunity after Stefan Logan, the primary return man last season.
By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, August 14, 2010
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_694886.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 94886.html[/url]
Strong safety Troy Polamalu, a five-time Pro Bowler, does not have to prove anything when the Steelers play their first preseason game against the visiting Detroit Lions.
Or does he?
Polamalu injured his left knee twice last season and will test it in a game tonight for the first time since November.
The eight-year veteran has looked good during training camp. But, he said, "It's just practice. When we get out there and start playing, we'll see."
Polamalu will be eased back into action. Coach Mike Tomlin said last week that the starters will take part in only eight to 12 plays. Polamalu has mixed feelings about that.
"Preseason's tough because you know the only thing good about the preseason is just trying to make it out injury-free," said Polamalu, who strained two ligaments last season and played only five games. "But, once you get out there and you start playing, you never really want to come out because that's what it's all about — playing football and enjoying yourself."
Mundy eyes big jump
With a solid grasp of the defense, third-year safety Ryan Mundy spent the offseason studying offensive tendencies.
"Knowing the formations, situations, down and distance — those are things that's going to help take my game to the next level," Mundy said.
Polamalu and free safety Ryan Clark are entrenched as starters. Mundy, who can play both safety positions, is hoping to show his coaches that he can be a valuable reserve and play in substitution packages, such as the dime defense.
"I feel like I'm ready to take a step this year, and this is going to be a defining year in my career," said Mundy, who had 25 tackles last season. "So, I just prepared myself — not only physically, but mentally."
Extra points
Punter Daniel Sepulveda may get a chance at kicking off tonight, Tomlin said. He has gotten a look during camp as a kickoff specialist. ... Rookie receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown are slated to return kicks. Tomlin said they will get an opportunity after Stefan Logan, the primary return man last season.
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