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[url]http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/10/25/Army-past-puts-football-in-perspective-for-Steelers-Villanueva/stories/201510250140[/url]
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Alejandro Villanueva looks to be 'way more physical' vs. Chiefs
By Neal Coolong October 24, 2015 8:29 am ET
[url]http://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2015/10/24/steelers-alejandro-villanueva-news-offensive-line-depth-chart-marcus-gilbert/[/url]
The man has been in war zones. There can’t be much that intimidates his soul while on an NFL field. Not even prodigious pass rusher Justin Houston, one of many talented pass rushers Alejandro Villanueva will face Sunday when the Steelers take on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
The former Army Ranger and U.S. Army Captain will make his first NFL start Sunday, a week after playing a little more than one half in the Steelers’ win over the Cardinals.
Villanueva didn’t give himself high marks for his performance in that game.
“I think I could have played better,” Villanueva said, according to Ralph N. Paulk of the Tribune Review. “A lot of times, in your first NFL game, it’s a little surreal, and you’re not as involved in game preparation. I could have been way more physical, and I could have finished plays a little better. I know how to fix it. I could have been more consistent on the field.”
The vast majority of Houston’s snaps come from the offensive left side, meaning Marcus Gilbert will have the pleasure of primarily handling Houston, who has 26 sacks in his last 21 games, including one against the Steelers in Week 16 last year.
“Houston has four sacks,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin confirmed. “That’s a lot of sacks for a 1-5 football team. In most instances, teams that are playing with the lead minimize the potential for those types of things.”
Considering the Steelers will likely be without Ben Roethlisberger, and have averaged 23 points in the three games in which Roethlisberger did not start, playing with a lead might not be a luxury for the Steelers.
Expect the Chiefs to pin their ears back and rush hard off the edge, challenging both Villanueva and Gilbert, and the entire Steelers’ offensive line in the process.
It’s an aggressive pass-rushing team, and considering they fell behind in the second half of all five of their losses — consecutively from Weeks 2-6 — a key for the Steelers will be to find a way to get to a lead, and salt the clock as much as possible to limit the impact Houston and Tamba Hali can make.
Molon labe
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell
?We're not going to apologize for winning.?
Mike Tomlin
American metal pimped by asiansteel
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you 1. Jesus Christ, 2.The American G.I., One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. -
Molon labe
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell
?We're not going to apologize for winning.?
Mike Tomlin
American metal pimped by asiansteel
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you 1. Jesus Christ, 2.The American G.I., One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.Comment
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Nice find WCS.
Dont you think Tomlin deserves prop for going after this guy to project him gaining weight and becoming a fine NFL tackle
Quote from article:
Villanueva restarted his football career in May 2014 with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing defensive end. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noticed him during a preseason game that August and, when the Eagles cut him, the Steelers signed him to their practice squad prior to the 2014 season.
The Steelers switched Mr. Villanueva to offensive tackle, hoping to take his obscene wingspan and mold him into a legit NFL player. In a little more than a year, he has put on about 100 pounds and earned enough faith from the coaches to get the start today.Last edited by Captain Lemming; 10-25-2015, 11:52 AM.sigpic
In view of the fact that Mike Tomlin has matched Cowhers record I give him the designation:
TCFCLTC-
The Coach Formerly Considered Less Than CowherComment
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Credit to Tomlin for spotting him...
Credit to Munchak and Shaun Sarrett for coaching him up...
Credit, most of all, to Villanueva for coming from where he did and making it to NFL starter...Actually, my post was NOT about you...but, if the shoe fits, feel free to lace that &!+€# up and wear it.Comment
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