Steelers want to scrap linebacker rotation
By F. Dale Lolley
July 31, 2016
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Associated Press
Linebacker James Harrison stretches during practice Friday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Harrison, 38, played 611 snaps in 2015. The Steelers want to cut back on that number.
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LATROBE – While the Pirates still try to figure out their pitching rotation three quarters of the way through their season, the Steelers are hoping to scrap the one they used last year.
Pittsburgh rotated outside linebackers Jarvis Jones, Bud Dupree, James Harrison and Arthur Moats, though it wasn’t always an even split.
On the left side, the veteran Moats and rookie Bud Dupree split time almost evenly despite Moats starting 11 games and Dupree five.
On the other side, however, it was Harrison playing 55 percent of the snaps and leading the Steelers’ linebackers in playing time despite Jones starting 15 of the 16 games.
That could change.
Outside linebackers coach Joey Porter said Sunday the Steelers have high expectations for Jones and Dupree, who opened training camp at Saint Vincent College as the starters.
“I don’t think the rotation will be what it was,” Porter said. “If (Jones and Dupree) are going to play like we think they can, I’m going to play the hot hand.”
Part of the issue is age. At 38, Harrison, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, can’t be counted on to handle the 611 snaps he played last season. The Steelers want to scale back that number.
“I hope he’s got a Super Bowl left in him. I hope that,” defensive coordinator Keith Butler said. “He can help us just by his work ethic and what he does on the field. He’s going to help us rest those guys now and then. We’ll see.”
The Steelers selected Jones and Dupree as first-round draft picks in 2013 and 2015, respectively, to become starters if not stars. And they believe the time has come for them to pay dividends.
“Those two are the future,” Porter said. “The rotation came from the fact we have to get some production some way. If those guys get hot, those guys are our starters. You can’t justify taking anybody off the field if they’re hot. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Unfortunately for the Steelers, none of the foursome got hot for an extended period of time last season.
Harrison led the group with five sacks, but three came in one game against Indianapolis. Moats and Dupree each had four sacks and Jones had two.
The combined 15 sacks aren’t what the Steelers are accustomed to getting out of their outside linebackers. But the Steelers believe Dupree could be primed for a big season in his second year and Jones should be highly motivated after the team declined to pick up his fifth-year option in the offseason, meaning he’ll be a free agent at the conclusion of this year.
“I hope he’s motivated. He should be motivated,” Butler said. “That’s the reason we did it. We like Jarvis. There’s nothing wrong with putting him in that situation. I’d rather put him in that situation and see how he responds, because in this league you’ve got to perform under pressure. That’s a cold, hard fact of the NFL. It’s a cold, hard fact with him, just like anybody else. You’ve got to perform.”
Jones battled injuries in his first three seasons. If the Steelers don’t see the improvement they desire, then it could be time to let him move on.
Porter, a former Pro Bowl outside linebacker, doesn’t see that happening.
“I really think he is a good player,” Porter said. “When I read some of the comments (about him), I’m like, do I just like him that much? It’s just the stuff I see in practice, so I know it’s there. If he goes off for double digits (in sacks), I know it’s going to shock y’all, but I’ve been seeing since I came here.
“I’ve just got to get that guy healthy. When he makes the plays that I see him make every day, I’m not going to hit y’all with ‘I told you so,’ but I’m going to say I told you so. I just think he has that potential.”
Odds and end zones
Inside linebacker Ryan Shazier dominated the first day of practice in pads, looking unblockable in pass-rushing drills against the running backs and tight ends and setting the tone with some hard tackles in 11-on-11 drills. … Fullback Roosevelt Nix and running back Brandon Johnson each suffered blows to the head and had to leave practice. They are being evaluated for concussions. Tight end Xavier Grimble left practice for the second time in three days with heat exhaustion. … Wide receiver Antonio Brown said after practice that his agent contacted the Steelers regarding a possible contract extension. Brown, who has two years remaining on his current contract, said holding out was not an option. General manager Kevin Colbert said Friday the Steelers won’t negotiate a new deal for a non-quarterback with more than a year remaining on a contract. … The Steelers will practice at 2:55 p.m. Monday. It is open to the public.
By F. Dale Lolley
July 31, 2016
Image description
Associated Press
Linebacker James Harrison stretches during practice Friday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Harrison, 38, played 611 snaps in 2015. The Steelers want to cut back on that number.
Image description
LATROBE – While the Pirates still try to figure out their pitching rotation three quarters of the way through their season, the Steelers are hoping to scrap the one they used last year.
Pittsburgh rotated outside linebackers Jarvis Jones, Bud Dupree, James Harrison and Arthur Moats, though it wasn’t always an even split.
On the left side, the veteran Moats and rookie Bud Dupree split time almost evenly despite Moats starting 11 games and Dupree five.
On the other side, however, it was Harrison playing 55 percent of the snaps and leading the Steelers’ linebackers in playing time despite Jones starting 15 of the 16 games.
That could change.
Outside linebackers coach Joey Porter said Sunday the Steelers have high expectations for Jones and Dupree, who opened training camp at Saint Vincent College as the starters.
“I don’t think the rotation will be what it was,” Porter said. “If (Jones and Dupree) are going to play like we think they can, I’m going to play the hot hand.”
Part of the issue is age. At 38, Harrison, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, can’t be counted on to handle the 611 snaps he played last season. The Steelers want to scale back that number.
“I hope he’s got a Super Bowl left in him. I hope that,” defensive coordinator Keith Butler said. “He can help us just by his work ethic and what he does on the field. He’s going to help us rest those guys now and then. We’ll see.”
The Steelers selected Jones and Dupree as first-round draft picks in 2013 and 2015, respectively, to become starters if not stars. And they believe the time has come for them to pay dividends.
“Those two are the future,” Porter said. “The rotation came from the fact we have to get some production some way. If those guys get hot, those guys are our starters. You can’t justify taking anybody off the field if they’re hot. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Unfortunately for the Steelers, none of the foursome got hot for an extended period of time last season.
Harrison led the group with five sacks, but three came in one game against Indianapolis. Moats and Dupree each had four sacks and Jones had two.
The combined 15 sacks aren’t what the Steelers are accustomed to getting out of their outside linebackers. But the Steelers believe Dupree could be primed for a big season in his second year and Jones should be highly motivated after the team declined to pick up his fifth-year option in the offseason, meaning he’ll be a free agent at the conclusion of this year.
“I hope he’s motivated. He should be motivated,” Butler said. “That’s the reason we did it. We like Jarvis. There’s nothing wrong with putting him in that situation. I’d rather put him in that situation and see how he responds, because in this league you’ve got to perform under pressure. That’s a cold, hard fact of the NFL. It’s a cold, hard fact with him, just like anybody else. You’ve got to perform.”
Jones battled injuries in his first three seasons. If the Steelers don’t see the improvement they desire, then it could be time to let him move on.
Porter, a former Pro Bowl outside linebacker, doesn’t see that happening.
“I really think he is a good player,” Porter said. “When I read some of the comments (about him), I’m like, do I just like him that much? It’s just the stuff I see in practice, so I know it’s there. If he goes off for double digits (in sacks), I know it’s going to shock y’all, but I’ve been seeing since I came here.
“I’ve just got to get that guy healthy. When he makes the plays that I see him make every day, I’m not going to hit y’all with ‘I told you so,’ but I’m going to say I told you so. I just think he has that potential.”
Odds and end zones
Inside linebacker Ryan Shazier dominated the first day of practice in pads, looking unblockable in pass-rushing drills against the running backs and tight ends and setting the tone with some hard tackles in 11-on-11 drills. … Fullback Roosevelt Nix and running back Brandon Johnson each suffered blows to the head and had to leave practice. They are being evaluated for concussions. Tight end Xavier Grimble left practice for the second time in three days with heat exhaustion. … Wide receiver Antonio Brown said after practice that his agent contacted the Steelers regarding a possible contract extension. Brown, who has two years remaining on his current contract, said holding out was not an option. General manager Kevin Colbert said Friday the Steelers won’t negotiate a new deal for a non-quarterback with more than a year remaining on a contract. … The Steelers will practice at 2:55 p.m. Monday. It is open to the public.
