Steelers rush to fix problem fix goal-line offense
-
Steelers running back Isaac Redman breaks through the defense and scores during goal-line drills Sunday at training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.
Share with others:
Linebacker Larry Foote missed the Steelers' two traditional live goal-line drills a year ago, missed the defense getting gouged for touchdown after touchdown.
"I heard about it," Foote said firmly.
Isaac Redman, an undrafted rookie, scored five times on seven consecutive carries a year ago.
"I heard about it," Foote said again.
Did it still bother his defensive mates?
"It bothers me," Foote said, "and I wasn't even here."
Foote was there Sunday afternoon when coach Mike Tomlin concluded the day's practice with a seven-play live goal-line drill and once again Redman scored. This time, however, he made it in only once and was stopped on his other carry.
• Preseason Game 1: Detroit Lions vs. Steelers, 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Heinz Field.
• TV: KDKA.
The offense, though, scored four times with the ball spotted at the 1 1/2 and three times was stopped short. That's a statistic the offense gladly would have taken last season when it followed its success in training camp by dropping the ball in the regular season. Even the defense knows that.
"I know they weren't as pleased with their performance at the goal line last year and in short yardage, we struggled a little bit in that area," linebacker James Farrior said. "But I've seen some positive signs out here that we're getting better. They've been working on it and I think they're going to do well this year."
Farrior said he saw those signs in the seven live plays Sunday.
"I saw a lot of toughness, I saw a lot of tenacity, I saw guys getting that extra push and it's going to help in the long run."
Earlier in practice, at midfield, Tomlin ran the offense through four short-yardage plays. Redman picked up first downs on each of his first two tries, the first running from the fullback position. Dennis Dixon rolled out and hit Mewelde Moore with a pass for another first down and, finally, the defense stood up rookie Jonathan Dwyer short of the sticks on the fourth play.
It was significant that Tomlin sent Redman out to get the first two carries with the first team in each drill.
First Published August 9, 2010 12:00 am
