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Q: I read in the local paper today that Thursday was the Steelers last 'full' practice before the game Sunday. Along with a practice Wednesday, that's two days of practice? (And a very light last week.) Is that enough to keep their edge and possibly set up a new offensive and defensive scheme for the Cardinals?

Pete Anderson, Akron, Ohio

BOUCHETTE: They went through the same routine this week as they would a regular-season game, except having the extra week and knowing their opponent early allowed them to put together a game-plan at a more leisurely pace rather than stay up much of Tuesday night doing so. Even last week, they followed their normal routine, including a walk-through Saturday morning. The Steelers do have a full practice on Friday, but they use it more to practice what Mike Tomlin calls "situational" football -- converting third downs (or stopping them), and plays inside the 20 on offense and defense, for example.

First Published: January 30, 2009, 10:30 p.m.