Note to Mike Tomlin & the Steelers - REST YOUR PLAYERS



If Tomlin Saw This Note I'd Probably Get
This Look From Him

 The Pittsburgh Steelers got out of their 2nd preseason game unscathed of any major injuries.  That is a very good thing for a team riddled with injuries.  Their RB and OLB depth is thinner than I can ever remember since being a fan of the Steelers.  Throw in the newly acquired Stevenson Sylvester knee injury and it makes matters even worse.  Mike Tomlin has a tough decision ahead of him, and for once it doesn't even involve a Quarterback.  Instead, he now looks at Preseason Game 3 when the Steelers travel to Buffalo to play the Bills...the game that everyone and their brother describes as the last "dress rehearsal" before the regular season.   Now for my note:

Dear Coach Tomlin,
     First, let me say that I'm a HUGE fan.  You've done a great job with the team in your first stint with the team, and I was happy you received a contract extension before the season.  ANYWAYS, I have a request from you.  Please limit the reps of your starters this upcoming Saturday.  Historically, starters play a half or so in the 3rd preseason game, but that might be too much.  I know it isn't my place to tell you what to do, but I have a method to my madness...just hear me out. 
      Lets look at your running back situation.  Rashard Mendenhall is still not ready to participate in any type of team drills and Isaac Redman has a nagging injury that can linger if not given enough rest.  Obviously, Mendenhall will be out vs the Bills, but regardless of what Redman says please keep him out of the lineup.  There is no need to have him re-injure his groin where you might not have him 100% going into Denver in Week 1.  Jonathan Dwyer is a player who can certainly do well more repetitions, and that seems like a win - win situation. 
      Now, the Linebackers are a whole other beast.  Unlike the offense that needs the repetitions as they learn a new system, the returning defensive players should be solid in their assignments as they've been there and done that before.  James Harrision is still rehabbing after getting his knee "scoped" and is a question mark for the season opener in Denver.  Players like Lamarr Woodley, Brett Keisel, Troy Polamalu, and Ryan Clark are players that don't need the risk of possibly getting injured and having the team lose a crucial part of their defense for any period of time.  Could you imagine a defense not only without James Harrison, but also without Lamarr Woodley?  That isn't a top 5 defense...that might not even be a top 15 defense! 
       With all of this said, I feel that with the injuries the team has had so far this training camp / preseason it should be the upmost importance to keep these players healthy before the first week.  I realize some injuries are going to happen, but as the Head Coach you can control alot of that by limiting repetitions during the game Saturday night.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me via email - bngblitz@gmail.com, try me on my Twitter handle - @bngblitz, or even leave a comment below this post.

Sincerely,

Jeff
http://blackngoldblitz.blogspot.com