View topic - Steelers kick coverage was stellar against texans

[Hi5Steeler Profile]

Bires: Kick coverage kicked Texans aside
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By Mike Bires
Times Sports Staff
Published: Monday, September 8, 2008 11:59 PM EDT
Random notes from the Steelers beat:

* Overshadowed in Sunday’s rout of the Houston Texans was precise, crisp kick coverage by the Steelers’ special teams.

Never did the Steelers allow the Texans to change momentum with a long return on kickoffs or punts.

Especially impressive in the 38-17 romp was the job the Steelers did on Andre Davis, who returns kickoffs.

Last year, Davis ranked second in the NFL with a 30.3 yards per return average. On six returns against the Steelers, Davis averaged just 18.7.

Last year, Davis returned three kickoffs for touchdowns on returns of 97, 97 and 104 yards. Sunday against the Steelers, his returns went for 28, 24, 3, 12, 20 and 25 yards.

One of the special teams standouts for the Steelers was reserve linebacker Donovan Woods, an undrafted free agent. Woods may not have made the team if linebacker Arnold Harrison didn’t suffer a season-ending knee injury in the last preseason game.

* Out of all the quotes coming out of the Steelers’ locker room late Sunday afternoon, here’s one that was said more than any other: “It’s just one game. We’re not going to overreact.”

Obviously, the Steelers know all too well the NFL season is a marathon. It’s how they finish that matters.

The Steelers learned that last year after starting out 9-3.

They faded down the homestretch and won just one of their last five, including a wild-card loss to Jacksonville.

* With Cleveland next up on the schedule, Willie Parker is already licking his chops.

Parker, who ran for 138 of the Steelers’ 183 rushing yards Sunday, is well aware that the Cowboys rung up 167 against the Browns.

In the past three years, Parker has enjoyed great success against the Browns. In five starts, he’s rushed for 613 yards. He’s averaged 122.6 yards per game or 5.2 yards per carry.

Of course, Parker set the Steelers’ single-game rushing record against the Browns when he ran for 223 two years ago.

[Nashsteeler Profile]

I think Anthony Smith was specifically inactive so that the Steelers had a spot for Donovan Woods on ST's and the move paid off I'd say. My ass cheeks still clench up whenever we punt or kick off, but the booty wasn't quite as tight by the 2nd half yesterday.

[Hi5Steeler Profile]

Mike Tomlin stated in a conference smith wasnt activated because gay was more valuable as a cb and s as well as using gay on st

[Nashsteeler Profile]

Ah...missed that pc. As I recall, Gay made a tackle on coverage at one point too, so still a good call.