December 31, 2014
Editorial cartoon by Joe Wos — PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
The good folks at Pittsburgh City Paper asked me to contribute the sports segment of their 2015 predictions, and I was happy to do my small part.
Above is the wonderful headlining cartoon by Joe Wos. If you have a chance to pick up a copy, there’s much more, including an entry from Pirates voice Greg Brown. It’s a fun package.
December 31, 2014
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
News: Le’Veon Bell didn’t practice Wednesday with the Steelers, but he was walking without a limp, playing around with teammates on the field and, most important, called himself a ‘maybe’ for Saturday’s playoff meeting with the Ravens and added, “I didn’t expect to feel this well this early. I’ll try to do more tomorrow.”
Also, Josh Harris took most of the snaps at running back, with Dri Archer getting the second-most and newcomer Ben Tate barely participating. And on defense, Troy Polamalu was a full participant.
Views: The view on Bell still feels genuinely uncertain. No bluffing. No posturing. Neither the team nor the player right now sounds sure, especially now that the knee has progressed.
December 31, 2014
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Obviously …
December 30, 2014
Mike Tomlin speaks to reporters at his Tuesday press conference on the South Side. — DEJAN KOVACEVIC
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Mike Tomlin wouldn’t confess this if offered a month’s worth of Baltimore beatings, but man, was he feeling it at his Tuesday press conference.
Asked if Le’Veon Bell riding a stationary bike was a sign he might be ready for the Ravens: “If you’re looking for comfort, it is. But there won’t be any bikes on the field on Saturday night.”
Asked how he’d characterize his feelings toward the Ravens in general and John Harbaugh specifically: “I wouldn’t. They’re the nameless grey faces that we play this week.”
Asked again about the blown fake punt Sunday: “They did a nice job. We didn’t. Namely, me.”
Asked if he’s comfortable with diminutive Dri Archer doing any pass-blocking: “I’m comfortable utilizing him with what he does best. If I want him to block Terrell Suggs, then I’m stupid.”
He’ll be there all week, folks. Try the veal.
No, but seriously, the coach was ablaze. If that microphone weren’t clipped to the table in front of him, he easily could have dropped it for dramatic effect on the way out of the room. It was classic Tomlin, deadpan, bug-eyed as he surveyed the room for doubters, the whole deal.
The coach is very much back in his element.
December 30, 2014
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
News: The Steelers will prepare for their Saturday playoff game with the Ravens as if they will not have Le’Veon Bell, per Mike Tomlin at his press conference this afternoon, though the coach added they will leave the ‘light on’ for his return. In the interim, they have Ben Tate at their South Side headquarters and likely will sign him.
Views: Nothing about the diagnosis changed. Bell has a hyperextended right knee, and an MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis of no structural damage. Bell is walking better today than yesterday and was riding a stationary bike.
I asked Tomlin if he’ll prepare Josh Harris as the No. 1 back for Saturday, and he came close to confirming that, while also carefully stressing his view that Tate or another outside back would have sufficient time to prepare if chosen. Tomlin also stated bluntly that the Steelers might de-emphasize the position and go with another receiver or utilize fullback Will Johnson or other variables.
January 1, 2015
Interview: Cam Heyward, Steelers
by Dejan Kovacevic • Videos • Steelers
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
Cam Heyward has been the Steelers’ best defensive player, registering a career-high 7 1/2 sacks plus 53 tackles, 10 quarterback hits and 36 hurries. He also was presented with The Chief Award last week for his exceptional professionalism with the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America.
In our interview Wednesday on the South Side, I asked Heyward about the team’s strong finish, about mentoring young defensive linemen like Stephon Tuitt and about his sense of accountability.