Steelers end final OTA session with 'good simulation day'

Normally, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin adheres to the same script during every OTA question and answer session, responding with two alternating sentences. It's only June, and football in shorts is meaningless.

Today, he continued his circular deflection, although this time, there were a few hidden bright spots on a rather cloudy in Pittsburgh. The Steelers spent the final day of their last round of OTA's, practicing in the rain -- something Tomlin acknowledged they better get used to.

"Great work for us, to come into this stadium, particularly in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Often times, during Fall and Winter when we work in our stadium, it is in less than stellar weather conditions. A good simulation day for us."

Le'Veon Bell receives MSU Alderton Award

Steelers rookie RB Le'Veon Bell was named Michigan State's top male athlete in 2012

Heinz Field became notorious for rough field conditions as a result of weather since it first opened its doors. The stadium hosts not only the Steelers, but also the Pitt Panthers and many other events. One rainy weekend during football season often left players feeling more like participants in a mud bog, rather than a professional football game. The field's open end has a tendency to reduce a kicker's range, as river winds enter the stadium through the uprights of the goal posts.

Unlike its roofed and domed siblings, Heinz Field remains completely open-air; welcoming an autumn downpour or post-season blizzard. Poor weather plays into the favor of the Pittsburgh mentality -- the blue collar, hard-hat attitude that gets the job done, no matter what. Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward used to live for days like this, and the organization continues to expect the same out of every player. It requires more teamwork as goals switch from yards to inches, and finesse gives way to physicality.

Ben's 2005 knee surgery came at a critical point in Super Bowl season

Ben Roethlisberger had a similar procedure on the same knee in 2005, right at a critical point in a Super Bowl championship season, writes BTSC's Neal Coolong

Unfortunately, the modern CBA rules prohibit players from getting too physical at OTAs, but Tomlin did recognize a high energy level among participants, despite the rain. The team focused on red zone drills among other finishing touches. Tomlin also appreciated the efforts of the quarterbacks taking advantage of extra snaps as they fill in for Ben Roethlisberger; although it is still just football in shorts, so little more should be read into anything.

The Steelers will resume off-season activities when their three-day mini camp opens June 11th.