Steelers News: Versatility the name of the game for the Steelers’ offensive line

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the gridiron this week when they reported back to training camp. With practices underway, the news surrounding the black-and-gold is just starting to heat up. As the team returns from their summer break, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp starts!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line, versatility is the most important factor among the group.

Let’s get to the news:

• The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for drafting wide receivers, but let’s not forget their ability to turn offensive linemen into versatile tools in their tool shed.

Kevin Gorman: Steelers place a premium value on versatility of B.J. Finney on O-line

By: Kevin Gorman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

B.J. Finney doesn’t describe himself as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, even if his offensive linemates include him when talking about their top six instead of front five.

Then again, Finney doesn’t even describe himself as a center or a guard. Why bother when there is a chance that he could play any of the three interior positions?

“You can’t really focus on it,” said Finney, who started two games at right guard last season but played in all 16. “When you’re not a starter, the more things you can do the better chance you are of having a job. So you do everything that’s asked of you and then some to try and make sure if an opportunity comes out of left field, you’re ready for that opportunity.”

Instead, Finney just describes himself like this: ready to roll. He takes pride in being a player who won’t hold the Steelers back, one who prevents a drastic drop-off when a starter goes out. And there is a chance Finney could start in a pinch at center, left guard or right guard sometime this season.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• When it comes to what has stood out so far at Pittsburgh Steelers’ Training Camp, there is a common theme with the answers from the players.

A look at what’s stood out

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

But when asked what has stood out to them through the first wave of training camp, and they were given the option to make it about an individual, everyone pointed to one thing – the team. And with the way this training camp has been going, that is no surprise.

There is definitely a theme in the answers below to what stood out.

Receiver James Washington:

“I would say the team aspect. Offense and defense, we are a lot closer this year. You see us chatting it up in between periods. Offense and defense messing around with each other. We had it last year, but I am seeing a lot more of it this year. That makes you want to be here with those guys, joke around all the time. Even sitting around outside after snack, everyone talking, sharing stories, rapping. It just makes it fun.”

Defensive end Stephon Tuitt:

“Everybody worked out hard before they got here, and everyone came to work.”

Center Maurkice Pouncey:

“It’s the chemistry. Everyone seems like they are enjoying football right now. The daily grind gets to you sometimes, but whenever you are having fun with the guys it’s always good.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• HBO’s Hard Knocks show debuted last night, and a sneak peek of the first episode showed a situation where Antonio Brown’s kids were asking their dad, “Where’s Roethlisberger?”

At Raiders practice, Antonio Brown’s son asks, “Where’s Roethlisberger?”

By: Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk

Thanks to a case of frozen feet, Raiders receiver Antonio Brown hasn’t been at practice much during training camp. On one of the days he participated, he had three young sons present.

As revealed in a clip disseminated by HBO from tonight’s debut episode of Hard Knocks, one of Brown’s sons asks his dad an important question: “Where’s Roethlisberger?”

“He plays with the Steelers,” Antonio Brown says. “Our quarterback [is] Derek now. We don’t play with Roethlisberger no more.”

Brown then tries to ensure that all three of his sons know the name of his current quarterback as well as they know the name of his former one.

“We play with Derek Carr,” Brown says. “That’s my quarterback. You know his name? What’s his name?”

“Derek Carter?” another one of them says.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Looking for a new home? How about Ben Roethlisberger’s $2.3 million dollar Pittsburgh mansion??

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger’s Hampton mansion for sale for $2.3 million

By: Emily Balser, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

If you’re in the market for a new mansion and have about $2.3 million to spend, Ben Roethlisberger’s house in Hampton could be yours.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is selling the gated, 5-acre estate that includes eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a six-car garage, home theater, wine cellar and game room, according to the realty listing on the Berkshire Hathaway website.

The mansion features a two-story kitchen, children’s library, a high-definition golf simulator and playroom with a slide. A spiral staircase leads to a lookout on the third floor.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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