Steelers cut Harrison as Tomlin trys to light fire under special teams unit

November 18, 7:29 AMPittsburgh Sports ExaminerMatt Pawlikowski

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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is serious about improving the special teams unit.

AP FILE PHOTO

PITTSBURGH - It’s been a long time since Mike Tomlin has held his weekly press conference after a Steelers loss in November. While Tomlin did go over some things from the Cincinnati game, he stuck to discussing the Chiefs and especially the fact the team is trying to find a way to improve the special teams unit, which currently is fourth worst in the league.

"We’re looking at schematics and potentially to make some changes in that area to increase our chances of performing above the line," Tomlin said. "But we’re also looking at moving some people around, putting some new people in position to play."

Tomlin made one move this week to try and ignite a spark under the unit. He cut linebacker Arnold Harrison from the team, and brought Donovan Woods up from the practice squad.

"We brought up Donovan Woods and he’ll have an opportunity to run down the middle of that unit and see if he can bring some energy to the group," Tomlin said. “It’s not just about the addition of Donovan Woods. Donovan Woods is not all of a sudden going to make us the most dynamic kickoff coverage team in the NFL."

Another player who might get in the special teams mix is rookie Mike Wallace, at least on returns. Tomlin did not express any desire to replace Stefan Logan, whom the Steelers held open a roster spot  to do only that. But he appeared to try to light a fire under the rookie's feet.

"He’s been above the line. I think he’s averaging 25 or 26 yards per return, and that is the best since I've been here," Tomlin said. "But that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable. but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable. We’re trying to search for the ceiling. We want to be the very best in the world in all areas, because it increases our chances of winning. Mike is a guy who has shown an aptitude for that; he ran three or four back at Ole Miss."

Asked if he could pinpoint a specific problem as to why the Steelers have allowed three returns for touchdowns in the past four games, Tomlin was quick to quip.

"It’s about detail," he said. "It is about shedding blocks, making tackles and being schematically sound. We’re in the process of looking at all elements in that unit."

He added this about the inability to cover returns.

"They’re all head-scratchers. But you can just say it’s an epiphany, you can say “Wow, that’s an interesting play," he said. “But I don’t choose to have that response. I look at it scientifically, if you will; that for those things to happen there must be other elements at work where we’re falling short."

Asked if there could be some veterans who see more action out on the field like James Harrison did last year, Tomlin only added this.

"There are changes in kickoff coverage every week, and in all areas of the special teams," Tomlin said. "When you start talking about responding to injury and who gets the 42nd to 45th helmet on game day, those changes, those new things usually mean people are in different positions."

To expand on that scenario, Tomlin explained it like this.

"When you have a guy like Keenan Lewis in a helmet, he’s going to be on the kickoff team," Tomlin said. "When you have a guy like Tyrone Carter, who’s playing 30 snaps of defense, he’s not, potentially, going to be on the kickoff team or the punt return team, for that matter."

On the injury front, Tomlin said that Troy Polamalu's status for this game is probably questionable at best. He revealed that doctors have said it is a PCL strain.

"Although we’ve had some favorable information in regards to where he is from a health standpoint," Tomlin said. “We’re simply going to take it day-to-day with him. I spoke and visited with him yesterday as he did the doctors, he’s in a great frame of mind, he feels really good but we’re going to follow the expert advice that we get from our medical staff in terms of how to proceed."

He also said that Keenan Lewis has a rib injury, while guys who have been out such as Travis Kirschke and Carey Davis will work on individuals to see if they can get back to participation.