Steelers’ players have gotten their first look at offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s playbook and so far they have been picking it up with ease.
“He has been making it simple for guys to understand,” said wide receiver Antonio Brown. “It’s been really fun. It was great to get out and start to run some of the plays. It’s going to be great when guys get on the same page and start executing it.”
Brown and fellow wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders have already dug deep into the playbook, and while they have work ahead of them, things are moving along well.
“It’s going to be a good year,” said Sanders. “I am loving the offense right now. It’s based off of play action. We have a lot more of the offense to put in, but right now we are heading in the right direction.”
One player who is going to be called to execute it right away is Isaac Redman, who will be the Steelers starting running back when the season opens with Rashard Mendenhall still working his way back from an ACL injury.
“For me, being in the league a couple of years now, I am picking it up faster than the younger guys,” said Redman. “It’s not too difficult for us. Everybody is out here working together, helping each other out, discussing things so that when the season comes around we should be clicking on all cylinders.”
Running back Baron Batch barely had a chance to learn Bruce Arians’offense last year before he was injured in training camp, missing the entire season. He likes the approach that Haley has brought to the offense, being a hands-on coach who is teaching as they go.
“It’s a learning process, but everyone is getting the hang of it and it almost flows easily as far as the no-huddle calls and just the way the numbering system works and the way the plays are called,” said Batch. “It’s easier for me to learn than some of the other offenses I have been in.
“I think Coach Haley does a really good job of explaining everything and being real hands on, showing what he wants done. When you have a coach like that players pick up on it quicker. He shows you how he wants it and I appreciate that.”
One noticeable change already made in the offense is moving Willie Colonfrom tackle to left guard. Colon is content with the change, and also likes the look of the new offense.
“From just being around him you can tell he is a passionate coach and strong minded,” said Colon. “I am not against change. It helps us explore different dynamics of what this offense can be. We know we can be a running team. That is our mold. We just have dynamic receivers and a great quarterback that we can throw the ball.
“He brings a great sense of balance and is going to feed to both of our strengths so it’s going to be exciting.”
Wide receiver Antonio Brown was voted the Steelers MVP last season, but said winning that honor hasn’t put any more pressure on him this year.
“I wouldn’t say pressure,” said Brown, who has been at the team’s practice facility since voluntary workouts began on April 16. “Every year you want to study tape, study yourself and get better from it. All I want to do is get better from last year and do more than I did last year.
“I just have to work within myself to be better. I just have to take care of my game.”
Brown, who finished the 2011 season with 69 receptions for 1,108 yards and two touchdowns, knows that this offseason is pivotal with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley and that OTAs are more valuable than ever this year.
“It’s going to be key for us guys to get in and start studying so we can get on the same page and talk the same language,” said Brown. “It’s going to be special. Guys are here now working out to get the ball rolling. We have to build off it as we head to training camp.”
Second-round pick Mike Adams isn’t able to take part in OTAs because of Ohio State’s class schedule, but that doesn’t mean football isn’t on his mind. Adams knows the most important thing right now is learning the playbook, but isn’t worried about making the adjustment from college to the NFL.
“At the end of the day it’s football,” said Adams. “There might be different terms we use in college, but at the end of the day it’s all football. For me, it’s just the game I love, so I don’t really look at it as a difficulty, but more as a challenge to myself to see how well I can master the offense, how quick I can do it so that I can get on the field and help this team.”
Adams would like nothing more than to step in right away and help protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but he also knows being a rookie he has to earn his stripes.
“I’m just trying to get my feet wet and try to start and contribute any way I can,” said Adams. “I want to be able to keep the quarterback clean and keep him producing back there, making plays, and everybody knows Ben makes plays. To just have the chance to protect him and do what I love to do is a great opportunity.”
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