NFL teams are monitored closely for excessive contact during minicamps and OTAs, as the last CBA hoped to take better care of players.
But once they get to training camp, it’s fair game, and the Steelers are apparently taking full advantage of that.
According to Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin thinks a more physical practice is a requirement for his team.
“It’s a necessary part of the team-building process for us,” Tomlin said. “We don’t spend a lot of time worrying about what others do, we want to have a winning edge. Physicality is still as much a part of the game of football as it’s always been, from my perspective. That’s why we take our approach to team building.
“We got 90 guys out there, many of which are new; we’re trying to evaluate them. When you play with that level of intensity, and tackling at times, it eliminates a lot of speculation and provides clarity.”
Offensive coordinator Todd Haley agreed they were among the most physical practices he’s ever seen, and he used to work for known proponent of hitting Bill Parcells.
Not every team is going to go along with the idea. In fact, most of them probably won’t. But Tomlin clearly feels strongly about it, and probably will until there’s a friendly fire incident that affects his team’s ability to win games.