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PRE-SEASON WEEK 1
My first day in training camp I was really looking forward to meeting the players and the staff. I got to meet Donald Driver, I know I'll be his successor in a few years. Didn't see Brett Favre at camp at all first day, but the next day he showed up and was ready to go. In the mornings I had to run a mile in 5 minutes, then I went to the training room to lift some weights, coach Robinson told me that my conditioning is fine and I don't have to spend hours in the training room. During the day fans started showing up to the field, mostly all of them and the media watching Favre and the first string team. I didn't get a single interview in first 3 days of camp. So anyways, we ran 7 on 7 drills, I was the main WR in the 2nd string offense. It wasn't as hard to beat out our 3rd and 4th CB's since they're not as tall as me, but I was still quite afraid to go inside against the LB's of NFL caliber and get knocked out. At the end of the day some guys hit the film room while me and Robby Ferguson stayed on the field, he helped me out with some moves as on what to do as I get the ball. First thing he told me is to cover the ball right away, NFL teams are always looking for a turnover. After a hard working day, I finally went to my rented apartment, had a steak and fell dead asleep... My first pre-season game and I was penciled in as 3rd string WR. On Friday we boarded a plane to Pittsburgh, and I couldn't wait to catch a ball in a NFL Game, even though its just pre-season.
Before the game coach McCarthy went over some plays that we will try to make perfect today, one play that I had to be involved in is WR Option where I have to go behind another WR and spring down the field, due to my height, McCarthy told me that I will get balls thrown high at me. That's not a relief as it would suck to be hit right in the stomach. I finally found my #84 Ivan Shcipansky plate and I had my #84 jersey there with my name on it. I also asked the equipment manager to give me gloves, I got Reebok black and white gloves, I also got a visor, just for the heck of it. I got out on to the field and sat down on the WR bench, getting last minute calls from coach Robinson.
1st Quarter Highlights:
I didn't have to sit long on the bench as I got a call from offensive coordinator to be the Kick Returner, I practiced a bit on it, but I didn't think they wanted me to be their #1 KR. I had a 28 yard return to the 26 yard line. First action I saw was a 3 WR 1 TE Formation on 3rd down. It was a PA Boot, main option being TE Franks. I got open as I ran across but Favre nailed Jennings, our 2nd WR, for a 34 yard gain, Favre got injured though. The drive finished off on a 27 yard PA Pass to Driver from Rogers. Manuel, our CB made an interception at their 9. Townsend came right back and picked it off of Favre who was back in. The Steelers got a 37 Yard FG, big play came on a 30 yard connection from Ben to Santonio Holmes. What a bitch, on the KR I fumbled, but someone was there to pick it up for us, phew. We went down the field, but Favre got picked off again by Polamalu.
2nd Quarter Highlights:
The Steelers put on a good drive and had Willie Parker run it for 15 yards into the endzone, Steelers up 10-7. Favre made sure we were in this game, and had a big connection with Driver for 61 yards, unfortunately we stumbled to get into the endzone, but my fellow CU-man Mason Crosby tied us up 10 with a 30 yard FG. We went into the locker room with the score 10-10.
3rd Quarter Highlights:
Steelers running game set up a FG from Reed to put them up by 3. On 3rd down Blatch connected with Washington for a 1st down but the back-up MLB Hodge was right there to knock the shit out of him and force an incompletion. In the second half I was put in at 2nd WR behind Jennings. On 2nd down I got called for holding on a screen play, I had to do it otherwise we'd lose yards, too bad the ref saw it. Steel got the ball back and kept the chains moving with running plays, that capped off the drive with a 47 Yard FG from Reed.
4th Quarter Highlights:
I had a punt return in the beginning of the game, I hate PR so I was quite scared that I'll fumble, ball almost slipped through my hands but I hung on to it. Steelers get one more FG from Reed and go on to win it 19-10. Its nothing big, just a pre-season game. Final Score: Packers -
Steelers 10-19
Player of the Game:
WILLIE PARKER - 64 Yards, 11 Carries, 1 TD, 5.8 Average