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The Steelers are paying safety Mike Mitchell $25 million over the next five seasons in hopes that he'll help strengthen a subpar run defense. So far, the team's coveted free-agent acquisition has offered a mix bag of good, bad and indifference.
“I like Mike and what he brings to the table,” safety Will Allen said. “There are probably some growing pains with going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, but he has to learn it and understand it.”
Mitchell, who proudly displays in his locker an autograph helmet of his former team, the Carolina Panthers, has had a few jaw-jarring hits. But he's been among the most penalized, including a taunting penalty in the preseason opener against the New York Giants.
“I've played pretty well throughout the preseason,” Mitchell said. “I haven't had very many errors. There always a little bit of adjustment. There are more responsibilities on my shoulders here, but I don't look at (cornerback) Ike (Taylor's) side because I know he's got that under control.”
Still, Mitchell and strong safety Troy Polamalu appear out of sync. Mitchell insists the apparent lack of communication is a matter of perception.
“It's been fine,” said Mitchell, replacing Ryan Clark who paired with Polamalu for eight seasons. “Troy and I are on the same page. I think the media makes a bigger deal out of it.”
However, Mitchell and Polamalu have missed an alarming number of tackles and sometimes are out of position to prevent long runs. The Eagles gutted the defense as five running backs had a least one carry of 15 yards or longer in a humbling 31-21 defeat in Philadelphia last Thursday
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6676299-74/mitchell-defense-preseason#axzz3BMYgajfB
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For $25M - $5M per he better do more than tell us how great he is.
“I like Mike and what he brings to the table,” safety Will Allen said. “There are probably some growing pains with going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, but he has to learn it and understand it.”
Mitchell, who proudly displays in his locker an autograph helmet of his former team, the Carolina Panthers, has had a few jaw-jarring hits. But he's been among the most penalized, including a taunting penalty in the preseason opener against the New York Giants.
“I've played pretty well throughout the preseason,” Mitchell said. “I haven't had very many errors. There always a little bit of adjustment. There are more responsibilities on my shoulders here, but I don't look at (cornerback) Ike (Taylor's) side because I know he's got that under control.”
Still, Mitchell and strong safety Troy Polamalu appear out of sync. Mitchell insists the apparent lack of communication is a matter of perception.
“It's been fine,” said Mitchell, replacing Ryan Clark who paired with Polamalu for eight seasons. “Troy and I are on the same page. I think the media makes a bigger deal out of it.”
However, Mitchell and Polamalu have missed an alarming number of tackles and sometimes are out of position to prevent long runs. The Eagles gutted the defense as five running backs had a least one carry of 15 yards or longer in a humbling 31-21 defeat in Philadelphia last Thursday
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6676299-74/mitchell-defense-preseason#axzz3BMYgajfB
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For $25M - $5M per he better do more than tell us how great he is.
