Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Comments On Fine, Byron Leftwich Hit

On Friday, the NFL handed Philadelphia Eagles Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie a $21,000 fine for his hit last Thursday on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich, and so far the defensive back isn't taken the penalty well.

"Twenty-one thousand. I ain't even got that," Rodgers-Cromartie joked to the media after hearing about the fine, which stemmed from a high shot on the Steelers' backup quarterback early in his team's 24-23 preseason victory at Lincoln Financial Field.

"I won’t hit him no more, I’ll tell you that much," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "It’s not even a vicious hit... shoot, he got up right from it. I mean, I’ll say I left my feet. I can understand that. I can understand a fine coming."

The hit in question was ruled a "dangerous" one by the league and rightfully so. Replays show Rodgers-Cromartie leaving his feet and hitting Leftwich near the head area. Luckily, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound signal caller was not hurt.

"I wouldn’t do it again. In place, you never know. It’s football. You have to keep playing. Play through it."

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Steelers Vs. Eagles: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Fined $21,000 For Hit On Byron Leftwich

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David Johnson Injury: Steelers Fullback Lost For The Season

According to an NFL.com report, Pittsburgh Steelers fullback David Johnson will miss the entire 2012 season with what has been deemed a "significant knee injury" suffered in the first quarter of the team's first preseason game with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

Ed Bouchette who covers the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweeted that Johnson had suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL):

Looks like #Steelers starting FB David Johnson has torn ACL and will miss the season. Undrafted Will Johnson of WVU only other FB on roster.

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) August 10, 2012

The 24-year-old Johnson was the Steelers tight end before being told he'd be moving to fullback in the spring one Todd Haley was hired to be Pittsburgh's new offensive coordinator.

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Steelers vs. Eagles: Mike Tomlin Assesses First Preseason Game

The Steelers came close in their 24-23 loss against the Eagles on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, but not quite close enough for coach Mike Tomlin, who said his team "didn't get the job done" in his post game press conference.

"That is always our intention every time we step into a stadium, to win football game," he said. "Obviously we fell short in some areas. We have to go back to Latrobe and get back in the business of developing as a team. Too many errors, physical and mental. We’ll deal with it. We won’t accept it; we will deal with it this time of year."

He recognized, however, that it was an exhibition game without anything really on the line and that he saw some good things from his squad. He highlighted wide receiver Chris Rainey's contributions in particular. Rainey led the team with a pair of receptions for 65 yards including a 57-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown.

"He did some good things tonight," Tomlin said. "He has some growth, some detail things, some assignment things. Obviously he provided a splash or two for us in the football game."

He also like some things about the performances of rookie offensive lineman David DeCastro and Mike Adams.

"I thought they represented themselves well at times," Tomlin said. "From an assignment standpoint I thought they were above the line. They were beat physically some, but that is life in the National Football League. I am sure they will take the lessons learned in this stadium tonight and build from it."

Tomlin confirmed that Adams sustained an injury in the game, but that it is "less significant" than the injury suffered by tight end David Johnson, which Tomlin described as "severe."

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Steelers vs. Eagles: Emanuel Sanders Pleased With Offensive Execution In Preseason Debut

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger only played one series in Pittsburgh's 24-23 loss against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night, but that series lasted a long, long time.

The offense held the ball for 9:48 on its opening possession, making short but steady progress toward a 46-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham that gave the Steelers an early 3-0 lead. Roethlisberger completed seven of his eight passes on the drive for 49 yards but a relatively small 6.1 yards per completion average, reflective of a ball possession-focused approach by new offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Pittsburgh's next drive, with backup Byron Leftwich at the helm, saw the offense go 83 yards in 11 plays while taking another big chunk, 6:32, off the play clock. It culminated with a 2-yard pass to wideout Emanuel Sanders. After the game, Sanders was pleased with the offense's effort in its preseason debut, but hinted there's more to come as well, writes Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

"We definitely didn't bring all of our cards out. We just came in with a small portion of our playbook and tried to execute that," wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said of Haleyball. "I feel like we did a pretty good job, but as the preseason goes along we'll get better and show more of the playbook. I really like it."

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Steelers Vs. Eagles: Steelers Winners And Losers From First Preseason Matchup

Steelers vs. Eagles: Ben Roethlisberger Praises Chris Rainey

Steelers rookie wide receiver Chris Rainey made perhaps the most exciting play of Pittsburgh's 24-23 preseason loss at the Eagles on Thursday night when he took a third-quarter pass from quarterback Jerrod Johnson 57 yards for a touchdown. He finished the night as the Steelers' leading receiver, with two catches for 65 yards and that score.

After the game, starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was impressed by the young wideout's efforts and skills, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"He is explosive," Roethlisberger said of the rookie. "He brings a lot to the table, and you never know what you are going to get. You just give him the ball and you sit there and watch because he is explosive and fun."

Rainey was a dual threat at Florida last season, racking up 861 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while catching 31 passes for 381 yards and two scores. Pittsburgh uses a fifth round pick to select the 5-foot-9, 180-pound Lakeland, Fla. native in April's NFL Draft.

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David Johnson Injury: Steelers Tight End Suffers 'Severe' Knee Injury

Steelers tight end David Johnson left in the first quarter of the first preseason game against the Eagles on Thursday night, and according to head coach Mike Tomlin, he could be out for a considerable amount of time. Johnson suffered a knee injury that Tomlin would characterize as "severe" after the game. Via Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Tomlin: DJ severe knee injury. Adams less significant. Dwyer AC sprain.

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) August 10, 2012

While the Mike Adams and Jonathan Dwyer injuries create less cause for concern, it does appear that Johnson could be lost for a significant portion, it not all, of the upcoming 2012 season.

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Steelers vs. Eagles: Pittsburgh Won't Miss Mendenhall

I hate to kick a guy while he's down, but it's difficult to imagine that Rashard Mendenhall, who suffered a brutal knee injury toward the end of last season, will be a Steeler next year. Pittsburgh's NFL preseason debut against the Philadelphia Eagles was basically a showcase for the quality depth the team has (wisely) built up behind the former first-round running back.

Isaac Redman was heavily involved in the offensive attack, with seven touches during Pittsburgh's first drive. Jonathan Dwyer, who finally seems healthy for the first time in his career, flashed an excellent combination of size and speed, particularly on a 33-yard rumble. Rookie fifth-rounder Chris Rainey has speed to spare and could earn a roster spot as a return specialist and sometime third down back; the 180-pounder was explosive and shifty on a 57-yard catch-and-run score. And we still haven't seen the best of Baron Batch, last year's preseason darling.

I expect Redman, who is solid in every phase of the game, to be a bit of a workhorse for Pittsburgh this year, with Dwyer taking about a third of the carries. As for Mendenhall, I hope his recovery goes well, but it's tough to count on anything from him this year, which may sadly be his last in a Steelers uniform.

Steelers vs. Eagles: Roethlisberger and Receivers Settling Into Haley's New Offense

Without wide reciever Mike Wallace, the Pittsburgh Steelers spent most of their opening drive of the NFL preseason in 22 personnel, with two receivers and two men in the backfield. New offensive coordinator Todd Haley had quarterback Ben Roethlisberger nickeling and diming his way through the Philadelphia Eagles defense, opting for lots of high-percentage looks and quick reads, particularly to targets emerging from the backfield.

Roethlisberger was excellent, connecting on all but one of his eight pass attempts on the evening. While we're used to seeing Roethlisberger shrug off would-be tacklers, run for his life to the flats, and chuck the ball 40 yards downfield to an open receiver—either that or, you know, get sacked—it might be prudent for him to evolve into a more cerebral, deliberate pocket passer. Roethlisberger is now in his 30s, so who knows—perhaps doing his best Kurt Warner impression and getting rid of the ball could extend his career by a couple years.

Haley's attack is also a good fit for wide receivers Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. Both guys shifty, immaculate route-runners with great hands, so Haley's West Coast scheme suits them perfectly. Brown is more of a known quantity, particularly after signing a new deal, but I'm weirdly more excited about what Sanders could do. His finest moment of the evening came when he smoked Philly cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha on a double slant route for a red zone score. Sanders, a former third-round pick, has always had the talent, but lingering foot injuries have kept him on the sidelines. Hopefully this is the year he can stay healthy.

Steelers vs. Eagles: Pittsburgh Offensive Line Still A Work In Progress

Despite a draft day haul that included Stanford guard David DeCastro and Ohio State tackle Mike Adams, both of whom started against in preseason action against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line is still a work in progress.

DeCastro was solid enough at right guard, particularly in the running game, but Adams was exposed repeatedly, albeit by an Eagles defensive line rotation that may be the league's best. (All due respect to the New York Giants.) The rookie tackle allowed two sacks in limited action and seemed ill-suited to protect against pro-level speed and power on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's blindside.

Hopefully, Adams improves, because it's hard to determine who would replace him in the starting line if Pittsburgh is committed to keeping second-year man Marcus Gilbert at right tackle. Adams really needs to improve his strength—he was pedestrian at best in the bench press at the NFL Combine—and while NFL conditioning can go a long way, the Steelers need Adams to be ready now.

Adams also tweaked his knee and had to leave the game, so Thursday really wasn't his night.

Steelers Vs. Eagles Score Update: Chris Rainey Takes It To The House

The Philadelphia Eagles finally broke through against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter of Thursday's preseason game. The Eagles hit on two big plays against the Steelers' back-up secondary, with rookie quarterback Nick Foles doing the damage. On the first big play, Foles scrambled a bit and bought some time to then hit Damaris Johnson wide open in the middle of the field for a 70-yard touchdown. Johnson had plenty of distance from the nearest defender, enabling him to wait for the pass and then scamper the final 20 yards across the goal line.

Less than two minutes later, Foles connected with the speedy Mardy Gilyard for a 44-yard touchdown to give the Eagles a 14-13 lead. The rookie QB perfectly placed a lob pass down the left sideline and Gilyard held on to bring it down over fairly good coverage. It was still not the best stretch for second-string secondary.

But the Steelers have a quick-strike threat of their own and the speedy Chris Rainey broke off a dump pass from Jerrod Johnson to take it to the house. Rainey is probably the fastest player on the field in Philadelphia, and he's always a home-run threat. And the former Gator put that speed on display Thursday:

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Jonathan Dwyer Injury Update: Steelers Running Back Leaves Bills Game With Shoulder Injury

Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Jonathan Dwyer left the first half of Thursday's preseason game in Philadelphia with a shoulder injury. After just two carries, he was ruled out for the rest of the evening. Dwyer looked good in limited time before the injury, busting off one 33-yard run for one of the bigger plays of the first preseason game.

Dwyer, a third-year back out of Georgia Tech, had only 16 carries last season but he has the potential to be a valuable back-up in the right system behind the right line. After Dwyer left the game, former Florida burner Chris Rainey came on to take his carries. At one point, Rainey had his knee rolled up on and looked to be shaken up himself.

Dwyer and rookie offensive tackle Mike Adams are the only two players ruled out for the rest of the game due to injury.

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Steelers Vs. Eagles Score Update: Pittsburgh Leads 13-0 After Injury-Filled 1st Half

The Pittsburgh Steelers closed out an impressive but injury-filled first half against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night with a 13-0 lead. As expected, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger saw limited action but looked sharp, completing seven of eight attempts for 49 yards. On the ground, running back Jonathan Dwyer broke off a 33-yard run but he left the game with a shoulder injury and was declared done for the night. Byron Leftwich, who took a huge hit to the head, hooked up with Emmanuel Sanders for the only touchdown of the half.

In addition to Dwyer, rookie tackle Mike Adams left the game with a knee injury. David DeCastro, the other rookie offensive lineman, look good pulling and moving along the offensive front.

Steve McClendon was productive upfront on the defensive side of the ball, registering three tackles and causing damage on the interior. McClendon notched one sack and two tackles for loss, matching his sack total for all of last season.

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Steelers Injuries: David Johnson, Mike Adams Hurt In 1st Quarter Vs. Eagles

Fullback / tight end David Johnson has been a star in training camp for the Steelers, but he didn't even last a full quarter of the team's first preseason game before falling prey to injury.

Tight end/fullback David Johnson, who was the star of the team’s intra-squad scrimmage, was helped off the field after tackle Marcus Gilbert fell backward and landed on Jonson’s lower leg. He exited the playing area via a cart.

Meanwhile, rookie offensive lineman Mike Adams, who struggled badly in his first quarter as a pro, had a knee injury and left the game as well, after the first quarter. If Adams' game is over, he certainly didn't make much of a first impression.

NFL games aren't easy, obviously. It's lucky that reserve quarterback Byron Leftwich wasn't injured as well, after a vicious hit by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.

Steelers Vs. Eagles Score Update: Mike Adams Struggles Through 1st Quarter, But Steelers Lead 3-0

The Steelers began their first preseason game, against the Eagles Thursday night, with a long drive. The Eagles put plenty of pressure on Ben Roethlisberger, and the Steelers' new-look offensive line struggled at time, with rookie Mike Adams and then Ramon Foster getting beaten for sacks. But just as often, Roethlisberger managed to evade the defense's pressure, as he so frequently does, and with star wide receiver Mike Wallace holding out, Roethlisberger turned to a variety of targets -- Isaac Redman, then fullback David Johnson, then Antonio Brown, then Chris Rainey, then Emmanuel Sanders.

The drive briefly seemed to stall out when Roethlisberger passed to Rainey on third down near midfield and the Eagles stopped him in front of the first-down marker, but the Steelers went for it on 4th-and-1 and got a three-yard run from Ike Redman to extend the drive. The Steelers managed to go a bit farther downfield before finally settling for a 46-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham.

The Eagles didn't get the ball for the first time until there were only about five minutes left in the quarter, but rookie cornerback Brandon Boykin got Philadelphia going with a 46-yard kickoff return to the Eagles' 38-yard line. The Steelers stopped the Eagles quickly, however, thanks to a big sack by Steve McLendon.

The Steelers began their next drive near the end of the quarter, with the highlights -- or lowlights -- coming when Phillip Hunt badly owned Adams, forcing a fumble by Byron Leftwich (which Adams recovered). A few plays later, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie launched himself at Leftwich's head, earning a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty (and possibly a fine; we'll see). At the end of the quarter, the Steelers have the ball at the Eagles' 47-yard line, and they hold a 3-0 lead.

For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.

Steelers Vs. Eagles: Baron Batch, Troy Polamalu, Cortez Allen Among Players To Watch

Steelers vs. Eagles: Game Time, TV Schedule, Injury Updates And More

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles as the two Pennsylvania teams clash to open their preseason of the 2012 NFL season.

Steelers Training Camp: David DeCastro And Mike Adams Will Start Game Against Philadelphia

Pittsburgh Steelers fans will get an early chance to see how their revamped offensive line will perform on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. At head coach Mike Tomlin's press conference on Tuesday, he announced that first-round draft pick David DeCastro and second-rounder Mike Adams will start on the offensive line.

Tomlin also said that guard Willie Colon will not play in Thursday's game as he is still recovering from an ankle injury. Ramon Foster will start for the Steelers in Colon's place.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to start on Thursday, but he is still dealing with an injured rotator cuff that has held him out of practice recently. While Tomlin did say that starters should be expected to play two series at the most, he has not yet confirmed or denied Roethlisberger playing in Thursday's game.

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Steelers Vs. Eagles: What To Watch For In 1st Preseason Game

What to watch for in the Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason opener: position battles, a new offensive scheme, and the debut of some young talent.