While many might perceive it as a negative that the Pittsburgh Steelers were forced to practice in the rain Thursday at Heinz Field, head coach Mike Tomlin saw it as a positive.
“Great work for us, to come into this stadium, particularly in less-than-ideal weather conditions,” said Tomlin, following the Steelers final OTA practice of the 2013 season. Often times, in the Fall and Winter when we work in our stadium, it is in less than ideal weather conditions. So a  good simulation day for us.”
The Steelers have played their fair share of home games over the years in the cold and rain and it\’s no secret that the wind can also play havoc in addition thanks in part to the open end in the south end zone. While the elements on Thursday were not awful, it can be considered a good learning experience nonetheless for the younger players on the roster.
With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger currently sidelined following surgery Wednesday on his right knee, Tomlin said that it afforded the other quarterbacks on the roster an opportunity to take advantage of extra snaps in practice, which they did. Tomlin also noted that team had an opportunity to work on red zone drills on Thursday and noted the high energy that the players showed in practice.
With Roethlisberger currently resting at home, Tomlin was asked if it felt like there was a gap today being as they were missing their starting quarterback and the Steelers head coach answered that question like only he can.
“Again, it\’s June, so we\’re not overly concerned with that to be honest with you, said Tomlin. “We\’re undefeated like everybody else in the NFL.”
The Steelers will resume offseason practices next week when their three-day mandatory mini camp opens June 13th.
