Baron Batch challenges the Steeler linebackers

The Steelers finally got down to hitting each other this weekend and Twitter lit up Sunday afternoon with camp attendees commenting about how rookie running back Baron Batch had taken on the Steeler linebackers in the "backs vs backers" drill and more than held his own (see link below courtesy of Steelers.com).  Batch, who at 5'10" and 203lbs, is one of the smallest players on the team, had the opportunity to pass block against Jason Worilds and James Harrison.  Both Worilds and Harrison came rushing in a violent fashion, but in multiple instances, Batch blocked them sufficiently so that the QB was not touched.  Although Mike Tomlin stated his approval during the drill, he refrained from giving any praise to Batch when reporters questioned him after practice (this is a common practice of Tomlin's in dealing with rookies).  The Steelers have today off so look for more hitting tomorrow.

In free agent news, the Steelers re-signed Mewelde Moore and William Gay. Again, the Steelers are still over the salary cap so they can't be aggressive with signing new players.  It is expected that they will restructure some veteran deals to get under the cap and possibly free up some extra funds to add more outside free agents to the roster.  Those restructurings probably won't be signed until after this Thursday since players can't practice until Friday if they restructure their deal this week (CBA rules). 

http://ow.ly/5RWQl   Batch Blocking video

http://twitter.com/#!/baron_batch  follow Baron Batch on Twitter

picture courtesy Chaz Palla, Pittsburgh Tribune Review