Offseason practices are more about teaching than evaluating, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is quick to point out.
But coaches aren't the only ones providing guidance to the younger players — particularly rookies who feel as overwhelmed as a station wagon in the Indianapolis 500.
What is unsaid but expected out of the veterans is this: Help the players who came after you — even if you are preparing them to one day take your job.
"It's something our guys embrace," Tomlin said.
Such an embrace explains starting center Justin Hartwig talking intently to rookie A.Q. Shipley as the two walked off the field during a recent practice. It explains Willie Parker welcoming the competition Rashard Mendenhall will provide at running back even if the Steelers' 2008 first-round pick usurps some of Parker's carries.
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