PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Veteran offensive lineman BJ Finney says he came back to help the Steelers offense run the ball.
"That's the talk not just in our room, but across the building and across the NFL," Finney said of the Steelers run game. "Everybody is like 'what is the Steelers run game going to look like'."
"We know that we have to come out with an edge. We have to be nasty about it. We have to re-assert that run game and get back to what Pittsburgh is known for."
Steelers were dead last in rushing last year, but Finney was traveling the country. Started in Pittsburgh, moved back home to Kansas. Signed with the Seahawks, admittedly came in fat and out of shape, with all of the gyms closed, and got beat out for work. Ended up traded to the Bengals, didn't play there and then released in March.
Finney said the Steelers were the first to call. While there were other teams interested, Finney said they had conditions about their cap, but the Steelers offered a straight contract.
"Last year wasn't ideal, but we are happy to be here," Finney said. "Some familiarity and people that we know and love. Ready to get back to business."
Much has changed in the year away for the 29-year-old. Retired are center Maurkice Pouncey and guard Ramon Foster. Alejandro Villanueva signed with Baltimore and Matt Feiler moved from tackle to guard and then moved to Los Angeles.
"There were 7 of us together for 5 years," Finney said. "That was unheard of, extremely rare. We didn't really have to say anything; we were always on the same page. Having these new, young guys coming in. There is a younger energy. I won't say they are hungrier, but they are starting to find their traction in the NFL. They are starting to figure out what it's like."
Finney started 13 games in his Steelers career, playing in 59. He says he expects to work as guard, but has played center for Ben Roethlisberger before. The undrafted 6'4", 318-pound lineman isn't content to be a back-up.
"With David DeCastro really being the only returning starter," Finney said. "Everything is open. Everybody is competing for a spot. It doesn't matter where it is at on the board."
"It's up for grabs. I'm coming in with a vet presence and the experience I have. I'm going to do my best to be a starter from day one."
