PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – “Hell ya. Yes, yes, most definitely, yes.”
It was the response from Steelers defensive lineman Montravius Adams when asked if he believes they can climb out of a 2-6 start.
The last time they were on a football field, they were handled by the Eagles. They have shown little consistently, little evidence they can make a run. Where does Adams belief come from?
“I think it comes from before us, what the legends and the Hall of Famers built before us,” Adams said. “Something that Coach T tries to instill in everybody and that’s why he uses the next man up mentality because at any time we have to be ready. This is a time where everyone has to be ready.”
It also comes from some players getting healthier, most notably NFL Defensive Player of the Year TJ Watt (who says they have plenty of games left to make a run). Also, safety Damontae Kazee, who has missed all season but expected to be ready Sunday. He also told 93.7 The Fan they had a great day of practice on Monday and believes the team is ready to take care of business.
The 27-year-old says the great practice week started Monday in a morning meeting. He said Tomlin told the team to just focus on themselves. That everyone on the outside has something to say, but as long as they can focus on themselves, they can come together. Fix what they need to fix. Then make sure to keep excelling at the things they are excelling at. If all of that happens, they will be good.
He’s had this week circled, not because of where they are in the standings or that it comes after a break, rather he’s facing his old team. It’s not that he has bad feelings against the Saints, but he’s been there, seen them and willing to share it.
“I can help with certain things,” Adams said. “Now that we are practicing, I’ve seen them on offense and stuff is starting to click. I can help other teammates, that’s a leadership role for me to step in right there.”
Adams had some good relationships with New Orleans. While the Saints ultimately released him, which to signing with the Steelers. They also took a chance on him (playing five games) after he left the Patriots injured. The Georgia native says there is one major similarity between the teams. They both have a great defensive leader named Cam.
Cam Jordan has five sacks this year and was in the same draft class as the Steelers Cam Heyward. Adams said it’s crazy, but not only do they have the same name and are the same age, they are also both great people and leaders.
He puts all of that aside on Sunday, saying he’ll be ready when they step between the lines. Ready, he says, for a big-time second half comeback.