WEDNESDAY MORNING PRACTICE JULY 30th
by Dale GrdnicThe Pittsburgh Steelers' punting game just went old school, but no they didn't re-sign ageless wonder Chris Gardocki to a free-agent contract.
To replace Daniel Sepulveda, the Steelers claimed Paul Ernster off waivers from the Detroit Lions. According to Ernster, who arrived at Saint Vincent College late Tuesday night, he likes to punt directionally and favours a lost art called the coffin-corner kick out of bounds.
Ernster worked on it during his first training camp practice Wednesday morning.
"When things are going well and my timing is good with the snapper, I'm usually better at kicking directionally, putting the guys on the outside of the numbers to take as much of the field away as possible. That's the best thing for me. And inside the 20, I like to go to the corners, too. I really like it''
Ernster attended Northern Arizona University and was a kicker until punting as well during his senior year. That season, he led NCAA Division I-AA and the nation with 47.8 yards per punt. As a kicker, he made 39 of 65 field goal attempts, and 96 out of 100 extra points.
Ernster was drafted in the seventh round in 2005 by the Denver Broncos and spent two seasons there. Ernster punted 80 times for the Broncos in 2006. He averaged 41.7 yards per punt and also was Denver's kickoff specialist with 19 of his 75 kickoffs sailing into the end zone for touchbacks.
He opened last season with the Cleveland Browns, getting signed the day before the opener against the Steelers (a 34-7 blowout win) because Browns starter Dave Zastudil was injured. Troy Polamalu beat the coverage and blocked Ernster's first punt attempt, and there were four penalties on the play.
"That wasn't the best game of my life,'' Ernster said. "What I remember the most is Troy coming off that edge. (But) I also got a little taste of what I'll probably face this afternoon with the fans. There were more people with yellow shirts on for that game than there were the home team's colours.
"I've heard a lot about their fans, and I'm looking forward to punting for them. It's going to be an exciting experience. This team is in a good position to win a lot of games this year, and I'm looking forward to being part of it. So, I just want to fit in the best that I can and do my best for the Steelers.''
Ernster was cut by the Browns after that Steelers game and eventually was reclaimed by Denver. The Lions picked him up this year, and now he's in Pittsburgh.
"You get a call, and you leave,'' Ernster said. "It's a crazy life, but I'm really happy to get here and I'm thankful to the Steelers for giving me an opportunity.Coming in during camp, that makes it better, because this is the time to get to know the guys. But, generally, I don't look too far ahead. I'm just worrying about getting some lunch and then getting ready for the afternoon practice.''
Ernster has worked hard on perfecting his holding skills the past two seasons, and he was strong on kickoffs for Denver in 2006.
"I look forward to competing with Jeff on kickoffs this year and holding for him on placements,'' Ernster said.
During the Wednesday morning practice, Willie Parker got a few carries on sweeps, but No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall and second-year player Gary Russell got the bulk of the carries. I don't believe it's anything against Parker, who appears to show no ill effects from his broken leg last year.
However, the other guys, Mewelde Moore included, are going to get additional reps at camp. That's been the case when the play called for a run up the middle. Mendenhall is built especially compact and can be a bruising runner. Russell is a tough runner inside as well.
Quarterback Dennis Dixon (fifth round) was picked off by linebacker Mike Humpal (sixth) in a battle of draft picks. It's the second interception thrown by Dixon during this camp.
On the injury front, inside linebacker James Farrior did not finish the morning session due to a right leg injury. He had it taped and iced for the final periods.
Casey Hampton was not on the field in the morning, but supposedly is working on his conditioning away from his teammates.WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON PRACTICE >>>
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