Essex keeping a hold on starting job and playing the role of an assistant coach

By Dale Grdnic

PITTSBURGH -- Trai Essex has been the Steelers' utility offensive lineman since he was drafted from Northwestern six years ago, but unless there there's an injury to the club's top unit that moniker won't be necessary.

Essex, who started every game for the Steelers at right guard last season, appears to have secured that spot again this year. That might come as a surprise to some, because Steelers coach Mike Tomlin believed No. 1 pick Maurkice Pouncey would battle Essex for playing time at right guard and eventually win the job.

Instead, Pouncey has been competing with veteran Justin Hartwig at the center spot, while Essex has been a fixture at right guard.

"That was my goal, to come in here and start again,'' Essex said. "I wanted to come in here and compete, no matter who it was against, Pouncey, Ramon (Foster), Doug (Legursky), Kraig (Urbik) or whoever. But I had a goal, that I wasn't going to lose this job.

"And it's good to know that the coaches had faith in me as well. But it's great to play the same position two years in a row, because as you guys know I've been flipping around ever since I've got here. I think that alone has really helped me out with my confidence, and now I'm just ready to play ball.''

Actually, Essex has another role with the Steelers offensive line. He's been like an assistant coach, helping....