Tuesday Notes: This week in practice will likely dictate Smith's availability for SB XLV

Tuesday Notes

-- The Pittsburgh Steelers had an off-day on Tuesday going through normal film studies and meetings. The team will practice this week Wednesday-Friday before having the weekend off and traveling to Dallas.

-- There's not a whole lot I would expect the Steelers key on in film studies from their thrilling 37-36 victory against Green Bay Packers last season (with it being a new season, different personnel, ect) but there's one thing from last year's Packers team that they continue to struggle at and that's being receptive to big plays in the middle of the field.

Roethlisberger who threw for a career high 503 yards, torched the Packers with passes in the middle of the field in their meeting on December 20, 2009 and the Packers still have problems covering tight ends despite having three pro bowlers in their secondary.

Heath Miller had 7 receptions for 118 yards in last year's meeting and Hines Ward had a huge day, racking up 126 receiving yards on 7 receptions. Ward has taken a big step back from last season as he struggles getting off the line of scrimmage but he could still be a factor due to the Packers being vulnerable in that area.

One key player could be Emmanuel Sanders whose becoming extremely good with his route running on finding the soft spots in the zone.

Roethlisberger felt he could exploit the Packers in the middle of the field and I'd look for the Steelers to attack that area early on Feb 6.