Sunday Practice Report: Tomlin pleased with the work from his RB's

Photo: David Hague -- Inside Pittsburgh Sports

LATROBE, Pa. -- While the players, media and fans in attendance awaited the usually exciting goal-line drill to cap Family Day, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin pulled a fast one and installed four third-and-short plays from midfield.

The "live'' drill featured four straight third-and-one plays that the offense successfully converted each time.

"You never want the offense to get the upper hand like they did during this practice,'' Steelers inside linebacker James Farrior said. "They had a good period with third-and-ones. Then they won the goal-line on a questionable call.

"So, we'll have to look at the tape on that, but we never want to let those guys get in no matter what. We feel like they can do that on other teams, but not us. So, we need to look at the tape and make adjustments where we need them.''

Isaac Redman, who appeared to be destined for the Steelers' short-yardage role last year, proved he still deserves a roster spot and shot at it this year with two power runs for first downs.

On the third attempt, with Redman as the up back, quarterback Dennis Dixon rolled right. Mewelde Moore broke to the right as well and caught a swing pass for the first down. On fourth down, rookie Jonathan Dwyer surged through the line for a first down, but immediately was smacked down.

Newly acquired safety Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, who replaced Tuff Harris (injured reserve), came up quickly to nail Dwyer. It was Dwyer's second time on the field (Friday as well) since the opening practice.

"I really didn't see the play, but I heard it,'' Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote said.