Published: Monday, December 4, 2006
Hubbard's Smith gets lot more playing time
The Syracuse grad might even get a start Thursday against the Browns.
By TOM WILLIAMS
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers' injury-depleted secondary took another hit Sunday when free safety Ryan Clark suffered a groin injury in the second half of a 20-3 victory over Tampa Bay.
Replacing Clark in the Steelers' regular defense was rookie Anthony Smith, the Hubbard High graduate who played at Syracuse and was the Steelers' third-round selection in April's draft.
Strong safety Troy Polamalu missed Sunday's game with a knee injury and was replaced in the starting lineup by Tyrone Carter.
Buccaneers rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski passed for 175 yards, but was intercepted three times.
"When the defense is forcing turnovers, it gives you a big boost to know that if you do make a mistake your defense is going to pick you up," said Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who was picked off by linebacker Derrick Brooks in the first quarter.
Lauded by Cowher
"Anthony and Ty did a very good job," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said.
The status of Polamalu and Clark for Thursday's game against the Browns hasn't been determined, so it's possible Smith will get his first start.
"It felt so good to get out there with a chance to contribute, not just on special teams but in the regular defense," said Smith who was part of the dime package and saw his first regular action. "I wish we could have shut them out but ...
"The more you are out there, the more plays that you get, the more confident that you become," Smith said. "I felt pretty confident today.
"It's going to be a short week so we've got to take care of our bodies and get ready," said Smith, who expects Clark to play Thursday. "He's a warrior — I would guess that he will be back."
Cowher will address the secondary's status at this morning's press conference.
Two big hits
Smith made two big hits in the third quarter. First, he smacked into punt returner Ike Hilliard a moment after he caught Chris Gardocki's punt at the Tampa Bay 24.
Then he teamed with linebacker James Farrior to tackle wide receiver Michael Clayton at the Pittsburgh 3 on an 11-yard pass reception.
Two plays later, cornerback Bryant McFadden made an interception on a fade pass intended for Maurice Stovall to keep the Bucs scoreless.
"He has great ability," said Carter of Smith. "He's going to be a good safety."
Carter said he worked with Smith on positioning. "I made sure I talked with him a lot, because that comes with the territory," Carter said. "He hasn't seen full speed like that so we had to make sure we were on the right page so he wasn't in the wrong place to get beat deep."
Linebacker Larry Foote praised Carter for filling in well.
"A couple of times, I thought that was Troy," Foote said after Carter made six tackles, third most for the Steelers.
The Steelers also are hurting at wide receiver. Hines Ward did not play after having knee surgery last week and he's not expected to play against the Browns. Cedric Wilson made two first-quarter catches for 26 yards against the Bucs, then left the game with a high ankle sprain.
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