Asked and Answered: Feb. 7

ERIC OLSON FROM DOWNINGTOWN, PA: There is always a lot of chatter about who calls the plays on offense, or how much control does the quarterback have, etc. What is the model on defense for the Steelers? How is that usually coordinated?
ANSWER: Teryl Austin is the defensive coordinator, and as such has a direct line of communication to the player on the field who’s wearing the green dot on his helmet, which in 2022 usually was Myles Jack or Robert Spillane. And as with everything involving in-game procedure, Coach Mike Tomlin has input/veto power, which is also the way things operated during Bill Cowher’s tenure as coach.

JOHN KUN FROM FREDERICK, MD: In the coverage of Tom Brady’s (re)retirement, it said that he was voted All-Pro three times. I would have thought that it would have been more than three All-Pro selections in his 23 seasons, which supports your assertion that All-Pro is so much more meaningful than the Pro Bowl. Which Steelers player has the most All-Pro designations?
ANSWER: There have been many organizations that have selected All-Pro teams, but the one most recognized by the NFL is the All-Pro team selected by the Associated Press. When it comes to Associated Press first-team All-Pro recognition, it’s a four-way tie among Steelers players. Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Dermontti Dawson, and Alan Faneca each were selected to the Associated Press first-team All-Pro team six times.

COREY HOLLAND FROM WAYNESVILLE, NC: When a player gets injured, how does it work legally? Meaning is it a form of workman’s comp, does the team/club foot the bill, or are the players expected to pay?
ANSWER: In the NFL, injured players receive the salary stipulated in their contracts, whether they are able to play in regular season games or not. Also, teams are not permitted to cut injured players without coming to a financial settlement with that player or his representative. NFL players also have a comprehensive health care plan that covers treatment and rehabilitation, as well…