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Kevin Colbert: Success Depends On Young Players

PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert joined Bob Pompeani Saturday at Steelers Training Camp. With only four starters over 30, a lot of young players will see large roles.

"We're young, and that's not an excuse, that's the reality of it. The success of this team will be determined by how quickly those guys come through," Colbert said. "There's no other way around it. You can't ask someone to slow down for you while these guys catch up. They gotta catch up, like coach says, on a moving train, and we'll see how it goes."

Former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter joined the coaching staff as a defensive assistant in the off-season, and Colbert said that he brings a lot to the table.

"We knew Joey would bring a certain level of enthusiasm, and he certainly, he has done that. That's a great thing to see, because I think we were lacking that quite honestly in the last couple of years," Colbert said. "He's really developing into a good technical coach as well as an emotional leader."

Pompeani asked about the off-season addition of running back LeGarrette Blount, who joins second year back Le'Veon Bell. Colbert said the pair are starting to form a good bond, and know what they can do for each other.

"It's nice to have another big, experienced back, who's not on the downside of his career, quite honestly," Colbert said. "We think there's a lot of yards with him, and then if you throw the young speedster in, Dri Archer, that's a pretty good group."

Pompeani mentioned the 6-2 finish to the 2013 season, and wondered if that can carry over to this season.

"It's a cumulative effect of the whole season. Did we like how we finished? Yes. But it still doesn't erase that we were 8-8," Colbert said.

Pompeani asked about pressure after two straight 8-8 seasons, to which Colbert said that internal pressure is always greater than outside pressure.

"It will always exceed the external pressure in our situation. The Rooney family is a very patient group and they run a very stable organization, but they want results. And when you don't have the opportunity to compete for a championship by making the playoffs, that's a disappointment. But ultimately, if we don't win a Super Bowl, it's always a disappointment, and that won't change," Colbert said.

Kevin Colbert: Success Depends On Young Players

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