Dick LeBeau is High on William Gay

If the Steelers are panicking over the loss of Bryant McFadden, they fail to show it.

Scott Brown of the Tribune-Review got Dick LeBeau on the record about William Gay, and this is what the Steelers defensive coordinator had to say: "I think we've got a good, quality player there who should continue to grow."

Gay played in all sixteen games last year, starting in four of them when McFadden and Desha Townsend were injured. He logged 41 tackles and netted the interception that sealed the Steelers second regular season victory over the Ravens.

The Steelers actions reflect LeBeau's confidence. They will work out a free agent cornerback tomorrow, Tennessee's Chris Carr. But Carr was not a starter in Tennessee, nor is he projected to push for a starting role here.

It would appear that their interest in Carr is as much motivated by Carr's kick return skills as his ability as a cornerback. Carr finished 3rd in the AFC on kick returns and eight in punt returns.

This is logically, as Bob Ligashesky's coverage units improved dramatically in 2008, but the Steelers got little if any spark from their return game, Santonio Holmes' punt return for a touchdown against San Diego in the playoffs not withstanding.