Rod Marinelli is going the "tough love" route with Bruce Carter.
The weakside linebacker struggled in his adjustment from Rob Ryan's 3-4 to Monte Kiffin's Tampa-2 scheme last season, even getting benched in October for poor play. Carter acknowledged his confidence took a hit, something Marinelli -- promoted to defensive coordinator this offseason -- doesn't want to hear about.
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"I don't do confidence stuff," Marinelli said, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com. "Get down and play. Get down and play. Here's your assignment key. We want you to play fast and we want you to take the ball away."
Marinelli is referring to Carter's takeaway-free 2013.
"Go play," Marinelli said. "It's a man's game, man. Play it the right way. That's what I want. We're going to coach it. We'll coach you hard. Be where you're supposed to be. This is what we expect. And then go."
Carter can thank the Steelers for a second chance in Dallas. The Cowboys were set to select Ryan Shazier with the 16th overall pick before Pittsburgh nabbed the Ohio State star one pick before.
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