Steelers Running Backs: For Whom Will The Bell Toll?

“There’s the devaluing of the running back position,” Jerome Bettis told USA TODAY Sports before the 2013 NFL Draft. “You see a devaluing of the running backs and the higher valuation of the offensive line. It’s difficult for me because I don’t want to see the art of being a running back disappear.”

The NFL’s sixth-highest career rusher, Steelers legend and future Hall of Famer obviously has strong feelings about the current state of his position. He would seem to have a point as offensive linemen dominated the top of the draft. In all, five offensive linemen were selected in the top ten (as shown in the graph below), with the "skill" positions falling lower than expected.

Aside: I abhor the term "skill" player/position. It's grossly inaccurate. Try telling the athletic 6'6", 305-pound Lane Johnson, who went fourth overall, ran a 4.72/40, ran the three-cone drill in 7.31 secs and broad jumped 118.0 inches that he isn't skilled. But, I digress...

It is true that more and more teams are getting away from the romanticized notion of the feature running back and moving more toward having an aggregate output from the position. Then pair that with a position that is famous for a short half-life, and it becomes clearer why Bettis' words have the ring of truth to them.

The Steelers, though, are looking very much to once again make the running game an integral part of their offense. They proved this by going out and drafting Le'Veon Bell in the second round of this past April's draft, one of the highest picks they've used on a running back in many years.

As If It Ain't Steel has pointed out in past writings, it's partly because of coordinator Todd Haley's offensive direction. His offense is predicated on two main concepts. Firstly, he wants his unit to go on sustained drives that kill the clock and, in doing so, keeps the defense and the opposing offense off of the field. When done successfully, thus inhibits the opponent's ability to score points of their own. Secondly, he wants the running game to set up the passing game.

The Steelers' version of "running back by committee" used in 2012 simply didn't work. They realize that they need a workhorse to tow the load, but also with a backup who can come in and take carries with little-to-no drop off. Will Bell be that man week one? The Sporting News thinks that he will as they have him as a front runner for offensive Rookie of the Year. - http://tinyurl.com/p2ofalf

Steelers players have chimed in on Bell and his promise as well.

"I think its he's going to be exceptional," said Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey. "He came in, he was 250 in college, he came into rookie mini camp at 234 and they say with him running around the edge being an outside zone player that he can be with the power that he brings, I think its really going to help us out."

If that is to be the case, however, Bell must absolutely do one thing particularly well.

“Around here, if you don't block, you don't play,” Jonathan Dwyer said.

Steelers running back coach Kirby Wilson, who has been coaching runners in the NFL for 16 years, backs that statement and then takes it a step further.

“That's anybody. That's any running back,” Wilson said. “You have to be able to protect the quarterback or you won't play. That's not just in Pittsburgh. That's in every NFL city.” - http://tinyurl.com/ponrc2v

Bell is no exception, but he says he's up to the task. The problem lies in his having two others with him in the backfield who've already proven themselves in that capacity.

According to Pro Football Focus, Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman pass blocked better than nearly any other running back in the NFL. In 2012, they were Nos. 1 and 2 in the NFL in pass blocking efficiency, "a rating that measures pressures allowed on a per-snap basis." They also finished tied for third in halfback blocking.

It is well known that the Steelers tried to clear room in their crowded backfield by shopping Dwyer. A revelation he used to motivate him. As SteelBlitz.com highlighted, Dwyer is excited for Training Camp "to prove everyone wrong." - http://tinyurl.com/q3x9m5f

This is a make or break year in Pittsburgh for Dwyer. He has to compete not only with Redman and Bell, but also with attrition.

Last season, the Steelers kept six running backs on the final 53-man roster when you include fullback Will Johnson. That won't happen this year. Which means that at least one less running back position will be available.

The WVU product, Johnson was noted in OTAs and mandatory minicamp as showing maturation, increased ability to sustain his blocks and leadership. Add to that his pass-catching ability, Johnson was in the pass pattern 134 times last season and caught 15 balls for 137 yards in 22 targets, and you have a very viable 2013 roster candidate. - http://tinyurl.com/q8o44wu

Though he won't compete for a starting position, LaRod Stephens-Howling can run between the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield and protect the passer - all of the things mentioned thus far. He also has the ability to return kickoffs, though I'm hoping that task is a Dunn deal elsewhere. He does, though, think he sees "a lot of third down opportunities that Todd Haley’s always had other places."

Last and maybe least is Baron Batch, likely the last running back on the depth chart, and the one likely to be on the outside looking in when Training Camp starts.

However this plays out once July 26 arrives, the Steelers will once again look to show the value they place on running backs and their running game.

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TIDBITS: Speaking of Pouncey...he apologized for his "Free Hernandez" hat - http://t.co/LqjjlibxzA

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The Steelers' Training Camp schedule, including practices open to the public and preseason games, per the Trib and the Steelers website:

Friday, July 26 — Players report; campus closed

Saturday, July 27 — 3 p.m. (Helmets and shorts)

Sunday, July 28 — 3 p.m. (Helmets and shorts)

Monday, July 29 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, July 30 — Players off

Wednesday, July 31 — 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 1 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug 2 — 7 p.m. at Latrobe's Memorial Stadium

Saturday, Aug. 3 ­— 3 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 4 — 3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 — Players off

Wednesday, Aug. 7 — 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 8 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 9 — Campus closed

Saturday, Aug. 10 — Preseason opener vs. N.Y. Giants, 7:30 p.m. at Heinz Field

Sunday, Aug. 11 — Players off

Monday, Aug. 12 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 — Players off

Wednesday, Aug. 14 — 5:30 p.m. at St. Vincent College

Thursday, Aug. 15 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 16 — 3 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 17 — 3 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18 — Break camp; campus closed

Monday, Aug. 19 — Preseason game at Redskins, 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25 — Preseason game vs. Chiefs, 7:30 p.m. at Heinz Field

Thursday, Aug. 29 — Preseason game at Panthers, 7:30 p.m.

Steelers' Inept Play Ruins Anniversary Ceremony, Playoff Hopes in 13-10 Loss

What's an antonym for "immaculate?" Dirty? Filthy? Foul? Tainted? Unclean? Unsterile? Well, pick one, because they all fit the Pittsburgh Steelers overall performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in a 13-10 loss. Here are the highlights from the game: http://tinyurl.com/d4noqw9

That's it. After that, then the opening kick, it got really ugly.

For Ben Roethlisberger and the offense, it was an utterly pathetic showing. Granted, Big Ben was 'almost dead' five weeks ago...how much did that affect his arm strength? That can't be quantified accurately, but he wasn't the Ben we know for more than a handful of plays.

As Big Ben accurately stated, "We should be (going to the playoffs) if it wasn't for me." - http://tinyurl.com/cqrn7hj

As Dejan Kovacevic, sports columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, tweeted on his official Twitter (@Dejan_Kovacevic) account, and with which we agree: "I love Ben, always have and have always defended him...BUT he should take a lot of the blame...not all, but A LOT." - http://tinyurl.com/cjg5y4a

Was he actually still ailing? Let's hope it's nothing else. Regardless, Big Ben deserves the brunt of the blame for the last two losses. Ben just hasn't been Ben since coming back from his injury and the difference is staggeringly obvious.

BIG BEN pre-injury:

209 - 316 passes
66.1% completion
17 TD passes
4 interceptions
QB Rating of over 100.0 and 121.1 on 3rd down with the team just under 50% on 3rd.
3 game-winning drives.

BIG BEN post-injury:

60 - 110 passes
54.5% completion
6 TD passes
4 interceptions (half of season total)
QB Rating in the 80.0's (58.6 on Sunday) and the team converting only 2 of 14 3rd downs.
3 blown chances at comebacks or game-winning drives.

The offense as a whole wet the bed and wasted a nearly brilliant defensive performance in which Cortez Allen, the Steelers Digest Player of the Week, had two interceptions and a forced fumble, the Steelers first multi-interception game in over a year (their first since Cleveland last December).

It was also a game in which the defense recorded six sacks, their most in one game all season, and where an unusually animated Troy Polamalu had his first sack since September of 2011 in a 24-0 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

But their performance couldn't offset the inept play of the offense. An offense that had actually been the ones carrying the defense in recent weeks. And as has been the case too many times this season, one wasn't enough. - http://tinyurl.com/br2thgt

The offense had far too few bright moments, Sunday and all season, and turned it over far too many times. That's a failure for both the players and the coaching staff.

No, the coaches don't throw interceptions, fumble or drop passes, but they are ultimately responsible for repetitive problems and continued insanity (insanity: doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result).

One dropped pass is a mistake, two fumbles is a pattern, and three interceptions is a habit. Or, in this case, a problem. A problem If It Ain't Steel said was needed to be avoided in our pre-game article. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/12/for-steelers-playoffs-begin-sunday.html

The players, for the little good it meant, recognized it also. "I'm not surprised at all," said running back Isaac Redman. "Turnovers at key moments of games have just crushed us all year long."

(Getty Images)
The final crushing blow was dealt once again by quarterback Big Ben who threw two interceptions in the game, the first being returned for a touchdown. For the second straight game, Big Ben threw a costly interception that led to a loss when Reggie Nelson picked him off with 14 seconds remaining and the score tied.

The Bengals (9-6) then only needed a 21-yard completion to A.J. Green to set up the game-winning field goal. This is the first time since 1981-82 that the Bengals have reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons. - http://tinyurl.com/d6jbnk7

Though he also threw a touchdown pass when he and wide receiver Antonio Brown made it rain on Adam "Pacman" Jones for a 60-yard score, the Steelers (7-8) lost for the fifth time in six games. This will be the first season since 2006 that the Steelers will enter the regular season finale with no chance of making the playoffs.

According to Steelers left tackle Max Starks, though, they'll be ready: "There won't be any quitting going into next week," he said after the game.

Next week will be it for this season, however. Time to start taking a serious look at everything and everyone. Injuries decimated this team from virtually day one, yes. But there were obvious inherent problems that need addressing.

"We have to do a better job as players of playing," said Steelers linebacker James Harrison, "and a better job as coaches of coaching."

One thing they have to absolutely do better is block. Finding a number one running back would help and they had injuries at all positions but one. But the offensive line was never completely consistent in its blocking and got progressively worse as the season went along.

In fact, we warned how bad it could get with defensive tackle Geno Atkins in town. It was expected that Ramon Foster would see him, instead he lines up over rookie David DeCastro most of the day. Atkins feasted on the youngling, having 2.5 sacks for a total of 13 this season.

The problems that need to be addressed will be discussed at length in future articles, as we have a long offseason to address them. All that is left is to salvage the season and avoid being the first losing year since 2003.

It won't take an immaculate performance against fellow cellar dwellers, the Cleveland Browns, just one that isn't the same inept showing seen lately. The standard should be a higher one.

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TIDBITS: In Mike Tomlin's post-game press conference, he announced that Baron Batch broke his arm and that Heath Miller suffered a PCL and MCL injury. Injured reserve for both for a certainty.

Curtis Brown (Achilles), Mike Wallace (hamstring), and center Maurkice Pouncey (knee-MCL) all dinged up, but status unknown. - http://tinyurl.com/c3qbr5f

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After his suspension, Rashard Mendenhall returns to have 11 carries for 50 yards. He returns to the scene of the crime (sort of) next week against the Browns. - http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/c554e1aa-a4c2-431e-97b1-9ae34aa3b64b/

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Steelers 2013 opponents now set following loss to Bengals: http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh/f/90c0e581-dcbf-4d7a-869f-964a6142aa34/

Steelers Face Old Foe In Cleveland Sunday; Injury Updates

As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. To me that was better than being a fan of the Browns. To be a Steelers fan was to own the NFL.

You know, we always called each other a family, goodfellas. Like, you'd say to somebody: "You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a Steelers fan. He's one of us." You understand? We were Steelers fans, wise guys...

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face their oldest AFC rivals again Sunday at the Mistake by the Lake as they look to keep division and playoff hopes alive. In the last nine years, since 2004, the Steelers have won all but one game (2009) in Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Steelers have, in fact, have won a total of 15 out of the last 16 meetings during that time and look to maintain their success this Sunday. If they do, they will increase their series lead on the Browns (2-8) to an all-time record of 63-56 since the rivalry began in 1950.

The soft and chewy Brownies are still my favorite rivalry. I hate the Baltimore Ravens more (especially because they took my original Browns from me), but, as far back as I can remember, the Browns were always there.

I remember them going an initial 0-16 at Three Rivers Stadium.

I remember Browns personnel sneaking dirt from Cleveland and sprinkling it onto sideline of Three Rivers trying to mojo a win...to no avail.

I remember the 51-0 blowout loss in 1988. In fact, I will never forget it.

I remember the 43-0 drubbing of the new and unimproved Browns in 1999.

And I remember the three wins by three points each in 2002 culminating in Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala's go-ahead touchdown and subsequent two-point conversion to secure the playoff win.

I simply love to hate the Browns. Even with the lopsided streak of late, I still look to the season schedule as soon as it's released and seek out the Browns games first.

This version of Paul Brown's progeny might just also be another challenge for the Steelers. The Browns always play division opponents tough and always give the Steelers all they have.

With the Steelers as banged up as they are, the Browns, who've played the Ravens closely and even beaten the Cincinnati Bengals, can't be overlooked at all.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin agrees. Even though he always makes the next opponent sound like a Super Bowl team, some of the points he made regarding them were accurate. One player in particular elicited this week's Tomlinism.

To be specific, the Browns feature a very talented and dangerous rookie running back in Trent Richardson. During the post-NFL Draft summer, a name from the Browns past, legendary running back Jim Brown, called Richardson "ordinary." He has been anything but that to Tomlin's chagrin. - http://tinyurl.com/auyxgoc

Speaking of names from the past, the Steelers looked to their past to help aid their present. It was announced late Tuesday afternoon that they had signed wide receiver Plaxico Burress to a 1-year, $925,000 contract to supplement the receiving corps.

"He's in really good physical condition based on the workout that I just saw," said Tomlin. "And obviously he's no stranger to football."

When on Sirius XM radio, Tomlin also said that Plax worked his camp with him this past offseason. Additionally, he's been working out in Florida, as Mike Wallace did during his holdout.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he can still do because, taking into account his height and his hands, he's a very good red zone target and the Steelers are already working on just such packages for him. - http://tinyurl.com/bemyya2

He also sounds less like the Divo he was when he was in Pittsburgh before and in his first few years in New York. He sounds more mature and eager to contribute. Like a good fella.

"Feels great to be back, comfort level here with a lot of the guys, I'm anxious to get back to playing football," Plax said.

He also said that he doesn't think he's "been around a collection of better receivers and that says a lot....Knock some dust off the old No. 80 jerseys and let's go to work!" - http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8660452/plaxico-burress-pittsburgh-steelers-ready-get-back-field

His new and old teammates are buying into it as well.

"He's a great asset," Emmanuel Sanders pointed out. "He can stretch the field vertically and be a big red zone threat for us."

Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton also said of Plax: "He's a good locker room guy, a good guy to have around. I think he's always been misunderstood by people."

Plax will have another good locker room guy throwing the ball to him as Godfather Charlie Batch will be starting against Cleveland Sunday.

But with the loss of 2nd-string Byron Leftwich for the next few weeks, the Steelers went out and signed quarterback Brian Hoyer to provide a back up. Hoyer addressed the media before Wednesday's practice at the South Side facility. - http://tinyurl.com/bbdw6kw

Hoyer was brought in because of his football smarts and because he can pick things up quickly on limited reps, according to Tomlin. A solid signing, even if he is only going to be in Pittsburgh for about four weeks.

Without getting into too deep of an analysis, this should be another good Steelers-Browns game. They'll be ready for their longest standing rival. Save their three-year hiatus (1996-98), Steelers-Browns is also the oldest AFC rivalry.

Years ago, they were one of the best teams in the NFL. Spit-shined and polished NFL Trophies sit in their facilities. But that was before the AFL-NFL merger. In the Super Bowl era, they have no Rings.

Win or lose, though, I know I'll remember this game.

Now, go home, Cleveland, and get your fu**ing shine box.

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TIDBITS: INJURIES - Big Ben was re-examined and is improving. Was not wearing a sling on Wednesday and was even seen holding a cup of coffee in his right hand as well as talking on the phone. - http://tinyurl.com/b8lsxru

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Isaac Redman has been progressing through concussion tests, and one more is scheduled for Thursday.

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Antonio Brown and Marcus Gilbert will start individual work this week. Troy is progressing, but is still questionable at this point. None will play Sunday.

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David DeCastro, on IR-designated to return, practiced Wednesday for the first time since injuring his knee.

Per the Steelers, they have 21 days from Wednesday, Nov. 21, to put DeCastro on the active roster or he has to be placed on season-ending IR. They can, however, activate him at any point during the next three weeks. - http://tinyurl.com/agrp357

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Byron Leftwich believes he hurt ribs on the Paul Kruger "last sack", per a story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Per Tomlin, he "didn't see anything" in Leftwich's performance, coupled with sideline talks, to pull him from game.

Really? Not under thrown balls? Not inaccurate balls? Not overthrown balls? Not grabbing his shoulder/rib area after virtually every throw? - http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/home/118948-morning-links-11-21-12

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Marshall McFadden and Baron Batch get cut and then added to practice squad after clearing waivers. Jamie McCoy and Ryan Lee were released.

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Larry Foote was on 93.7 The Fan and took umbrage with LaMarr Woodley's tweet about signing Donovan McNabb: "(He) needs to shut up and play football." - http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/

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Speaking of Woodley... We've all seen Ray Rice waving and then wearing a Terrible Towel as he left Heinz Field Sunday. It not only upset Steeler Nation, but it upset LaMarr Woodley as well. - http://tinyurl.com/d7hfoan

Ray Rice, however, says he meant no disrespect and explains the Terrible Towel issue. - http://tinyurl.com/askk3jp

We don't care, RR, you shouldn't even be touching one.

No Change With Mike Wallace, Ben Roethlisberger Won't Change

Ike Taylor said it last week, football doesn't need Mike Wallace, but Mike Wallace needs football. Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II feels the same way.

"He should be here," Rooney said Wednesday after the team concluded its morning workout, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. - http://t.co/w62iv5mI

It's obvious that Rooney II isn't pleased with the situation at hand. And rightly so from the standpoint that the Steelers historically don't negotiate deals if a player isn't in Camp. Basically, if the player isn't working, neither are they. And Wallace could come into Camp and put on the red shirt/jersey so that he has much less of a chance of being hit/hurt. So Rooney's stance on this is expected.

Others on the team, though, are more optimistic about Wallace Watch.

"I do anticipate him being here for training camp and looking forward to it," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said.

Though he did acknowledge that he doesn't have any inside information: "I don’t know anything. I’m not behind the scenes," he said. "I do talk to Mike. I know Mike wants to be here bad."

"I know Mike will be here. It’s just a matter of when," Big Ben said. "We keep in contact with Mike. We love Mike. We want him here and we need him here. And we’ll get him here. But the guys that are here are doing a great job."

The Steelers could play hard ball and reduce Wallace's salary to 110% of last year's salary, but the word is that they won't do it.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin chimed in and was even somewhat optimistic in his comments. "Mike has always been guy who's in tip-top condition over a 12-month calendar since we had him," Tomlin said. "He's a sharp guy. I'm sure he's working at the learning element of it. But there's no substitute for being here and being around your teammates and learning the nuances and learning from other people's mistakes."

Bottom line for me is that Wallace should be in Camp. As I said earlier, come on in and wear the red shirt/jersey so that you aren't touched. But you at least get to learn the new offense in a team setting. As I said in a previous blog, Bus Cook is not doing him favors right now.

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Ben Roethlisberger spoke to the media Wednesday and made a startling revelation. Ok, maybe not.

"I'm not going to change my game," said Roethlisberger.

Stop the press! (I've always wanted to say that.) Despite Rooney II's statement that the franchise quarterback needs to "tweak" his game, Big Ben has said point blank that he doesn't even know how to do that.

"Coach can do what he wants to add protection and do things like that, but I'm going to play the game the way I know how," Bog Ben said. "It's worked OK for me so far."

Six playoff appearances, three Super Bowls, two Super Bowl rings and a partridge in a pear tree. Yeah, it has worked so far.

He was asked specifically if there was anything that he can do this year to stay healthier, Big Ben said, "Nah, I haven't even thought about that yet. I don't think there's this big revelation like I need to do this, or do that. It's just, don't take hits, but I don't know how not to do that."

When asked If anyone regularly tells him he needs to throw it away or run out of bounds, Big Ben said, "Yeah, all the time. My mom, my wife, my grandma."

Ben, gonna share these words my moms and grandmama used to say to me, "Mama know, baby. Mama know."

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TIDBITS: Antonio Brown was given some rather large shoes on Tuesday. Size 86 to be exact.

The 2011 Steelers MVP Antonio Brown has Hines Ward's old locker, and he is well aware of the significance of it: "It's something special. I feel like there's no other place I want to be but right there."

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"It's feeling pretty good. Of course, I'll take these next five or six weeks that we have off, do another strength program for knee." - Baron Batch

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Rookies DeCastro, Adams busy as minicamp begins per Will Graves of the Associated Press: http://t.co/gOgiR4rk

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Kevin Beachum has been moved to guard. No surprise there. Jim Wexell talks about him here: With all eyes on DeCastro, Adams, Steelers' other rookie lineman impressing: http://t.co/vLhFLfTB 

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The second day of minicamp had the Steelers down three linebackers (Harrison, Worilds, and Sylvester) and one wide receiver (Sanders).

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Dwyer, Clay hope to seize opportunity http://t.co/dAQTpBO3

Hybrid Players, Antonio Brown Won't Hold Out Next Year, And Another Episode Of "BEN Being BEN"

As the offseason and OTAs roll along, we get lots of TMZ, yellow journalism and "As The World Turns" type news thrown our way, even amongst the local writers at times. What do you expect, though? This is the offseason and it isn't as if there's game preparation, strategies and injuries about which to write. But there is still good reporting and still good articles being disseminated to us.

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote a column Thursday regarding the role of hybrid players in the Steelers new offense. He focused on Baron Batch and Chris Rainey in particular. http://t.co/BheHb5YY

One thing Kaboly wrote was that "only a fraction of Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s system has been installed through the first two weeks of organized team activities."

He went on to say, "Even so, one critical concept has become quite clear — a player who can line up as a running back, motion out of the backfield and set up at the slot receiver position is going to be extremely valuable."

When asked about his role and whatever that "hybrid" role may be, Batch said, "Wherever they need me, whatever I can do. I've always been type of player that is unselfish and willing to do a lot of things....Special teams is definitely something that I feel I would be able to contribute on, I really feel like I could help on offense."

Chris Rainey, the other side of the focus of the article, is just the type of player you want if your definition of hybrid is "scary." You know that dream that most of us have had where you realize too late that you went to school, work or church naked? (I apologize to any former catholic altar boys for any repressed memories I've caused to surface.) Well, that's what Chris Rainey is: so fast, so elusive and so quick that most defenders are left feeling exposed, naked and stripped of their dignity. That's something that the offense could definitely use.

Speaking of skills that can definitely be used, I segue from the offensive to the defensive side of the ball. Because this concept of the hybrid applies to defense too.

The Steelers third round pick Sean Spence may be the perfect example of that on the defensive side of the ball. Though I personally was looking for a Buck linebacker in the draft, I can't deny the athleticism that I see when I watch the various clips of his play. Coach Mike Tomlin refers to him as having very good "see-to-do", and that, coupled with the aforementioned athleticism, is going to be needed when dealing with those pass catching tight ends.

Spence has safety-like abilities in that linebacker body and will be used a lot in coverage. Once he gets involved with the Steelers training system he'll gain about five pounds or so of muscle and will be played in the box as much because his sideline-to-sideline prowess can't be denied. What's Spence looking to do in the meantime to get playing time? "My head is all the way in the playbook and also on special teams. I just want to get better each and every day." Good to hear, Spence.

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With all the talk of Mike Wallace's OTA holdout, one of the things I've said for some time now was that I truly didn't think that Antonio Brown (nor Emmanuel Sanders, for that matter) would be the type to do the same next year. Well, he's come out and confirmed my beliefs.
 
In an article by Ed Bouchette, Brown was quoted as saying, "It's definitely a learning process for me, being that I could be faced with the same circumstances next year. I tend to learn from it, take notes."

Brown, the sixth round pick out of Central Michigan, went on to say, "Whatever the case may be, I plan on being here." Thank you, AB, for making me look good (because that was obviously the reason you said it in the first place). http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/on-the-steelers-wrs-brown-sanders-may-be-in-holdout-mode-next-spring-638467/

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Ben Roethlisberger never met a microphone he didn't like. And (un)fortunately there was another in his face this past Wednesday after the team wrapped up practice of their second offseason OTAs. Once again he made a few Ben-like comments that some having interpreted as a shot to the fans as well as Todd Haley.

Roethlisberger was asked by Joe Starkey if it was just a matter of getting on-board with Haley after he seemingly didn't like the change of coordinators this past offseason to which Big Ben replied, "Yeah, absolutely. You have no choice and like I said we're coming along and everyday it's getting a little bit better and we're learning and we'll be running the ball a lot this year, so fans should be happy."

To confirm what he'd just heard, Starkey asked Big Ben if indeed the Steelers will be running a lot this season. "I think so", said Big Ben. He added, "That's the way it seems. So we've got some good ball carriers and I know Red (Isaac Redman) is excited for the opportunity, and I know the fans want it, so it looks like they'll be getting their wish."

In the same interview Big Ben reiterated what he's said in past interviews, that learning the new offense is uncomfortable as it includes change. He also said that he and Haley are still learning each other as well as the offense.

Was this just yet another case of Ben being Ben, or is it a valid complaint? I'll keep this short for you: it's Ben being Ben.

I see it as Big Ben, yes, doing a little purposeful pouting and whining. Because if it doesn't work out, he then will have the opportunity/ability to say that it was new offense and that he just didn't get quite comfortable enough. At the same time, though, with what I've been able to glean, it's also smoke and mirrors. I believe there will be more balance overall. There will naturally be more running at the beginning of the year as they're all still getting used to the timing of the new offense. Pass blocking, routes and timing with the receivers doesn't come as easily as run blocking, punching the defensive lineman in the nose and the running back's stepping on his neck as he's busting through the hole. The run will set up the pass, especially early on. But Haley also wants to use his weapons and he knows that he has two Pro Bowl wide receivers, an underrated tight end and a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback who knows the art of play action. Thus, smoke and mirrors.

Look, it's very obvious that Big Ben reads the papers and listens to talk radio, but not all of the fan base wants to run 40 times a game. Most realize that the NFL is now a passing league and that you need to be able to spread teams out at least somewhat. You don't, though, need to lead the league in rushing to win or compete for a Super Bowl. To that point, the Steelers passed the ball 57.2% of the time last year, 52.6% in 2010, and 54.7% in 2008. When they do run, though, they need to be effective and balanced. Having only 28% of your offensive production coming from the run game is unacceptable and unSteeler-like.

So, expect more of the occasional passive-aggressive blustering from employee No. 7...As The Burgh Turns.

 Aside: I must correct some figures I threw out on at least one other blog when I wrote that the Steelers ran the ball only 32% of the time last year. I was wrong in two ways. They actually ran the ball 43% of the time (42.8% to be exact). Where I further erred was that the percentage of offense from the run was not 32%, but 28%. I don't know how I could have erred so egregiously, but I do apologize to all who follow my blog and possibly depend on stats that I provide.

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One last thing: Some fans are still clamoring for the Steelers to go out and get a "traditional" fullback. Stop it. It will not happen. The league has shifted away from the traditional fullback now. Period. Even Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler said as much after the draft when he said, "Everybody is using tight ends as fullbacks and sometimes they use them when trying to lead and sometimes they don’t. A lot of stuff today is mis-direction and trying to fool you or out-number you one way and then give you a different look coming back the other way."

The fullback position is not the fullback position of 10 years ago, just like the tight end position has started to become more of a hybrid position. (There's that word again.) So don't expect it, even though the position, whether called H-back or fullback, will be utilized.

OTAs Give An Insight Into New Steelers Offense; Harrison Slams Goodell...Again

The Pittsburgh media did a great job during the first week of OTAs. One of the first among these was Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He was all over the place with quotes, observations and videos of the practices. Follow him on Twitter at @MarkKaboly_Trib.

Some of the things we found out was that Big Ben didn't practice yesterday, he was in just a t-shirt in fact. No Harrison, Ike or Cotchery either.

The aforementioned Mark Kaboly said that Keenan Lewis told him that he will make Pro Bowl this year. Lofty goal for someone who isn't even guaranteed a starting position. I like the confidence, though.

Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert says don't count him out at left tackle just yet. He called it his "dream" position. Per Kaboly, the exact quote from Gilbert was: "I'm not counting it out 100% that they aren't going to move me over to left. That's my dream. My passion."

Gilbert went on to talk about other positions on the offensive line when he said of Colon at left guard: "He can be one of the best guards in NFL. He's a strong, powerful guy that can anchor down." Strong words, but I believe that he just may be right. The false starts aside, Colon was one the better right tackles in the NFL before his injuries. I've believed he could move inside for a couple of years now as well. Let's hope he proves Gilbert and I correct.

Worilds has a bandage wrapping his left hand and hasn't practiced in three days. Hopefully it's a temporary thing. Rashard Mendenhall, though, has been seen working out on the sidelines and on the bike preparing himself and rehabilitating. He was quoted as saying he plans to be ready by week one.

Um...no. No, he won't. I love the drive, but recovery time for this injury is nine months. Especially for a player who depends on his speed and cutback abilities. He's a dynamic runner and being able to slash is an important part of his game. He's not a plodder who just busts forward down after down and occasionally flashes his one move. Simply put, week one won't happen. Baron Batch, yes. Mendy, no. Expect him to be on the PUP list to start the season.

As can be found on steelers.com, Big Ben said of Haley's new offense, "I tried to tell (them) don't get frustrated because I know you're used to getting a lot more balls, but this is how it was my rookie year. I know what one guy does and I go to him. If he's not open, I start scrambling."

Big Ben excels at that. But Todd Haley is trying to get Big Ben to play more from the pocket.

"I know that I'm supposed to get rid of the ball, stay in the pocket and not get hit. I guess I better learn where the protections are coming from so I don't get hit", he said with a chuckle.

Those words may give pause to many in Steeler Nation that the Steelers are taking away what Big Ben does best. But it's May, and it makes sense for the team to be focusing on the fundamentals of the offense and on Ben staying in the pocket. Trust me, when the games start, he'll be Big Ben again. We just need a little less John Wayne.

Speaking further on the new offense,  we are starting to see certain elements of it come into focus. There are a few things to which we can probably look forward, such as:

The beloved Counter Pike/Trap/Pull and other POWER RUNNING PLAYS will stay intact with Haley at the helm. In fact, with more athleticism at the guard spots you can bet on it. As I said in a previous blog also, expect both sides to pull. Ergo, more BALANCE. Gradually the new offense will morph to the point where it won't be the predictable beast we saw last year.

Also expect to see more use of a FULLBACK or H-BACK in the offense as David "DJ" Johnson and WVU grad Will Johnson are both listed as fullbacks now and are attending the running back meetings. So running-back-by-committee and Pony backfield formations will probably be seen with backs like Baron Batch and/or Chris Rainey present to go along with Isaac Redman. Bruce Arians from time-to-time said that it was possible that a Pony formation would be used, but I barely remember it. But, no matter, he's "retired" anyway.

More PLAY ACTION and NO-HUDDLE will seemingly be used in this offense also. Big Ben is an accurate passer when using either play action or the no-huddle, and Ben said it will be used more this season. Plus, if you establish running game early, you can use the play action later much more effectively.

Isaac Redman said that they would be THROWING MORE TO THE RUNNING BACKS also. He, himself, is a capable pass receiver and both Batch and Rainey showed that ability in college. Big Ben needs to check down to his backs more anyway, which will lessen the sacks he takes.

All-in-all it seems the Steelers are enjoying getting back to work and learning the new offense which, let's face it, needed an injection of new ideas and a fresh approach. The offense could always do more: if Big Ben had 250 yards passing, you know he could've passed for 300 yards; if the running backs ran for 75 yards, you know they could've run for over 100 yards. So now we can look forward to the next set of OTAs to see what other new things we find out.

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James Harrison is back in the news, but not because of the OTAs. Last year Harrison trashed Roger Goodell, among others, in an interview last year. He initially said he was taken out of context, then apologized and said his comments were way out of line. Despite the apology he obviously seems to still have a certain degree of vitriol for Goodell. It seems he agrees with Jonathan Vilma’s contention that Goodell was out of line in his public comments about the Saints’ bountygate. Harrison thinks Vilma’s attempt to sue Goodell for defamation is a win-win situation, whether successful or not.

“If he loses, it shows Goodell does have too much power,” Harrison told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “and if he wins, it opens up the floodgates.”

Harrison said he believes the players shouldn’t have signed off on the CBA last year unless Goodell's power had been attenuated. When the CBA was signed
last summer, the Steelers players/organization voted 78-6 against it-the only team to do so.

Well, whether right or wrong, the only thing we can be sure of is that Goodell can't fine Deebo for saying what he did. (Can he?)

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For you gambling degenerates: Post Gazette Blog: Vegas: Steelers' 2012 over/under -- 10 wins http://t.co/fCkWw4mi

The Steelers Running Back Situation: An Unknown Commodity

Before the 1987-1988 college basketball season of the now defunct PCAA conference, the various teams' coaches all met for their annual preseason meeting. Each coach spoke of his team's needs and flaws, Jerry Tarkanian, legendary coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, inclusive.

Tark, as he was affectionately known, matter-of-factly said of his team that he didn't know what he was going to do because he had too many players. There were light chuckles and an audible, "I'd love to have that problem" that could be heard around the room. That's because the other coaches heard, "embarrassment of riches", but what Tark meant was "unknown commodities."

The Pittsburgh Steelers could possibly go into the 2012 Training Camp with as many as eight running backs: Rashard Mendenhall (though he certainly will start Camp on the Active physically unable to perform, or PUP, list and presumably the season on the Reserve PUP list), Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, John Clay, Baron Batch and maybe unrestricted free agent Mewelde Moore, end-of-the-season 53-man roster addition Chad Spann and end-of-the-season practice squad addition Albert Young.

Embarrassment of riches or unknown commodities?

The question is valid and worth exploring because of Mendenhall's injury that occurred in the final game and landed him on injured reserve. How the Steelers choose to handle the injury will be interesting to follow, as will be the affect of his loss to the Steelers' immediate future.

Let's look at what will greet Mendenhall when he arrives in Latrobe in July. As I stated earlier, Mendenhall will begin camp, providing he's sufficiently healed, on the Active PUP list. As he runs his laps and such he'll presumably not be ready at the start of the season and would, therefore, be put on the Reserve PUP list.

The Steelers would then have to shelve Mendenhall for the first six weeks of the season, meaning he wouldn't be available for any form of organized team practice until week seven. At that point the Steelers would have three weeks to decide what they need to do with him: to add him to the active roster, IR him again or cut him if healthy. Then, if he's deemed ready and is to be added to the roster, they'd have three more weeks to figure out his roster situation and who'll be released to make room for him. That's a possible 13 weeks where we wouldn't see Mendenhall on the football field. Who, then, will we see on the football field?

Conventional wisdom is that Isaac "Redzone" Redman, No. 33 in your program, is the new starter. Redman is Mendenhall's backup and did get the start in the playoff game against the Denver Broncos. He ran well and ran hard, matriculating his way to 121 yards on 17 carries.

There you have it. Article finished. Redzone Redman is the man. Goodnight, Steeler Nation.

Oh, wait...there are still the questions of whether Redman is a full-time starting NFL running back, how would the Mendenhall situation be resolved, what we do and do not know about the backups and whether the Steelers will draft, or look to free agency for, a running back for depth. *sigh* Ok, let's go over all of this. (Who am I kidding? I love this stuff!)

Mendenhall receives a lot of criticism for not hitting holes hard enough or quickly enough at times. Ok, fair criticism. He has often looked as if he was auditioning for "So You Think You Can Dance." It is understandable, though. He's been running behind an offensive line which simply didn't open many holes at all. He repeatedly had to deal with penetration into the backfield that stuffed the play before it could begin.

Regarding this, Merril Hoge once called Mendenhall "extremely powerful and gifted", and said of him and the Steelers offensive line (as was first reported in an earlier blog post http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2011/09/offensive-line-may-be-fault-of-tomlin.html  ), "Penetration is the number one killer of a running game: it neutralizes the point of attack, it deters your instincts as a runner, it dictates where you're going to go and it destroys you as a runner."

Your typical fan can't understand this, though. Seemingly, when the quarterback gets hit or sacked, it's the Line's fault, but when the running back isn't running well, it's the running back's fault. Never mind that he ran for over 3,300 yards in 43 starts between 2009-2011, averaging a hair under 4.2 yards per carry and scoring 29 touchdowns. Despite this, the calls for Isaac Redman to become the team's starter could be heard long before Mendenhall's career threatening injury in Cleveland last year.

While Mendenhall is expected to return, his game could be changed to the point where he wouldn't be as dynamic a runner anymore. Mendenhall is powerful, fast (4.45 speed), fairly durable, stop-on-a-dime quick, and, again, dynamic. He's the type of runner who will assuredly be affected by this injury.

Redman may be able to provide tough yards running through the middle and breaking tackles, but he lacks the explosion Mendy has. Neither does he have the change of direction Mendy has that allows him to turn nothing into something, nor does he break outside as well.

That would then affect the effectiveness of passes out of the backfield on a designed play or when the quarterback checks down. That might be where other running backs possibly secure a roster spot.

Being able to be versatile, or, as head coach Mike Tomlin puts it, "position flexible" comes into play here as well. It's more than just running the ball. Backs need to be able to catch the ball, pick up blitzes and block (Jonathan Dwyer, I'm looking at you).

Mewelde Moore, who is an unrestricted free agent, is just such a back, a very competent back. Numbers don't tell the story - in his eight NFL seasons he's never had more than 662 yards, no more than 588 with the Steelers. Moore's value has always been as a third down back who was a reliable receiver out of the backfield running back. Though his intangibles may outweigh his tangibles at this point in his career, they just may be needed for one more year.

If all of what has been written here is accurate, instituting a running back-by-committee system might be considered as a viable option. The different backs bring different things to the table. It is that, though, which may cause the pendulum to swing back toward the "unknown commodity" side.

What do we really know about Baron Batch? Is John Clay the bruising, short-yardage back we need? Could Chad Spann become our version of Warrick Dunn or Darren Sproles? Will Jonathan Dwyer finally put down the Krispy Kremes and take his conditioning seriously? Do the Steelers look to the draft to aid this and select a running back (named Isaiah Pead)? Do they trade for Ben Tate as Blech Report, oops...sorry, Bleacher Report (whose motto is, "We occasionally post articles in English") suggested? These are all questions that, if receiving a negative answer, could take a potential embarrassment of riches to a simple embarrassment.

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Here are some scouting reports of running backs who have been and who may again be on the Steelers sideline next season:

BARON BATCH:
Quick, elusive ball carrier who projects as a third-down back in the NFL. Runs low to the ground, gets lost behind blockers, and will pick and choose his spots on the inside. Squeezes through small openings of the defense, shows a burst, and has the ability to quickly cut back against the grain. Makes defenders miss and creates yardage. Terrific receiver out of the backfield who nicely adjusts to the errant throw and extends to make catches away from his frame. --http://www.draftinsider.net/

JONATHAN DWYER:
Dwyer...is a big, bruising back who's far more agile than his size would indicate. He can get small when he needs to so he can get through a crease, and, because of the offense he works in, he does an excellent job at being patient and setting up his blocks.  He runs with a nice forward lean and has a good burst. Now on the downside,...he's good at working through arm tackles but doesn't battle like you'd think a player his size would. He also hasn't been featured as a wide out, and doesn't do a lot of juking and jiving in the open field.... Being successful out of a traditional offense is well within his skill set....His weight could be an issue. Dwyer has a ton of upside, and he's one of those guys that slips a little in the draft, gets on a team that knows how to use him, and has a long productive career. He gets chunks of yards, scores a lot of touchdowns, and...does everything you want out of a running back and does it well. -- Curt Popejoy of Draft Board Insider - http://draftboardinsider.com/cgi-bin/prospect.cgi?id=517

JOHN CLAY:
The University of Wisconsin's John Clay is a strong, powerful runner who can either run guys over or make a quick cutback to run downfield. When Clay has the ball, everybody knows it. He looks like a linebacker who just got hold of an interception when he runs....Clay doesn't have a lot of film catching the ball out of the backfield or doing much pass protection. He is sometimes not even on the field on third-down or in other obvious passing situations. These sorts of things can be coached to him of course, but no team would ever consider using a running back as an every-down player if he didn't have these skills. This limits his immediate impact greatly.

Clay will likely need to lose some weight and try to improve his speed at the next level. He's a tough runner at 248, he can be a tough runner at 232. He lacks a second gear and rarely initiates contact to fight for extra yards. -- Matt De Lima - http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2814


CHAD SPANN:
Spann could be described best as a rolling ball of dynamite in a small package. However, don't be fooled by his height, because the Northern Illinois running back packs a powerful lower body to run through contact. -- http://www.draftnasty.com/football/scouting-reports/mac/chad-spann/

Chad Spann was originally signed to the Steelers practice squad on the 12th of December after he spent time with the Colts and the Buccaneers. He was undrafted in 2011. He's 5'8", 201 lbs and played four seasons at Northern Illinois University where he amassed 2,916 rushing yards on 536 carries with 48 touchdowns.

ALBERT YOUNG:
Young was a three-year letterman at Iowa. He finished his career with 3,173 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, only the third player in school history with 3,000-plus yards on the ground. Career rushing totals include 660 attempts for 3,173 yards and 23 touchdowns . . . ranks third in career rushing yards and is just third Iowa player to surpass 3,000 yards . . . collected 79 career pass receptions for 705 yards and two touchdowns. -- http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/young_albert00.html

Running back Albert Young is from last season's practice squad. Young spent one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after signing as a rookie free agent in 2008. He has played in 10 career games, gaining 82 yards on 25 carries. He suffered a season-ending knee injury after playing in three games in 2010.