Dri Archer: Speed Kills - Is the Third Time the Charm for the Steelers?

"When you're a fast guy you must always play fast, that's your advantage. I can be quick and I can be fast." - Dri Archer at Steelers minicamp. 

We've all heard the famous words by the late ultimate Raider Al Davis, "Speed kills," and "You can't teach speed." They are idioms by which Davis lived (and figuratively died), and by which NFL coaches and owners still often live today. Including those of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

With their third pick on the 2014 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Dri Archer, running back out of Kent State. He was a player I had wanted going into the draft, but I felt he could be gotten in the fourth or even fifth round. But, as I alluded to earlier, teams fall in love with speed, and a 4.26/40 - also having an "unofficial" 4.16/40 - is easy to fall in love with. 

That's not just fast, that's "Oh, sh**!" fast. 

Speed is coveted, yes. Speed can be the X-factor that can make the difference over the course of a game or an entire season. Just ask the Seattle Seahawks. But, speed alone won't get Hermes to Mount Olympus. Nor does it get an NFL player gridiron success. 

Just consider names such as Jimmy "Oops" Hines, Johnny Lam Jones, Renaldo Nehemiah, Ron Brown...all of whom had numerous World and/or Olympic speed records between them, yet few receptions, touchdowns or years in the NFL. 

Archer worked strictly with the running back group in the few minicamp practices so far, but has changed his number from 34 to 13 - a wide receiver's number. He did play a lot of WR his last year at Kent State, though, and has said the Steelers have told him they plan on using him "creatively." - http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2014/5/22/5741166/steelers-dri-archer-offense-wide-receiver 

Recent words by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin seem to echo that sentiment. 

"Is he a running back? Is he a wideout? Regardless of position," Tomlin said, "I think he’s a playmaker. He's a guy that gets yards in chunks and rings up the scoreboard."

Point blank, Archer has more tools than Black & Decker. Over his career, he had 325 rushes for 2,342 yards (7.2 yards per carry) and 24 touchdowns. He also caught 99 passes for 1,194 yards (12 yards per reception) and 12 scores.

He was also a return man, returning 51 kicks for 1,436 yards (28.2 yards per return) and four touchdowns, positions which Steelers GM Kevin Colbert says in his mind "are starters," and saying of Archer specifically that "his kick return ability is unique. It really is special." - http://youtu.be/9ILPHki7-Ww

When you watch the tape on Archer, you can see him read his blocks as he turns it up the field. Upon getting out of the backfield, you even see him breaking some tackles proving he more than just speed. There's a reason he played running back and rushed for all those yards, including despite battling ankle injuries in 2013. The tape does not lie - get him the ball in space and let him use his awesome lateral athleticism to play a life-size game of Madden with 11 grown men. 

Because of his size, however, Archer won't be on the field on every down. When he does take the field on offense, though, you will see him get the ball on draws, sweeps, screens and from the slot. Add the return game to that and his vision, athleticism and speed will make him a nightmare to tackle.

Though his touches may be limited, especially early on, because of the talent around him at running back and wide receiver, defenses will have to prepare for him any time he is on the field. 

The Steelers have been down this road before, however, as they attempted to get a Dexter McCluster-like player for offensive coordinator Todd Haley whom he coached with the Kansas City Chiefs. Another small, versatile and fast X-factor player who added another dimension to the Chief's offense. 

In 2012, they drafted RB Chris Rainey (lasting just one season after 14 receptions and 26 rushes), who was let go because of gambling and assault allegations. 

In April of 2013, they picked up unrestricted free agent RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, or LaSH, on a one-year deal with the Steelers from the Arizona Cardinals. He accumulated only six rushes, two catches and one return before being injured and lost for the year. 

Aside: being that LaSH was "only" a 4.48/40 guy, the other most recent diminutive speedster to be considered would be Reggie Dunn. At Utah's Pro Day, Dunn ran a 4.22/40. But, not having enough versatility, he never made the final roster.

Now, the third is hopefully the charm for the Steelers. Being that he's faster - he was also clocked at an "unofficial" 4.16/40 - and stronger than both Rainey and LaSH, he could ultimately prove to be better for the Steelers than they could have been and easily as good of a weapon as McCluster was. 

All of this is encouraging as we move forward into OTAs, which begin Tuesday of this week, but his speed and college stats will not matter if he isn't ready mentally also. 

“I think I made a pretty good impression. Learning the playbook. A lot to think about.” 

A lot indeed. Because, remember Renaldo Nehemiah mentioned earlier in the article? He lost his job to some slow WR who ran a 4.71/40. I think his name was Jerry Rice or something...

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TIDBITS: The Steelers begin OTAs Tuesday, May 27. The specific dates for the Steelers’ 10 OTAs are May 27, May 28, May 29, June 3, June 4, June 5, June 9, June 10, June 11, and June 12.

There will also be a mandatory three-day minicamp June 17-19. Then an approximate month will pass before Latrobe. 

Undrafted Reggie Dunn Could Be Steal Of Draft For Steelers

Offense isn't the only area where the Pittsburgh Steelers had trouble scoring last season. Special teams wasn't exactly special, plus, now two of the three men who have been the Steelers kick and punt returners, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, are the No. 1 and No. 2 receivers. Then, the third, Chris Rainey decided he liked gambling more than playing football. So, there is a vacuum at the position. But football, like nature, abhors a vacuum and an undrafted player could end up being the true steal of the draft: Reggie Dunn.

In a previous blog we told you the two rules associated with Reggie Dunn. The first rule is you don't kick it to Reggie Dunn. The second rule is you do NOT kick it to Reggie Dunn. (Word of caution: don't blink when watching his video highlights or you will miss him.) - http://youtu.be/nPBCPxYjgrI

The 5'10, 180 pounder may strictly be a special teams ace, but it's hard to ignore a 4.22 time in the 40-yard dash. As are the four touchdown returns of 100 yards or more...in only 10 attempts.

Iowa State was the first to learn the two rules back in 2010 as he returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and averaged 29.6 yards per return. He didn't house anyone in 2011, but he still averaged 23.6 yards per return.

The All-Pac 12 first teamer had everyone exactly where he wanted them.

After nearly every opposing special teams coach on the early part of Utah's schedule instructed their teams to...well, to adhere to the two rules, the University of Cal decided to tempt the hand of fate. Bad idea. He housed them twice...each for 100 yards or more.

Then a week after returning those two touchdowns against Cal in the eighth game of the season, he had a 100-yard kickoff return against Washington State, and then had another 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Colorado.

Dunn also holds the NCAA record for 100+ yard kickoff returns for touchdowns in a career with five, and had a gaudy 30.875 yards per return average for his career. He is a special player who is more than just speed. He flows like water through would-be tacklers and often looks like a human joystick out there. But Dunn is an Xbox 360 and all other are just Atari. - http://youtu.be/uUKjg7lTi6c

Tomlin likes players who are "position flexible," but, again, it's hard to ignore "Oh, sh*t" speed. Because, to paraphrase The Greatest, 'your feet can't catch what your eyes can't see'. Come September, it may just be the Steelers sideline where you'll hear, "Who they came to see?!?"

Whether Offense Or Defense, Steelers Need Playmakers

by Jason and Jayden

If you watched the Super Bowl a few days ago, you probably noticed that, despite whatever differences, there were two things that both teams had in common: speed and playmakers.

The trends and rules of the current NFL make it so that no one should even expect to have real success without them. Whether Colin Kaepernick, Joe Flacco, Navarro Bowman, Paul Kruger, Frank Gore, Ed Reed, etc..., he list goes on for both teams. Look at the NFL's version of the final four, as well as the rest of the playoff teams, and numerous playmakers could be rattled off.

Now turn your attention to your Pittsburgh Steelers and see how many you can name who were true playmakers. Ben Roethlisberger? Definitely. Lawrence Timmons? For the most part, sure. Troy Polamalu or James Harrison? Maybe - at least when available or healthy. But, like Mr. Tony says, that's it. That's the list.

The dearth of speed and playmakers, reliable and consistent ones, was an issue for the Steelers last season and could be a real problem next season considering who all may be lost in free agency. Just as speed kills, the lack of it does also. - http://tinyurl.com/avkosga

Wednesday morning, Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider tweeted from his Twitter (@jimwexell) account: "Stop mocking these for #Steelers: {linebacker Alec} Ogletree, {nose tackle John} Jenkins, {linebacker Jarvis*} Jarvus Jones. Not that there's anything wrong with UGA. players.” (Brackets ours)

He then followed that immediately with: "Start looking at this guy instead: Tavon Austin. #Steelers”

We already have, Jim. If It Ain't Steel, being that we're WVU Mountaineers fans as it is and saw every game of his, provided a breakdown of Tavon "Awesome" in a previous article. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/01/do-kevin-colberts-comments-give-insight.html

As we stated in that posting, Austin is fast, quick, elusive and lined up at wide receiver, in the slot, as a returner and as a running back. When watching him play, it was often like looking at the old Bugs Bunny baseball cartoons where it was "Bugs Bunny: shortstop; Bugs Bunny: left field; Bugs Bunny: right field; Bugs Bunny: centerfield..."

Basically, like what Chris Rainey was supposed to have been last season. As well, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders were supposed to be some of the best playmakers in the league. Instead they dropped the ball - literally and figuratively. And as Brown told KDKA-TV recently, since he wants to be a Steeler for life, he and "guys like myself...we have to take this team to the next level." - http://tinyurl.com/ar7lme6

Austin is a perfect example of what the Steelers could use, as a compliment or a replacement, in their lineup. He's in high demand, though, so they must have other options in place as contingencies. One player who used the Senior Bowl to become several teams' main choice or contingency is Texas Longhorns wide receiver Marquise Goodwin.

SportsDayDFW offered this regarding Goodwin: "NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah compiled his list of Senior Bowl risers and sliders, and former Texas wide receiver Marquise Goodwin is one who’s made quite the impression.

'Every time Goodwin lines up for a repetition in one-on-ones, there is a hush in the crowd,' Jeremiah writes. 'NFL evaluators have been intoxicated by his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to find another gear when the ball is in the air. He has been caught up in press coverage a few times this week, but his overall performance has left quite an impression on clubs in need of a home-run hitter at receiver.'"

For some reason, Goodwin only had 33 touches on offense all season for Texas, and that includes 13 carries. But he made those touches count. In spades. There were a couple of games in particular where this human pinball machine was directly responsible for the TILT of his opponents.

Goodwin, a 10.4 100-meter speedster and Olympic long jumper, had five total touches for 132 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon State, and another four touches for 182 yards and two touchdowns against Ole Miss. Included in those stats were TD runs of 64 and 69 yards respectively. Definitely underutilized, but it could be a blessing in disguise if the Steelers are interested and are able to pick him up. - http://tinyurl.com/agg6txu

Since Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin values versatility, each of these players fits to a tee.

With all that speed a splash-play making ability on offense, someone has to be able to keep up on defense. The Steelers were bereft of an abundance of playmakers there too. This year's NFL Draft offers viable options for being that playmaker stopper. One who comes to mind is a safety we've highlighted before. Now, though, we offer him as the very solution to the "awesome" WVU player we so covet.

Senior safety Kenny Vaccaro has size, speed and athleticism and was on the short list of the best safeties in the Big-12 last season. He earned First Team all-conference honors while tackling 82 ball carriers, eight for a loss, recording two sacks, breaking up eight passes and intercepting two more.

That alone makes him worth a look. But, as we said earlier, we didn't miss one WVU game, so we know first-hand what Vaccaro is capable of doing. As does Tavon Austin.

When the Longhorns and Mountaineers met in week five of the college football season, Vaccaro lined up primarily against Austin. Much to the dismay of many Mountaineers fans, turning "awesome" into just "Aww..." A breakdown of the spread offense stopper's performance is provided here: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/41661/321/kenny-vaccaro-spread-stopper

Don't tell Wexell, but on top of providing a Tavon stopper, we're also going back to Georgia. With the size and speed to play either safety position, Bacarri Rambo is a player who could possibly interest the Steelers.

The 6'0" 210-pound run stuffer is also a coverage guy who runs a 4.5 in the 40. At Georgia, he had 162 tackles (110 solo) and 16 interceptions. Rambo is a first blood type of player who fits the physical style of the Steelers defense.

Be it on defense or on offense, though, speedy playmakers are definitely needed. Because it's kill or be killed.

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TIDBITS: NFL Live on Wednesday suggested that free agent Reggie Bush could be picked up by the Steelers. With new offensive line coach Jack Bicknell, jr. wanting athletic linemen who can play in space, that would lend itself to obviously having a running back who can play in space and run intelligently between the tackles.

It's at least plausible when you consider that with 443 carries for 2,072 (a 4.67 yards-per-carry average) and 12 touchdowns, by himself he surpasses the three "feature" backs for the Steelers the last two seasons. Between themselves, Rashard Mendenhall (2011) and Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman (2012) accumulated 494 carries for only 1,961 yards (3.93 YPC) and 13 touchdowns.

Bush is also a very dangerous receiver out of the backfield and returner. Best of all, after seven seasons in the NFL he's just 27 years old.

Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley had a similar player in Dexter McCluster when he was the coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. As stated earlier, the Steelers drafted Rainey to be a similar player, so they clearly want that explosive, versatile player. Either Austin, Goodwin or Bush could fill the need for speed and versatility.

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Speaking of Rainey, he cleared waivers on Tuesday. The Steelers released him after the Super Bowl, but none of the other 31 NFL teams wanted to gamble (pun intended) on taking him. - http://tinyurl.com/b3hbdh3

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According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the 2013 salary cap will be $121.1 million and not barely-over $120.9 million as had been reported previously. Also, as Pro Football Talk reported, the Steelers also have a credit of $758,000 which is a carry-over of unused cap space from 2012. This is more than was originally reported, as we posted in a blog about a month ago. - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/06/team-by-team-cap-adjustments-for-2013/

Do Kevin Colbert's Comments Give Insight Into Steelers Draft Plans?

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert met with a handful of writers last Wednesday and spoke candidly about the 2012 team. He provided a very honest assessment of where the fault lies for the team's overall performance and lack of success, changes coming to the roster and draft problems that saw two players, Alameda Ta'amu and Chris Rainey, get into trouble with the Law.

"I know Art (Rooney II) used the term 'frustrated.' I'm going with 'disappointed.' I'm disappointed in myself, that those 61 (players) were 8-8. Like I said, I'm at the head of the class." - http://tinyurl.com/aypcbrt

As all good leaders should do, Colbert rightly accepted responsibility. "The buck stops here," as a former U.S. president once made his motto. That doesn't mean, though, that's where it starts. We all know what rolls downhill, and in this case it rolls right down onto the field of play.

In further comments, Colbert made it sound as though change is coming to the roster. In fact, he wasn't even subtle about it. The draft, and possibly free agency, will affect major change for next season. The "best available player" will come in many forms this April 25-27.

"We won't close the door on any position in any round. We can't....Once we get into free agency and the draft, I don't see any position that's off limits," Colbert stated.

"When you're 12-4 and a playoff team, sometimes you get mesmerized by your success and you get a little reluctant to change...If we don't change 8-8, if we don't change the roster that produced 8-8," he also said, "we'd be silly to expect a better result if we have the same group of guys. We're not married to any of these guys."

How did Albert Einstein define "insanity?"

But, before we address any players or positions that he mentioned or that have a greater chance of getting special attention, let us be clear about one thing: despite what Colbert said about not ruling out drafting "any position in any round," It won't be a quarterback on the first two days of the draft. Ok? We clear? Good, let's move on now.

Regarding the Salary Cap dilemma, Jim Wexell of steelcityinsider.net said that their Cap-ologist Ian Whetstone, whom we've used as a source several times before, said the Steelers being $12 million over the Cap is doable.

By 'cutting James Harrison they'd save $5.1 million,' and "a Ben {Roethlisberger} restructure could save $7.2M max. {Lawrence} Timmons another target at $5.4M max."

"Cutting {Willie} Colon," he said further, "would save only $1.2M. Don't see any other realistic possibilities (aside from aforementioned Harrison)....But need the cap cuts {and to be Rule of 51 compliant} by March 12. If you keep Colon past March 12, you may as well keep him another year."

He finished his mini Twitter dissertation by saying the "team could restructure {LaMarr} Woodley for max savings of $6.2M. I'm optimistic, but that's risky." (brackets ours)

Since Colbert said that they don't have "too many franchise players" and that compliance "will include terminations, possible extensions and reconstructions," any or all of that is feasible.

Earlier this month, we talked specifically about the need to fill defensive holes early in the 2013 NFL Draft. Not the entire draft, not the first two days...just early. With Harrison's contract ripe for 'termination,' as mentioned above, an outside linebacker is a great possibility.

One whom we've mentioned before and whom Mel Kiper even has the Steelers taking in his 2013 NFL mock draft is BYU's Ziggy Ansah. Is he a defensive end or an outside linebacker? As his position coach said, he's both. Behind The Steel Curtain says it's the former, we say it's either. The link provided includes a video to help you decide. - http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/1/16/3883850/mel-kiper-2013-nfl-mock-draft-steelers-ezekiel-ansah

But, let's say, because of Rashard Mendenhall ("Any time a player doesn't show up for a game, that's unacceptable"), Mike Wallace (franchise tag: "Very doubtful") and Chris Rainey ("lost the trust of the organization" http://tinyurl.com/backbnk) all having character issues of some sort, might they look only toward choir boys? Um...no. - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Trying-to-meet-both-standards/4bda2c71-f51e-48f9-b70b-4015797490f3

Since the aforementioned players are very likely all leaving the team this offseason, the "best available player" may be on offense - of questionable background or not. That said, is a wide receiver or multi-skilled player like West Virginia's Tavon Austin, a possibility? Scoring is essential in today's NFL, and Austin can help generate it.

Listed at 5'9", 175 lbs., with a 4.38/40 and nicknamed Tavon "Awesome," he was WVU's electric star of That 70's Show. Austin lined up at wide receiver, in the slot, as a returner and as a running back and "shows a surprising amount of patience, even as an inside runner."

Such a player could stretch the field or do any and all of the things Rainey should have done. But, don't take our word for it, read the brilliantly detailed breakdown of him and his best collegiate game by rotoworld.com: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/42156/321/tavon-awesome

"Where we were in running game last year was indicative in the talent at the position," Colbert said of the Steelers' second-worst rushing offense since 1978. "That group of players didn't produce the way we anticipated they would."

Was that actually the running backs or was it issues, injury-related and otherwise, with the offensive line? Let's assume it was the running backs as a whole. If so, neither Jonathan Dwyer nor Isaac Redman should feel too secure about starting in 2013: Dwyer's vision and decision making keep him from being a true No. 1 back, and Redman has lost five fumbles in three years. - http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-sunday-spotlight-running-back-help-wanted-671249/

If it was more a product of the continued offensive line issues, there is no shortage of guard prospects in this draft, as there are 73 underclassmen who've declared themselves eligible for the draft. - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/19/nfl-draft-early-entries/

The guards of note include Jonathan Cooper of North Carolina, Alabama’s Barrett Jones or Chance Warmack. Warmack is a viable option at the 17th pick. - http://tinyurl.com/bmkdtkw

Regardless, in looking over what is in front on the Steelers, the Salary Cap issues that affect decisions, the age on defense and the vacancies needing filled on offense, their needs are simply their needs.

So, while the interview with Colbert didn't give direct insight into what the Steelers will do in the upcoming draft, rest assured that the "best available player" will come in many forms in this April's NFL Draft.

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TIDBITS: Points off turnovers were the difference in six of the eight losses. Much bigger problem than the fan-driven tension between Big Ben and Todd Haley. He says a lot of that was "anticipation." He liked offense in 1st half of the season. - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Takeaway-total-is-trending-down/eee51537-2fcc-41ff-8641-28b097bf105a

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Omar Khan, one of the finalists for Jets' GM job, was eventually passed over. According to Colbert, "He's earned it. We think he's ready." Fortunately, he's still here. (That sound you hear is a collective sigh from Steeler Nation.)

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Despite no minority coaches hired this offseason, Rooney says the "Rooney Rule" is still 'workable with some tweaking.' - http://tinyurl.com/ag549xv

Yet, one source says the proposed coordinator expansion wouldn't apply to new head coaches: http://tinyurl.com/a4mfnq7

Chris Rainey and Jerome Bettis: A Tale Of Two Running Backs

by Jayden and Jason

By now you know that Pittsburgh Steelers' 2012 fifth-round draft pick running back Chris Rainey was arrested on Thursday for the assault of his girlfriend, and then released that same day. It cast a bit of a dark cloud over the news previously reported that beloved former Steelers phat back Jerome Bettis was among the 15 finalists for the Hall of Fame. With respect to Charles Dickens, it was a tale of running backs.

It was the worst of times...

We're truly looking at a juxtaposition here in style, stature and abilities. Rainey has the potential to make the NFL his own personal pinball machine, sending opposing teams to TILT on a regular basis if used properly. The depth of his talents were barely tapped his rookie season in a Steelers uniform. Nonetheless, his mercurial speed, slithery elusiveness and his third-to-fifth gear explosiveness was evident. Even if only in flashes. The potential was apparent.

As is often the case, though, potential can be a dirty word. And with Rainey's troubles not going away, the Steelers decided that he must.

“Chris Rainey’s actions this morning were extremely disappointing,” Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert said. “Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.” - Steelers.com

Being that one half of this blogger team is a surviving victim of domestic abuse, there was an immediate, visceral and emotional reaction designed toward writing a scathing eulogy for Rainey. We decided to hold off, though, because we assumed something more may come down the pike regarding the alleged incident. We were correct.

Here are the facts as we all know them now. The Steelers will waive Chris Rainey, they can't until the day after the Super Bowl at the earliest and by the end of March at the latest, because of an "alleged" assault of his girlfriend. - http://tinyurl.com/bclhzaq

Then Rainey's (erstwhile?) girlfriend, through her lawyer, denied she was assaulted...the common reaction from victims of abuse. - http://tinyurl.com/bbty28l

What may be most telling about his release is that Rainey seems to have several demons, one of which is gambling: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/11/chris-rainey-had-two-run-ins-with-the-law-during-his-rookie-season/

So, let's run it down: in 2010, he was arrested and charged with felony stalking after threatening his ex-girlfriend, he lied to the Steelers organization by saying that he was over such things and that he'd learned from his mistakes, he previously had or he developed a gambling problem and now he's allegedly assaulted his girlfriend. Is there any wonder why he was released?

It was the best of times...

Rony. The Battering Ram. The Bus. Brian Urlacher's daddy. Super Bowl champion. Jerome Bettis has been known by many names over the years. It's high time to add another to that list of epithets: Hall of Famer.

Where Rainey dodges and darts his way in between defenders, Bettis bowled over opponents just as easily as ran past them. Appropriate analogy considering he loves to bowl and because of...well, his shape. Quickly named "The Bus" by the legendary late Myron Cope, Bettis ran roughshod over linemen, linebackers and safeties all the way to the endzone 100 times in his career, 78 with the Steelers.

Bettis was drafted out of Notre Dame into the NFL in 1993 by the then-Los Angeles Rams. He had an immediate impact on the league by rushing for 1,429 yards, and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year as well as receiving First-Team All-Pro honors. But, it was his move to Pittsburgh that cemented his legacy.

On April 20, 1996, Bettis was traded to the Steelers and hit the ground running. He totaled 1,431 yards in his first season in the Burgh, to go along with 11 touchdowns. A star was born.

All told, Bettis would pound out 10,571 yards for the Steelers earning him several Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. The Bus pulled into the depot for the last time in February of 2006. Poetically, it was in Detroit, his hometown. Fittingly, it was in Super Bowl XL -- shouldn't the NFL's best ever truly big back end his career in a game labeled "XL?"

All aboard. Next stop: Canton.

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TIDBITS: Maurkice Pouncey, the only center in NFL history to be voted to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons, has also been named to the 2012 NFL All-Pro 2nd Team: http://triblive.com/sports/nfl/3285328-74/team-cowher-pro#axzz2HtufPPmg

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Pittsburgh Steelers' official and resident Cap-ologist Omar Khan is set to interview for the Jets' GM job. If he leaves, be afraid...be very afraid. But...would The Wrath of Khan even fit in with the Jets? Mark Kaboly, Steelers beat writer and someone who is close to the situation offers his assessment: "Khan, the cap guru of cap gurus, will interview with the Jets on Thursday for their general manager job.

"While it will be a great experience for Khan," Kaboly continued, "I really can't see him fitting in with Woody Johnson, Rex Ryan and that circus. Khan is too classy for that, so expect him to be back with the Steelers."

"But eventually," he concluded, "Omar Khan will find a perfect fit and the Steelers will suffer because of it."

Steelers' Turnovers Result In 20-14 Loss To Browns; Good News On Big Ben

The Pittsburgh Steelers looked as if they were celebrating the worldly Jewish holiday of Hanukkah a couple of weeks early Sunday as they gave eight gifts to the Cleveland Browns.

In a 20-14 loss in Cleveland, the Steelers turned the ball over eight times (5 fumbles and 3 interceptions), and the Browns capitalized by scoring 17 of their 20 points. The last time that we can remember this many turnovers committed by the Steelers was in 1989...against the Browns.

The Browns' 20 points against the Steelers are their most in a game against them since November of 2007, a 31-28 Steelers win.

Turnovers, however, weren't the only reason the Steelers lost this game. There were essentially three things that can be pointed to as reasons for the loss. The first has been touched on already, and we'll elaborate now.

TURNOVERS: You turn the ball over eight times, especially on the road, and you don't deserve to win. The Steelers division hopes slipped away as easily as did the football did on Sunday. They went into the game having lost seven fumbles this season. They lost five Sunday.

Last week, various Steelers fans blamed the Ravens loss on the Mike Wallace fumble. I'm on record as stating that if a turnover that early in the game is the reason you lose, you're just not a good team. You must overcome adversity. That was just one turnover (of two on the night) and other elements played into that defeat.

This week, however, was different. This was inexcusable. All four running backs fumbled, with Rashard Mendenhall giving it up twice.

Mendenhall had this to say about his fumbles: "That's tough to deal with. Easy at that point to start shadowboxing yourself, I don't really get into that."

It may be tough to deal with, but we've seen it too often now. I've been a supporter of him in the past, but no more. He needs to go. His contract is up at the end of the year as it is. Just wash hands of him and send him on his way.

Although Chris Rainey fumbled also, his went out of bounds and wasn't a turnover. Isaac Redman has shown himself to be charitable during his brief career as well. He needs to truly redeem himself, as does Jonathan Dwyer.

If It Ain't Steel said in the Browns pre-game blog that the running back-by-committee has to end, and it does. Give the ball to one, preferably Dwyer, and ride that one out. How can a player gain confidence and get hot if he constantly is being shuffled around back there? But, they weren't the only culprits.

Charlie Batch threw three interceptions to take it to a total of eight. He looked every bit of 38 years old (actually a week or so short of) from the first snap. He was 20-34 for 199 yards and threw three INTs. Despite a certain amount of clamoring Steeler Nation to put him in ahead of Byron Leftwich last week, Uncle Charlie showed why he was the Steelers third-stringer.

In truth, from turnovers alone it could've been much worse. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, obviously upset at the post-game press conference, said almost as much.

"I'm surprised it was that close given the turnover situation," he said. "We were highly penalized, we turned the ball over, and when you do those things, you are going to lose. I don't care who is playing quarterback." - http://tinyurl.com/d35vvtd

With the offense playing the way they did Sunday, that may be true. Though the Steelers starting quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, may not have thrown the INTs that Uncle Charlie threw, there were still the fumbles by the running backs and Emmanuel Sanders, who had the fifth and final one.

Speaking of the injured quarterback, that brings us to the second piece of the pie as to why the Steelers lost.

THIRD DOWN: The Steelers were one for nine on third-down conversions Sunday. What was a plus for the Steelers with Big Ben has become a lost cause. One of three specific stats that we covered thoroughly in our 'Big Ben for MVP' blog. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/11/making-case-for-ben-roethlisberger-as.html

The Steelers as a team were just over 50% going into the Chiefs game. Before the injury, Big Ben had an NFL QBR of 121.2 on that down. After the injury, the Steelers are only 6-26 on third-down conversions. The two quarterbacks' QBR's on that down? Not worth mentioning.

In the 29 drives the Steelers offense has had without Big Ben, only two have resulted in touchdowns, both being set up by pass interference calls.

There was some good news to come down the pike, however, regarding Ben, Sr.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen relayed encouraging information for Steelers fans everywhere:

"The Steelers QB will begin soft-tossing the football early in the week to test his range of motion and work through the pain of his rare rib and shoulder injury, according to team sources," said Mortensen.

"Roethlisberger slept much better this week, a source said, even with newborn son 'Little Ben' in the house, and doctors have determined his rib has healed enough that he doesn't risk further damage," he continued. "Roethlisberger's pain tolerance and range of motion could determine whether he plays next week."

It's hard to type with fingers crossed...

Tomlin alluded to the third reason the Steelers lost Sunday.

PENALTIES: This has been a problem all season, but this was a day when the Steelers could ill-afford to shoot themselves in the foot.

The team committed nine infractions for 68 yards. The mental errors are ridiculous. Penalties while trying to make a play are easier to excuse, but pre- and post-snap penalties can make the vein in your forehead to become prominent to point of bursting.

Yes, there were ticky-tack and even bad calls again in this game, but you can't blame a loss on those. They happen every week to every team. Control your own mental errors and execute. The Steelers didn't do that Sunday.

Though many Steelers fan are jumping off of the bandwagon, the Steelers players remain optimistic that they can right the ship.

"We're gonna be all right, man. We're mentally tough. Everybody in this room. We gonna be together, we gonna fight for each other," Hampton emphatically stated. "Just like their defense got all the turnovers they got, we gotta do a better job of getting turnovers also."

He continued, "Guys will get healthy, but even if they don't get healthy, we've gotta find a way to win. No question about that."

He's right about that. They have to find a way. Without Big Ben, Antonio Brown and Troy Polamalu, all of whom could be back next week, it will be very difficult.

Difficult isn't impossible, though. As was related at the beginning, you must overcome adversity and that seems to be their mentality.

It needs to be the mentality of Steelers fans also.

As Larry S., a fellow Steelers fan and friend, said, "I learned never to give up after 2005. Look at all the teams who got on a roll late with a low seed in recent years. We did in 2005. The Giants did twice. The Packers did. Even the Colts had to win 3 AFC games. I never give up because if we get Ben back by San Diego, we can win the rest of our games. All you need to do is get in the playoffs these days. It's about who is healthy and hot. I don't like to get too high or low."

Well said. Because, is the season over? No. Steelers hold the last wild card spot over the Bengals, Dolphins and the Chargers. Get Big Ben, Troy and AB back and there is plenty of football left.

~

TIDBITS: Ankles injuries on Mike Adams and LaMarr Woodley is all that Tomlin said regarding injuries. Woodley said he got rolled up on by an offensive lineman, hence the ankle injury. But he said, "I'll be back next week."

~

NFL Network - Steelers-Browns Highlights: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap2000000100490/Steelers-vs-Browns-highlights

ESPN Sunday Blitz Recap: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8674954&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

~

Brandon Weeden suffered a concussion against the Steelers. - http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/59799/weeden-suffers-concussion-against-steelers

~

Trent Richardson: "That's the best defense I've played against since I've been in the NFL, hands down. Probably the hardest-hitting team too."

Steelers OC Todd Haley Says He Has "Moved On."

In 1940, a novel written by Thomas Wolfe was posthumously published called, "You Can't Go Home Again." The novel tells the story of fictional author George Webber who realizes that the unfair passing of time makes it nearly impossible to ever return to the narrow confines of your previous life.

Todd Haley, the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, would agree.

Per Haley, "I've moved on..."

When Haley was interviewed on Thursday about the Steelers game this week on Monday Night Football, questions naturally were asked about what he may be able to bring to the table when preparing for the Kansas City Chiefs. The normally outspoken and definitive coach was abnormally subdued and judicious in his responses.

Being that Haley will be facing the team from which he was fired as the head coach 11 months ago, you'd expect him to have some...interesting things to say about the Chiefs. No dice.

"Every game of the week is the biggest game of the year," Haley said. "This is the biggest game of the year as far as I am concerned because it's this week."

Good for Haley, but too bad for those of us who wanted sound bites. Nonetheless, Haley isn't concerned with rehashing what happened in Kansas City.

"I know the Chiefs have moved on, and I have a lot of fond memories and am proud of things that were accomplished." - http://tinyurl.com/cdpovqa

Look, nobody likes getting fired. Especially when it's done as publicly as Haley's firing was back on December 12, 2012. The Chiefs were coming of a 37-10 loss to the New York Jets that dropped them to a 5-8 record.

Haley was fired the next day. This was a lot worse than just a firing, however. To say that the relationship between Haley and Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli was tenuous or contentious would be like saying Superman and Lex Luthor simply had a tiff.

The Kansas City Star chronicled the series of events and the bad blood between the two men in an article back in January. - http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/14/3371495/arrowhead-anxiety-turnover-off.html

It says a lot as to why Haley looked like a homeless bum on the sidelines and in press conferences last season in KC - he was obviously doing it out if spite. That being the case, you might expect Haley to play the role of George Webber.

Instead, he has played this off a just another game and hasn't provided any sort of "bulletin board material." Players say they've noticed a difference this week, but he has shown no desire to tip his hat to what he's actually thinking.

Though there's been no sign of the fiery iconoclast this week, or this season, his former quarterback assures us that the fire is there, even if it is a slow burn.

"Coach Haley is a demanding coach," said by Chiefs QB Matt Cassel early in the week. "He'll challenge you. He's not afraid to get in your face and let you know and hold you accountable."

It's a side of Haley we've yet to see this season. Maybe it's because the Steelers are a better team. Maybe it's because they are a better-run organization than his previous locale.

Whatever the reason, he's seemingly content now with where he is and what he's building. There's no reason to look behind him. He's "moved on."

~

TIDBITS: Friday Injury Report: Marcus Gilbert, Antonio Brown, Stevenson Sylvester and some guy named Troy missed practice, won't play Monday night. Rashard Mendenhall was limited, but Jonathan Dwyer, Chris Rainey and Sushi were full participants. Isaac Redman and Dwyer should see time together against the Chiefs.

After participating in practice on a limited basis on Thursday, Marcus Gilbert does not practice at all on Friday.

Teammates are intentionally making Chris Rainey laugh so that he experiences pain associated with his rib injury. "Not fair," Rainey says. Regardless, Rainey says he will play Monday against the Chiefs: "If I can still run, I'm definitely going."

~

The NFL owes Ryan Clark an apology. First of all, it wasn't even close to a helmet-to-helmet hit. So, there should be at least a private apology. Will a mea culpa come? I doubt it.

~

The NFL fined Steelers $35,000 and wide receiver Emanuel Sanders $15,000 for him faking an injury against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Next time, Manny, do a better job of acting.

Steelers Get Giant Victory Despite Referees Interference

I have to admit that my partner-in-crime said she felt the Steelers would win. I called a 27-24 Giants win. I was wrong.

And I couldn't be happier.

The quarterback who had the ball in his hands lastly was the one I and many thought would win. That's exactly what happened, but it wasn't expected to be in a victory formation.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers to another fourth-quarter comeback victory Sunday in the Meadowlands over the reigning champs and Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, but it was Isaac Redman who was the true star Sunday afternoon.

Redman is the Steelers third-string running back behind injured Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer, but played like a starter Sunday by running roughshod over the New York Giants.

Redman was dealing with an injury of his own that had kept him out of the game against the Redskins, so it wasn't known how much he'd be able to run.

He silenced any questions by finishing with 26 carries for 147 yards and the touchdown that gave the Steelers a 24-20 lead with 4:02 left in the fourth quarter. Those 147 yards were a career-high for Redman.

He also ran right for a 28-yard run at the two-minute warning to allow the Steelers to take a knee three straight times and get into that aforementioned victory formation.

It wasn't as if it was an easy game against the defending champs, though. Especially not in their house. The Giants are a very strong team, who going into the game, had recorded two or more turnovers in their six victories this year.

The Steelers were able to reverse that trend tonight as they won despite having a "fumble" retuned for a touchdown and an interception lead to a score. Also despite having three punt/kick returns of 40 yards or more that didn't lead to points.

The Steelers pulled together, though, and played well in all three phases of the game overall.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said last week that he felt this team was coming together when speaking on how important the second half of the season is.

"I'd like to think we are a group on the rise," he said. "I've always thought that the eventual world champion needs to be the one on the rise."

They proved just that Sunday against the Giants, as Tomlin acknowledged in his post-game press conference. - http://tinyurl.com/bctoucn

Some are even saying that by beating the champs that the Steelers are contenders again. Like they say, to best the man you have to beat the man. The Steelers beat the man Sunday. - http://tinyurl.com/aneoavt

One thing that did bother me today was some...questionable refereeing in favor of the champs, mostly in the first half.

As a rule, If It Ain't Steel doesn't blame or bash the referees for ineptitude. We neither do it individually nor in the blog.

Yeah...have to change that policy a little bit today.

The refereeing was HORRIBLE early in the game. I'm not a conspiracy guy, but I did see a black helicopter or two over the stadium. It was pathetic!

First, there was a pass interference call on the ever-emerging Keenan Lewis. Terrible call! Look at replay! Lewis got a pass interference call for just touching him. It wasn't even enough contact to influence catch. College basketball referees even thought that was a ticky-tack call! Absurd!

Next, it looked like Ike Taylor almost had another interception. Oh, yeah, by the way, Swag had an interception. (I know, right?!? He did, though! I promise, check the tape.) Anyway, just as he missed the pick, Ryan Clark stirred Victor Cruz's salsa with a shoulder-to-rib/shoulder hit that was called a helmet-to-helmet hit.

TERRIBLE CALL AGAIN. No blow to the head! RIDICULOUS! Clark hit Cruz in the head so hard that Cruz had BRUISED RIBS.

Craig Wolfley, former Steelers lineman and current Steelers analyst said on WDVE that he thought he heard the referee say "I think I messed up."

YA THINK?!

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said: "Bad call [on] Clark but to be honest, his reputation is starting to catch up to him -- right or wrong."

BULLCRAP!

The referees have a job to do, not reputations to worry about. The only thing the officials could say is that Clark hit a defenseless receiver. Which Cruz wasn't. Terrible call.

Then Ed Bouchette tweeted this: "Bill Leavy's crew of officials not distinguishing themselves in early going of #Steelers, #Giants. Phantom fouls, bad spot now a TD?"

At that point I was thinking, "Aww...crap, the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl referee. He better at least kiss Tomlin....cuz we're gettin f*cked harder than Jenna Jameson."

Then there was a clip on Heath Miller, a hold (or three) on James Harrison and a questionable non-call on Corey Webster for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Mike Wallace. Wallace wasn't defenseless and he was getting up to run, so I'll let that slide for now. But...

"It was a pass by Roethlisberger, says NBC official consultant @RefereeJimD. - Pro Football Talk.

The Tuck Rule seems as if it should've been in play or maybe simply an incomplete pass as Big Ben's arm was going forward as it was hit by Osi Umenyiora.

Former head of NFL officials, Mike Pereira, agreed: "Leavy felt ball was loose after contact by Osi. Very tight play. I think he still had control. In my opinion it was an incomplete pass."

Even The Bus, @JeromeBettis36 on Twitter, chimed in: "I try not to talk about the refs but that was the worst call and review I have ever seen!!!! #BadCall"

This was all in the first half, mind you. There was nothing else to say except at that point, though, that the referees gave the Giants at least seven points in the first half. Terrible calls.

Deebo must've gotten to them at halftime, however, because things leveled out for the most part in the second half. It was actually the Steelers themselves who were making the game interesting.

On fourth and one at the two, instead of running Redman or running a quarterback sneak, they ran an inexplicable fake field goal that looked doomed from the start. I don't actually mind the concept, but they were killing them on the ground. Thankfully, it ultimately didn't hurt them.

At the end of the third quarter the Steelers were down 20-10. The real fourth-quarter comeback QB had them just where he wanted them.

Big Ben threw a slant pass to Wallace and Mike just used his speed to weave his way across the field to get into the end zone for a 51-yard score that made it 20-17...and everybody loved Wallace again.

It was the ninth touchdown of 50-plus yards for Wallace's career. It came at the right time too, considering he'd had another drop, his fifth in the last 10 quarters, earlier in the game.

Guys, you know that girlfriend you had who was either crazy or high maintenance, but you put up with her because she was THAT DAMN FINE? That's Mike Wallace. Fans will yell and scream, but that "Oh, sh**!" speed is a mighty big bandaid. - http://tinyurl.com/ag9d37j

A bandaid that allowed Redman to eventually seal it with his touchdown.

Statement win. One that could propel the Steelers back into contention.

~

TIDBITS: Antonio Brown was hurt early in the game on a deep pass. Seems to be minor, but he didn't return to the game. AB has a high ankle sprain. - http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000090320/article/injury-roundup-antonio-brown-darren-mcfadden-hurt

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Eli Manning threw for only 125 yards in one of the worst games of his career.The Giants were only 2-10 on third downs with Eli being only 1-6 on third. Steelers' defenders said earlier in the week they were out to prove they're still one of NFL's best. A lot of proof on Sunday. - http://t.co/ecU3KIlJ

~

Chris Rainey needs X-rays and could be going to hospital per Wolfley. He also said they had a hard time getting the pads off of Rainey because of a rib cartilage tear. More to come Tuesday.

The Steelers Remind Bengals That "We Dey", Win 24-17

It was far from perfect, but we'll take it.

For the first time this season the Pittsburgh Steelers found a way to hold on to a fourth-quarter lead and win their first road game. Overcoming penalties, turnovers, and an overall sloppy start, the Steelers (3-3) moved to within 1.5 games of the division-leading Baltimore Ravens (5-2) who were smashed by the Houston Texans.

The Steelers were plagued early by too many penalties and dropped passes. Big punt return after big punt return by Antonio Brown was negated by flags in what has become a running joke on punt returns. So many yards are left on the field and great starting field positions are surrendered because of needless penalties.

There was also the slew of dropped passes. Mike Wallace was dropping pass after pass and Baron Batch had nothing in front of him but weeds as he had the chance to put the Steelers up early.

Complete whiff. The Steelers looked discombobulated early and Steeler Nation was worried.

The Steelers quarterback wasn't, though. Not even after having the team's two turnovers. Ben Roethlisberger pressed on and finished 27-of-37 for 278 yards and a touchdown. - http://tinyurl.com/9phaefr

Those numbers could have been a lot better, but they were still enough as Antonio Brown and Heath Miller, the Steelers Digest Player of the Week, were there whenever Big Ben needed them. Big Ben's instincts and their reliability allowed the Steelers to again be great on third down, going 10-16 on the night.

It was something that Big Ben's head coach, Mike Tomlin, has come to expect of him.

"I hope that never leaves him," Tomlin said, speaking of that instinct. "We just want to tighten up some things around him."

One thing that was definitely 'tightened up' was expected the running game. If It Ain't Steel said in the blog that preceded the game that certain things were necessary, one of which being having enough of a running game to pull the linebackers up and make them respect the run.

Mission accomplished.

Jonathan Dwyer and Chris Rainey made Steelers fans nostalgic as they ran the ball down the Bengals throat. Dwyer had 17 rushes for 122 yards and Chris Rainey darted up the middle for an 11-yard touchdown, which was the go ahead score. Dwyer then sealed it on the next series with a big gain on third-and-six. It was victory formation time. - http://tinyurl.com/9w5fw9f

Two other issues that we said were needed for a victory were to confuse and hit Andy Dalton so that he'd throw interceptions and/or to be ineffective. Also so that A.J. Green would have fewer chances. Ike Taylor would have his hands full all night, it was thought.

Dalton was pressured. Dalton was confused. Dalton was picked. Dalton was ineffective. Green had one catch. Again, mission accomplished. - http://tinyurl.com/9llvdmx

In all, the Steelers were able to overcome issues that had been plaguing them. They found a running game. They were able to hold a fourth quarter lead also.

Most importantly, however, they were able to remind the Bengals once again that "We Dey!": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeQEjaoAma8

Bengals Game Is "Must Win" For Steelers; Woodson Talks Defense

"This is a crazy season. Everybody has a couple of losses this early. We just have to pick it up and make some plays." - Mike Wallace

From your lips to God's ears.

It has been a crazy season so far. Just crazy enough to keep the playoff hopes of a 2-3 Pittsburgh Steelers squad alive. A squad that has yet to win a road game, meaning that those hopes can be elevated or dashed depending on the outcome Sunday at the Cincinnati Bengals.

So many things are needed Sunday night to overcome the team's road woes and to take advantage of there being only two AFC teams with a winning record through six weeks. And there things in all three phases of the game that need attention if the Steelers are to have a chance to win.

ALOHA, MAUALUGA:

Most all of the Bengals pressure and sacks this season have come from the front four of their defense. Those being defensive ends Michael Johnson (6'7" 270lbs) and Carlos Dunlap (6'6" 280lbs), and defensive tackles Geno Atkins (6'1" 300lbs) and Domata Peko (6'3" 307lbs).

They are all formidable and have the majority of the Bengals 20 sacks, with Atkins (six) and Johnson (five) leading the charge with 11 sacks between them...the exact number of sacks of the entire Steelers defense.

That being the case, the Steelers should look to keep middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who isn't exactly off to a great start this season, closer to the box by running up the middle again on offense.

Being able to utilize an effective (not great, just effective) middle-run game will help keep Maualuga and the rest of the linebackers out of Cover-2 and it will keep them honest. That, then will also help to keep excess pressure from that defensive line off of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In doing so, the Steelers might also look to employ some 12-personnel packages to help Max Starks and especially Mike Adams who'll have their hands full on the edges.

Exposing them down the seam can be accomplished as can getting Heath Miller singled up. I also like Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace against their defensive backs all day. When they're in the Nickel, Pacman Jones could have his power pellets gobbled up very easily by Emmanuel Sanders.

It all hinges, though, on being able to make the Bengals respect the running of Jonathan Dwyer, of whom Rashard Mendenhall said, "he's ready," and Baron Batch.

I said that they need to run it effectively up the middle, yes, but not on first down. They're running on first down has been less than stellar this season. Passing more on first downs would not only help against the Bengals, but also against whomever they play until Mendy is back and completely healthy.

One last thing to consider is that the Steelers have addressed the issue of dressing eight offensive linemen Sunday night.

If Pouncey, who's listed as questionable, dresses and John Malecki is activated from the practice squad and dresses, there are your eight. We'll know by Saturday. The O-Line, as well as the rest if the offense, was addressed by offensive coordinator Todd Haley on Thursday. - http://tinyurl.com/9r33wwb

UPDATE: Right after the Steelers got a two-week roster exemption for the suspension of rookie nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu, which will last past Ta'amu's Oct. 24 hearing, the Steelers signed G Jacques McClendon, a fourth-round draft pick in 2010 out of Tennessee by Colts, to the practice squad. They signed defensive end Corbin Bryant to roster and released tight end Jamie McCoy.

Now, just days later due to the Pouncey injury, the Steelers posted to their official Twitter sight that they've promoted center/guard John Malecki to the active roster and subsequently release Corbin Bryant. (Ed Bouchette surmises that it means Pouncey is likely out.) http://t.co/0l2DY3dJ

TREAT GINGER LIKE GILLIGAN:

Who's the best quarterback in the state of Ohio? Ben Roethlisberger. He's 14-2 in Ohio (Bengals and Browns) completing over 63% of his passes, while throwing 21 TDs with a 93.8 passer rating.

I point that out right here because of one of the things that defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau spoke of in the Coordinators Corner link provided. The fact that Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, as both LeBeau and James Harrison said, he's "accurate....can make every throw out there."

He can, though, can be confused and caused to force passes - he has thrown nine interceptions already this season. Causing the Bengals to become one-dimensional is paramount Sunday.

When Dalton throws over 35 passes and the running attempts drop, the Bengals have lost. Accept for the opening night Ravens game, when their running attempts are high, they've won. The difference in the Baltimore game was that they were in it until the Ed Reed pick six. Then the Bengals had to pass more which opened the floodgates.

Confusing him has not only led to nine interceptions this season, but also to 17 sacks. Throw in that Benjarvus Green-Ellis has also put the ball on the ground three times, forcing will be very important. Not to mention that those turnovers and sacks keeps the cornerbacks from being beaten too often.

The principal part of that equation is of course A.J. Green. Green will catch anything thrown anywhere in his radar. He is at least top three in absolutely every viable NFL wide receiver category. He's the real deal and Ike Taylor, despite his protestations otherwise, will need help over the top. If not, it will be a very long day.

As we've already written, the Steelers defense ranks 31st in 3rd down conversions allowed, but that might be balanced by the Bengals being last in the league at converting 3rd downs. Sort of the resistible force meets the moveable object.

So, that highlights Ike's and Harrison's candid statements this week, with Ike's being a touch more skewed, about the defense needing to step up make themselves accountable. That will be extremely necessary Sunday night. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/10/james-harrison-and-ike-taylor-talk.html

SPECIAL ED TEAMS:

Somewhere Al Everest is smiling...

In kickoff coverage, the Steelers rank 25th in the NFL with opponents starting at the 23-yard line on average. Stopping someone for a change would be a great help.

They themselves rank 16th, with an average start at the 21.6 yard-line. Chris Rainey's return average of 27.0 is tied for 12th.

Drew Butler has a net punting average of 37.3 which ranks 28th in the NFL and has suffered a blocked punt. But, the Steelers won a Super Bowl with Mitch Berger, so I won't kill Butler just yet.

Antonio Brown has had a couple of great returns called back, and so only ranks 17th in the league with an 8.0 average. Stop the penalties and he could turn that around in no time.

Putting this all together would be the recipe for finally getting into the win column on the road. According to the site http://makenflplayoffs.com/, the Steelers have a 27.2% chance of making the playoffs as of right now, meaning that losing again would be the beginning of the end. That makes this a must win game for the Steelers.

So, if they are able to bring all of this fruition, I could still see a higher scoring game. If the Steelers win, it'd be a 31-27 type of game.

TIDBITS: Speaking of the Ike Taylor vs. A.J. Green duel as I was earlier, Steelers legend Rod Woodson was on 93.7 The Fan last week and, among other things, had some advice for Ike on how he could help himself to rectify his problems this season by simply getting "back to basics." (Yo, Swag, he's one of the best all-time and is a Hall of Famer. I'd listen.) - http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/10/17/hall-of-famer-rod-woodson-examines-steelers-defensive-issues/

~

Steelers Injury Report: Mendenhall, Redman, Carter, Gilbert, Troy all ruled out for Sunday. Pouncey is questionable. Johnson and Timmons are probable.

Bengals injury report: RB Leonard doubtful; WR Binns & CB Kirkpatrick questionable; WR Hawkins, LB Muckelroy, DT Still and G Zeitler all probable.

~

If you think illegal steroids and HGH don't exist in the NFL, you're very naiv...aw, hell, you're just stupid. The Steelers aren't any better or worse regarding these things than anyone else. It's something that exists in the NFL. Period. I'll let you make any further decisions on your own: http://tinyurl.com/9f3xzzm

~

Hines is a grown and single man and can do whatever...and whomever...he wants. Plus, the guy who tried this was just dumb. - http://tinyurl.com/976xv4s

~

On the flip side...a feel good story of Chris Rainey and the Pounceys: "Football gave me a family." - http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49476108

~

Curtain closing on Pittsburgh Steelers? - http://tinyurl.com/8tdbq8m

ESPN Video: Countdown Daily Prediction: Steelers-Bengals - http://tinyurl.com/9kledy7

A Mike Wallace Sighting, David Gilreath Looks Inviting

Stop me if you've heard this one.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat reporter Ed Bouchette and Beaver County Times reporter Mike Bires wrote Tuesday that the Steelers expect wide receiver Mike Wallace is in town and is expected to sign his tender soon. Possibly after the Steelers play the Buffalo Bills in Saturday's third preseason game.

If so, Wallace would have two weeks of practice before the Steelers play the Broncos in the Sunday night season opener, and it has people talking. - http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/53068/video-discussing-wallaces-return-to-steelers?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Note, though, that I wrote "if."

Until Wallace joins the team, Wallace hasn't joined the team. It is, though, good news if true.

While it would avail Wallace of some action in the team's last preseason game on August 30th at the Carolina Panthers, more importantly it would give Wallace and the Steelers time to resume negotiations for a long-term contract. As we've written before, the Steelers don't negotiate unless a player with the team.

Then again...

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review beat reporter Mark Kaboly posted to Twitter some time after that: "For what it is worth, Ike says Mike Wallace isn't in town."

It's appropriate that all of this is happening in the month of Elvis' death because only he's had more unconfirmed sightings than Wallace.

Per CBS Sports, Mike Tomlin echoes that sentiment saying on: "Like I said from day one (when) I reported to training camp, I'll see him when he arrives."

Mark Kaboly came back again with a reassuring vote of...confidence(?) from Ike Taylor, saying: "We are going to shoot to Davios as soon as he touches down and I'm going to tweet you as soon as they give us our tab."

Bottom line: when Mike Wallace gets here is when he'll get here. Until then, what's a Zoltan?

~

This was my reply to a Steelers fan and gentleman who goes by @ScottsdaleSteve on Twitter when he suggested that Jason Ford and David Gilreath, among others were doing very well and would all make the team: "Gilreath and Ford are camp bodies only. Dwyer and Rainey may cause Batch to be on the practice squad, though." 

As Lee Corso would say, not so fast, my friend. It looks like I was wrong about one of those. 

Wide receiver David Gilreath, who's 5’10" and 170 pounds soaking wet and carrying a brick, is a product out of Wisconsin who's been on the practice squads of three teams, Indianapolis, Buffalo and St. Louis. He may have done enough against the Colts to move himself into candidacy for the fifth WR spot. He's a special teams guy as well and could easily round out the receiver corps. - http://blogs.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports/blog-n-gold/35115-gilreath-makes-case-for-final-wr-spot?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Neal Coolong of BehindTheSteelCurtain.com agrees and tweeted this on his personal Twitter account: "We've officially got our Training Camp Darling...congratulations David Gilreath. You are the front-runner for the 5WR position.” 

So, that may create a solution for figuring out the 53-man roster. With Gilreath emerging, that means listing Chris Rainey as a running back, though it might be at the expense of Baron Batch. 

Listing Rainey as a PR/KR for specials teams would, yes, still allow him to be used in different spots of the offense, but the same could be said of listing him as a RB. He can easily line in the slot as well.

We at If It Ain't Steel had suggested a few times he be used not only as a receiver, but listed as one also. Coolong, though, made a good point about that in a discussion we had recently. He pointed out that since "RBs can't go on the [line of scrimmage] and WRs can't line up in the backfield w/o reporting as eligible." 

Very true. A great offensive coordinator, though, can scheme ways to get Rainey his touches. Just, as Coolong, "don't get cute and list him as something he isn't. He'll def play in the slot, but you want him out backfield too” 

Fair enough. Maybe not the listing, but definitely the utilization. Remember those Bugs Bunny cartoons where Bugs played all the positions on the baseball field? "Bugs Bunny, shortstop. Bugs Bunny, left field. Bugs Bunny, centerfield. Bugs Bunny, right field...." That'll be Chris Rainey. He just can't get knocked out by a wide receiver on kick returns like in his first return of the game. He needs to remember the words of ol' crackhead Ezal from the movie Friday, "You shoulda been bobbin' and weavin'!"

Mendenhall and Hampton Activated Off Of PUP-How Does It Affect Roster?

So, Jonathan Dwyer and Mike Adams come back to practice on this last day of the Steelers 2012 Training Camp, but Isaac Redman is still not practicing. Still, it's good news that...

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog for a special announcement: the Pittsburgh Steelers have activated running back Rashard Mendenhall and veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.

Good news for the Steelers to be sure. To start, being able to have experience and depth along the defensive line, specifically at nose tackle, is invaluable. Alameda Ta'amu has not exactly caused the coaches to gush and fawn over him. Having Big Snack back sooner than later only helps.

There's no doubt that Steve McLendon has been displaying beast-like tendencies in Training Camp and against the Eagles in the first preseason game. Unfortunately, though, there was no real confidence behind him. So, an earlier return of Hampton will bridge the gap and allow Ta'amu time to continue to progress.

The name that really caught my eye was Mendenhall's. Just seven months after his ACL surgery and he's off the PUP. Curious. I hadn't thought it possible, I admit. Because of knowing the body as I do, and because of knowing the history of the healing time for such injuries, I didn't expect him back before October.

Maybe more definitive than that was the fact that Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has said more than once that, because of the nature of the position and all the moves the running back makes, he didn't expect Mendy back before that timeframe either.

As Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette pointed out not long after the announcement, Colbert told 93.7 The Fan on 8/6/12 that "if [Mendenhall] doesn't open on PUP for the first six weeks, I'd be surprised." Bouchette even suggested that activating Mendenhall is a desperation move by Steelers. - http://t.co/eqNOQyuf

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's an act of desperation, but it is curious. With the running backs thinning out, the timing was just a little curious. More to the point of what I'm getting to on that in a minute.

Colbert was on 93.7 The Fan again on Friday after the announcement and he talked about the Mendenhall activation.

"As (Mendenhall) continued to work with the trainers and the strength staff, he felt and they felt that he was ready to take the next step, which is being able to work with the team and seeing where he is from a contact standpoint," said Colbert.

He said further, "You have to go through a three-day acclimation period, which began today, so he'll really join in the more active practices after Monday when we get back on Tuesday. So...the training staff felt he was ready, Rashard felt he was ready, and we'll see where it goes."

This, though, was the key statement: "Who knows at what point that he'll be able to help us, but it's time for him and Casey (Hampton) to take the next step and see where they are in their rehab."

If you don't know when he'll be able to help you, why not leave him on longer?

I'm not going to do a lot of speculation here. For now we know he won't be used, neither of them will be used, right away. We also know that there have been injuries to the running backs, so this will help to shore up that corps. There is an X-factor in this, though.

Because of the fact that none of the young wide receivers has separated himself, there is the possibility that Chris Rainey could be listed as such. He could be uses in a variety of ways and is someone who needs to get involved in games. I suggested as far back as the end of April that Rainey could be listed that way, especially since the fifth and/or sixth wide receivers will be on special teams anyway.

Bring back Mendy now and you have him, Redman, Dwyer and Batch as your running backs. Then, assuming Mike Wallace (y'all knew he'd be mentioned eventually) comes back by the end of Training Camp, you'd have him Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery and maybe Rainey here or maybe a Toney Clemons as your fifth (as I don't any longer believe Marquis Mays nor Tyler Beiler makes the team...though, that could change) and Rainey as your sixth. Maybe.

It's definitely something to consider, though. That said, we now return you to you regularly scheduled blog already in progress.

~

...both rookie tackle Mike Adams and running back Jonathan Dwyer were both in pads and back practicing. Adams wore a brace on his injured knee and practiced with the second unit. 

Isaac Redman took part in individual drills during practice Wednesday but wasn't able to finish, coming up lame during a workout midway through. Redman has not been in pads since. Redman said he hopes to be back next week from what turned out to be a hip injury: http://t.co/WDscU0ah  

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said that Dwyer looked "thinner, quicker and crisp." Very encouraging considering he'd seemingly had a love affair with more than one woman lately. Namely Little Debbie, Wendy's and the Dairy Queen. So, those words were definitely great to read.

Two things to look for in the second preseason game against the Colts: Willie Colon in his first game action at guard, and Adrian Robinson at linebacker. 

I'm expecting big things from him as amongst friends for about years now I've been saying he's more suites for guard. Looking forward to it. Also, I would say Robinson has a good chance to make the roster because of his ability to play special teams and the uncertainties right now at the position. He can solidify that starting Sunday. 

I'm going to end this now with just two words: Taylor Gang. - 
http://youtu.be/nWAGLkyxQG0

"Inconsistent" Receivers Show Mike Wallace Is Still Needed

"They've been inconsistent largely. We've seen some things that could get us excited, we've also seen some things that are disturbing." Those words were spoken by Mike Tomlin at his weekly press conference Tuesday when asked about the wide receivers after Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery. - Mike Tomlin Press Conference Video http://t.co/7tyQCCe1 

One thing is for certain, while the second through fourth wide receiver spots are set and regardless of what the depth chart shows, the only certainties at this point at receiver are those three. Here is how the depth chart looks at this point, along with the inclusion of Mike Wallace: http://t.co/2KleewfN

That said, and with the Mike Wallace holdout at two weeks now, a somewhat rhetorical and somewhat literal question needs to be asked: Does anyone even want the fifth and sixth wide receiver spots?

As Tomlin pointed out, they didn't exactly set the Chuck Noll field at Latrobe ablaze with an array of fingertip catches. Granted, catching the ball isn't the only thing a receiver does, but it's still kind of important. I mean, I was so frustrated by all the reports that I thought I should get ready to suit up. Don't laugh, either. I've been practicing, I'm around (1)4.5 in the 40 yard dash now.

Seriously, though, the players in question are the 7th round draft pick Toney Clemons, undrafted free agents Paul Cox (6'4" 205 lbs. 4.55/40), Marquis Maze (5'8" 186 lbs.), Jimmy Young (6'0" 205 lbs), Tyler Beiler (6'0" 190 lbs) & offseason pickup Derrick Williams (5'11" 197 lbs. 4.68/40 who played a lot of special teams for Detroit Lions in 2009-2010).

Toney Clemons has good size (6'2" 210 lbs.) and very good speed (4.43/40 at Pro Day and a reported 4.38/40 top speed), to be sure. He has been able to get open with pretty good route-running ability and his speed. He made some tough catches, including a couple where he used his size and outreached the cornerbacks for the ball.

Clemons' hands have let him down more often than not, though, as he's consistently dropped balls in practice. That's too bad because he does have a nice burst and is an aggressive pass catcher. Still, he epitomizes what Tomlin said about being "inconsistent" even more so because of being an actual draft pick. 

The preseason games, which start Thursday at the Philadelphia Eagles, will give Clemons the opportunity to rid himself of a reputation he never should've gained in the first place. A reputation which caused someone (I can't remember whom) to say that he may as well 'drop the "e" in his first name because he's dropped everything else.' Ouch!

Of the other receivers in Training Camp, the two who have the only real opportunity to make it are Tyler Beiler and Marquis Maze. 

Beiler is the bigger of the two, but Maze has attributes and abilities Beiler doesn't. The former national champion was the Crimson Tide's leading receiver last season is also an adept returner. The issue, as was said, is his size-he'd be the smallest receiver on the team. If it comes down to that, Maze being a sixth wide receiver, which is how many the Steelers generally keep, his future with the Steelers is on special teams. 

The thing about that is, though, the Steelers already have a smallish playmaker who could fill that role. I suggested that about a month ago, that Chris Rainey could be listed as a wide receiver, mainly because of the logjam at running back. Nonetheless, it's a feasible idea, one that was even suggested on the 8/6/12 edition of Talkin' Steelers Football. 

Rainey isn't an NFL established receiver, though. So, considering all that's been said, the luxury that is Mike Wallace becomes more apparent. 

Even though I refer to him again as a "luxury," that luxury affects the offense in more ways than just great speed and catching passes. A weapon such as Wallace has the ability to dictate coverage by drawing double-teams and shifting coverage by the safety to his side. It can also disallow the safety to jump routes as he has to respect the "Oh, sh**!" speed that Wallace has. 

He will do so in a Steelers uniform this year as well. Kevin Colbert said in no uncertain terms that Wallace will be in Black and Gold, that he will not be traded.

"Mike’s not available," Colbert told 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. "We have as big a need for a big-play receiver as anybody. We want him to be here and Mike wants to be here long term. So he’s not available.” An update to that sentiment can be found here: http://t.co/XEqdr9ou 

Don't misunderstand, it isn't as if the Steelers don't have speed at wide receiver, as Sanders is an official 4.41/40, Brown is 4.5/40 and Cotchery is no slouch. But even just the THREAT of 4.33/40 (or better) can cover over the 'inconsistency' of what else may be going on, or whatever else may be lacking on in the receiver corps.