Browns Present "Great Challenge" For Steelers; Injuries & Predictions

"It starts with [Jabaal] Sheard....He is a high-motor guy [who] is relentless....They've got the rest of the front four, which is a quality front four." - Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley

The front four and player in question belong to this week's opponent and oldest AFC rival, the Cleveland Browns. Haley is giving due praise to a defensive unit that accounted for seven sacks last Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. The Browns may only be 2-8, but they're no lame duck. - http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/11/23/cleveland-browns-not-a-completely-lifeless-foe-for-steelers/

The Steelers know that their longtime foes will be ready for them. They've been competitive in every game this season and five of their losses have come by seven points or less. The offensive line, responsible for protecting veteran quarterback Charlie Batch, knows this.

Steelers left guard Willie Colon was quoted this week as saying, "We understand this is going to be a tough outfit. The Browns are kind of like [Kansas City] in that their record really doesn't...show where they're at as a defense. They're playing at a high level." - http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Willie-Colon---1123/52c7dce7-8f45-4860-be0c-186ceb24edd0

"Where they're at" is in the bottom half of the NFL on defense, but numbers can be deceiving.

Jabaal Shear, mentioned at the outset by Haley, is a 6'2" 255-pound 2nd-year defensive end who is a long and powerful bull rusher who has counter moves and can wreak havoc. He's recorded 32 tackles, three sacks this year and many pressures. He must be accounted for and there will probably be extra protection to his side.

As a team, the Browns have recorded 27 sacks, 61 passes defended and 10 interceptions - all more than the Steelers (18, 57 & 5). They also have 21 tackles for a loss. As Colon stated in the lockerroom interview, the Steelers must "control the line of scrimmage."

With a 38-year old quarterback under center Sunday, this is paramount. In a recent blog I pointed how good Ben Roethlisberger is when under pressure. Uncle Charlie, however, isn't Big Ben and needs better protection than Byron Leftwich received last week against the Ravens.

In the 13-10 loss last Sunday, Leftwich was under duress, hit or sacked on 14 of 43 dropbacks, 32.6% or once every three dropbacks, and averaged less than two yards per attempt per attempt. The offensive line simply has to do better.

One way to keep Uncle Charlie upright is to run the ball effectively. Jonathan Dwyer should be the main man this week. Period. The "hot hand" mentality needs to end, especially considering Dwyer consistently shows he's the one who has it anyway. Running the ball as much if not more than passing it and controlling the line of scrimmage are absolutely necessary. - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8659960&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The short passing game is going to be essential as well. Uncle Charlie is suited for that and has a "new old toy" to help in that category, and might have another one return.

Antonio Brown made good strides this week and had a good practice Friday. Regarding playing Sunday, he said, "If coach Tomlin let's me. It's his decision."

AB might have to campaign hard to Tomlin in order to play on Sunday. Coach is being rightly cautious with his best wide receiver.

His wide receiver teammates voiced their feelings and thoughts on the aforementioned short passing game. Emmanuel Sanders, for one, talked about his confidence in Uncle Charlie and the quarterback's approach to this week.

“He’s very smart; he takes pride in the details,” said Sanders. “He’s done it in previous seasons, and I expect him to do it this week also.” - http://tinyurl.com/cwotfnm

Mike Wallace chimed in on Plaxico Burress and whether or not that toy would really be used a lot: "Definitely. We want to see what our new toy looks like. Our new old toy."

There is one place where that toy can step right in and help, despite cornerback Joe Haden playing or not. - http://tinyurl.com/9wkevmt

Last season with the New York Jets, Burress caught 10 red zone passes and seven were for touchdowns. So he can be a benefit in that aspect at least because of his hands and height.

By contrast, Steelers tight end Heath Miller is leading the team in red zone touchdown receptions this season with six, and Mike Wallace is second on the team with two red zone touchdowns.

No other Steelers player even has more than two red zone receptions this season. So, this is one area where Plax can help right away. - http://blog.steelers.com/2012/11/23/coordinators-corner-haley-lebeau-3/

The defense also knows all-to-well that the Browns record isn't a true reflection of their capability.

"Ever since I have been here, every time we go there it's been a fourth quarter game," said Steelers linebacker Larry Foote. "Their record at this point doesn't mean anything to us. We have to get a win and we know it's going to be a battle. We are going to get their best shot."

He wasn't the only player who knows to expect a battle.

This is a division game," safety Ryan Mundy said. "The last five games they have been in every game, very competitive in each game. They are a play here and a play there away from winning those games. This game will be no different. We expect a great challenge from them. They have a lot of young talent and they are coming together. Their record doesn't indicate how good they are."

Being that the Steelers' offense will certainly run into some problems without Big Ben, the NFL's top-rated defense (yielding only 259.1 yards per game) must continue to play at a high level. - http://tinyurl.com/bue8hcy

With James Harrison not being what he was, expect Browns left tackle Joe Thomas to be able to keep him in check. Despite his less-than-dominant play, Harrison insists he isn't frustrated.

"It's not frustrating," Harrison said. "I know what I'm capable of doing. I'm going to run hard and hit hard. But I know how my body is going to react. I'm going to give it my all, but I'm limited by what my body lets me do."

That leaves the other side of the line to be watched closely with LaMarr Woodley going against exceptional rookie Mitchell Schwartz. We could see more of Cam Heyward on the left side as well.

The pass rush needs to be better, yes, but the secondary simply needs to maintain. Ike Taylor and Keenan Lewis comprise a very good defensive backfield. Here is a brilliant breakdown of their play by ProFootballFocus.com: https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/11/21/analysis-notebook-week-11-2/

The safeties are solid as well. Ryan Clark is having another Pro Bowl season, and there was a Troy Polamalu sighting at practice Friday. Will Allen, who has played surprisingly well in his four games, wasn't exactly reticent on his feelings regarding having Troy back on the practice field: "It was a Thanksgiving Christmas gift. It was great to see him out there."

Troy practiced Friday and wasn't listed on the final practice report as "out" for first time since October 5th. He was listed "doubtful" after being limited in practice on Friday.

With rookie Brandon Weeden at quarterback, the Steelers will try to apply as much pressure as possible. Josh Gordon and Greg Little are definite weapons for the first-year quarterback. It is here that the Steelers need to lock down on the Browns and be as opportunistic as possible, as Weeden's number aren't exactly All-Pro caliber.

The Steelers have, as mentioned earlier, very few turnovers and sacks, splash plays, this season. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau knows they need more, they just need to keep at it.

"We like to take it away, we're just not getting enough of them," LeBeau said before the Chiefs game. "We need to do better there. We have gotten a couple turnovers the last couple games. We need to do more, that's for sure." So far, not so good. The defense needs to take advantage of the rookie Sunday.

Another rookie and the fourth pick in April's NFL Draft is Trent Richardson. He is a highly productive running back who has rushed 180 times for 670 yards and has another 289 yards from receptions this season. Containing him is important, to say the least.

But the key to not being dead indians again in this cowboy movie is Joshua Cribbs.

“Josh Cribbs has made a living hurting people,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said of the Browns’ return man. "Obviously, it’s going to be an element of preparation for us.”

The Steelers can't afford another special teams night like they had against the Ravens. Jacoby Jones' touchdown return was a backbreaker last Sunday night and can't be repeated.

The Ravens double-covered the gunners, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen, on that return, and there was a seal block on Ryan Mundy, and Jones then outran the rest of the Steelers special teams unit. A repeat performance of such inept play could mean no playoffs for the Steelers.

Cribbs is one of the best returners in the NFL with 852 kick return yards and another 330 punt return yards. He is specifically responsible for the Browns being 9th in the NFL in kick returns and 3rd in punt returns. - http://tinyurl.com/bu7cfvj

If he isn't contained, it will be a long afternoon for the Steelers. If he is, the Steelers should be able put together a win that is somewhere in the 20-16 range.

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TIDBITS: Steelers injury/practice report: M. Gilbert, J. Cotchery, Big Ben, B. Leftwich, out; Troy, doubtful. A. Brown, questionable; W. Allen, W. Colon, Z. Hood, I. Redman, S. Sylvester, probable.

Browns injury/practice report: Dimitri Patterson (ankle) and Raymond Ventrone (calf), out; Jordan Cameron (groin), Josh Cooper (knee), Joshua Cribbs (back), Joe Haden (oblique), Juqua Parker (tibia), Trent Richardson (chest/ribs), Ahtyba Rubin (calf, back), Frostee Rucker (shoulder), Jarrod Shaw (illness), Buster Skrine (head), and T.J. Ward (knee, ankle), all probable.

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Ben Roethlisberger is expected to return to action in Week 13, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. We'll see...

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Indianapolis Colts interim head coach Bruce Arians was open this week about what he feels his blessings are. For what was he thankful? "I'm thankful for the Pittsburgh Steelers letting me go to be here."

As Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette wrote recently, Hines Ward had some good insight into why Art Rooney wanted Bruce Arians out as Steelers offensive coordinator: http://tinyurl.com/c979xbd

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The Steelers will re-sod Heinz Field following Saturday's Pitt/Rutgers game.

Just What Is "Steeler Football?"

While looking over Training Camp information and getting ready another season of Steeler football, I thought of this topic. What does the title of this article mean to you? We've all said those words in some fashion, and there might be different answers for different people. What, though, does "Steeler football" truly mean?

For the people who make up the fandom realize that it's more than simply rooting for a team. We're a part of a greater whole. We are Steeler Nation. It's a nation with nebulous boundaries that grows day after day. In truth, Steeler Nation is worldwide. This whole country is our neighborhood.

For those, though, living in western Pennsylvania, raised in the Pittsburgh area or from the area of steel mills and boilermakers, there's a pervasive blue-collar, hardworking mentality. It permeates the entire area and sets the tone for its favorite sons. From Morgantown, West Virginia to north of Erie, Pa., fans work hard and they expect their team to also.

For that reason, maybe the minds of some fans automatically go to the running game. Names like Byron "Whizzer" White, John Henry Johnson, Frenchy Fuqua, Rocky Bleier, Franco Harris, Frank Pollard, Barry Foster, Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker all come to mind. The Steelers truly have a rich history of running the ball.

In fact, since the AFL-NFL merger, no team has run the ball more or more effectively than the Pittsburgh Steelers. The ground-and-pound, three yards and a cloud of dust, massive offensive line-led approach has produced 89,525 yards--no other team is even close.

Compelling arguments can easily be made for running the ball, but it's by no means the end of the story. Because other fans may automatically go in their mind's eyes to the defense. And the Steelers have a very proud history here as well. That is, if "proud" means pummeling its opponents into submission. Even in years when the Steelers as whole were less than spectacular, the defense made sure the opponents knew they'd been in a fight.

The defenses, in fact, have been so good over the years that they've earned two very different, distinct and daunting nicknames: the Steel Curtain and Blitzburgh.

The Steel Curtain, interestingly, was initially named for only the front four defensive linemen of the 1970s. Those linemen were Dwight "Mad Dog" White, Ernie "Fats" Holmes, Mean Joe Greene and L.C. "Hollywood Bags" Greenwood.

Eventually the nickname spread to encompass the defense as a unit and stuck for years thereafter. Not a surprise, though, with players like the Jacks, Mel Blount, Donnie Shell, Mike Wagner and Andy Russell early and Robin Cole late terrorizing offenses. Well-deserved was that reputation for greatness too: 1974-defense scores first and first-ever safety in the Super Bowl; 1976-the fiercest and most dominant defense not to win a Super Bowl...maybe ever; and 1978-then record for fewest points allowed in a 16 game season. They also hold the distinction of being the only defense to have a trio, Greene, Jack Lambert and Blount, to be the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three years in a row.

All-in-all, for over a decade the Steel Curtain caused so many sleepless nights for offensive coordinators that they should've been sponsored by No-Doz. Don't remember? Maybe this will stir the memories:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJXY_fgcUkk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The 1980s saw the legends complete their résumés for Canton and, in doing so, brought some rust to the Steel Curtain. It was an up and down decade that offered only two top five NFL defensive rankings: 3rd overall in 1983 and 5th overall in 1984. In fact, they wouldn't see the top five in defense again until 1993. Enter Dick LeBeau.

The second of the Steelers fear-inspiring nicknames came with a decidedly different tone. During his first stint with the team, from 1992-1996, first as defensive backs coach and then as coordinator, LeBeau was the architect of the Blitzburgh defenses. He originated the zone blitz--where a lineman drops into coverage, generally the area occupied by a blitzing (linebacker) teammate--and brought the fire back to the blast furnace.

After a hiatus, he returned to Steeltown in the 2004. Since then the NFL just forgoes formality and sets aside a perennial top five spot for his defenses. His units have been controlled chaos and have bewildered and battered opponents. Blitzburgh is back! -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlJd9BJUkVo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

His zone blitz schemes have made the careers of more than a few players. Principally among those are linebackers. Which brings us to the next argument.

The argument could be made that the Steelers truest legacy is its linebackers. If It Ain't Steel posted an article regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers being "Linebacker, Inc." You can't possibly think Steeler football without thinking of Capt. Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, the aforementioned Russell and Cole, Greg Lloyd, Kevin Green, Jason Gildon, Levon Kirkland, Earl Holmes, Joey Porter, and most recently James Farrior, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. Many teams around the league would salivate at the thought of having a linebacking history such as that...and I purposely left out some names. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/03/pittsburgh-steelers-linebacker-inc.html

Not only have the Steelers defenses instilled fear over the years as a whole, but they've also always had that one LB who just wasn't...who had just a little...who was, well... Let's just say they always have that one about whom my grandmama would say, "Somethin' wrong w'that boy. He touched." Does anybody disagree that Lambert, Lloyd and Porter didn't and Harrison doesn't just scare everybody? I didn't think so.

What I don't tend to hear as much as a definition for Steeler football is the passing game. That's odd considering the Steelers have had two great quarterbacks who've won multiple Super Bowls: Terry Bradshaw (4-0) and Ben Roethlisberger (2-1). Bradshaw's records as a Steeler may eventually all be eclipsed by Big Ben, but his legacy is intact. Beyond that, Big Ben is etching his own niche in Steelers and NFL history. Here's a piece If It Ain't Steel wrote where an article is quoted that compared Big Ben's first seven years to another QB who was 4-0 in Super Bowls: http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2011/08/written-by-jayden-matthews-and-melissa.html?spref=tw

Further than that, wide receiver is a position that may not be as deep or rich as others, but it is one that contains two Hall of Famers, John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, and one who'll don a yellow jacket in the future Hines Ward. There have been ones who've shown flashes over the years as well: Louis Lipps, Kordell Stewert (who fits in two main categories) and Yancey Thigpen. All made their mark on the team and the NFL in some fashion. Most importantly, they've been responsible helping the Steelers win.

Speaking of Super Bowls as we were before, let me remind everyone that three of the six game MVPs were wide receivers: Lynn Swann, Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. Which, I believe, brings us finally to the center of this gridiron maze: Super Bowls and winning in general.

Each and every aspect of what was covered in this article was intricate to the ultimate goal. Despite what Harris, Bettis and Parker have done in getting to and in the Super Bowls, the running game alone couldn't bring such great success seen over the years. 

As dominant as the defense has been, whether blue-collar tough or blitzkrieg complex, it itself would never have been able to sustain that dominance. It needed help from the offense. 

Although the passing game has produced five Super Bowl MVPs and numerous Pro Bowlers and All-Pros, they would never have had the chance to give us the beautiful game winning plays by Swann, Stallworth, Ward and Holmes respectively without the defense and/or runners setting up the opportunities. 

Pointedly, they are always greater than the sum of their parts. It takes those parts to create the whole that just keeps winning and winning. 

So, that's it right there. When you really think about it, wherever your mind may initially go when you hear those words, it's simple: Steeler football is winning football!

Hines Ward Hired To NBC As Part Of Their Sports Team

We knew this was coming. We knew we'd see that smile again.

Early Thursday it was announced that former Pittsburgh Steelers wide reciever Hines Ward will be a part of the network's Football Night in America/Sunday Night Football as well as other NFL-related roles.

Ward, who announced his retirement on March 20, 2012, was drafted in the 1998 NFL Draft's third round and played 14 seasons, all with the Steelers. He racked up multiple franchise records, including receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083) and receiving touchdowns (85). He was also a four-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time second team All-Pro selection and played in three Super Bowls, winning two. In Super Bowl XL, Hines Ward was the MVP with five receptions for 123 yards, one rush for 18 yards, and the game-winning touchdown. He was also the best blocking wide receiver in the NFL and an excellent route runner who always seemed to find the open spot to save the Steelers. Hines Ward was the real man of steel.

"We think Hines is a perfect match for television because he brings with him a unique combination of charisma and football experience, which he demonstrated on our Super Bowl pre-game show from Indianapolis," said Sam Flood, executive producer, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network in a release that was issued to announce Ward's hiring. "He's an opinionated personality who can draw upon his 14 years of experience, having excelled at the highest levels of the game. Just don't expect him to dance."

Along with Aaron Rodgers, Ward appeared on NBC’s Super Bowl XLVI pre-game show, and he was also a part of the Oscar's Red Carpet coverage. So he's no stranger to a studio's bright lights, which is where that memorable smile should be in the first place.

One thing, though, to anyone reading this who may know Hines Ward. Please ask him, since he's not in the NFL anymore and can't get fined or suspended, to level Mike Florio who is also a part of the NBC SNF team. I mean just flatten him. Tell Hines to straight go Keith Rivers on Florio. Like this, remember? - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPbraVljIrc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
That would make me very happy...and I would imagine it'd be great for ratings too. Don't y'all think?

Harvey Levin Becomes Twitter Majority Owner

...or at least it seems that way.

Harvey Levin is the managing editor of TMZ.com and TMZ on TV. If you don't know what the latter is, it's essentially a television version TMZ.com, a news website with emphasis on celebrity gossip. You know, yellow journalism.

Or, in this case, Black and Yellow journalism.

-- Aside: Yellow journalism is a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers or increase traffic to blog or website. (Ignore this article's headline, that was on purpose of course.)

This offseason has already had more than its share of rumors, speculations, incorrect reports and just plain misinformation. They have involved various Pittsburgh Steelers players like Hines Ward and his retirement rumors, but have mainly centered around the present and future of Mike Wallace.

Thursday morning brought its own fun when Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported that Mike Wallace wanted $120 million to go to the San Francisco 49ers. ~  http://t.co/gejrbxT5

Just like that, one report gets posted and the whole of Steeler Nation fortifies itself against Mike Wallace. Cue the Twitter #Take-A-Hikes and the Facebook Fond Farewells.

The virtual backlash was immediate and vociferous. Fans already had Wallace in another uniform and the Steelers going 8-8 next year.

I've come to expect that from fans to some degree, your typical fan knows a lot less than he or she thinks she does, but I expect more from the media. Especially the local media.

Nonetheless, the media, namely Ken Laird and Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, jumped right into the deep end with the fans via their Twitter accounts. This was part of their exchange:

"@Ken_Laird: If Wallace is thinking he's worth 15 mil per year, have to believe a holdout is coming. #Steelers"

"@ScottBrown_Trib: @Ken_Laird Can't see this ending well."

I felt like I was reading something from the TMZ guy with the goatee. What's his name? Mike Walters?

I mean, really? Has no one ever heard of "leverage?" So, no one has ever postured regarding contract demands? Stop! Just stop it. Wallace isn't leaving & isn't holding out. He NEEDS to play to be able to take advantage of free agency next season.

Honestly, it's hilarious how a report that Wallace wants big money shocks and dismays the fans and media. While I admit to tossing around the (slight) possibility of a holdout, I maintain that the probability of it is minuscule. Again, he NEEDS to play to be a free agent next year. Plus, if he were to hold out, he wouldn't play. No play, no pay.

So, to up and assume that a holdout is coming, and that the Steelers should immediately get rid of him and take the first round pick, is ludicrous. If you suggested this, please turn in your Terrible Towel as you leave the building.

BREAKING NEWS: Jason LaCanfora just reported that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just broke wind while in bed with his wife. Details on whether or not he gave her a "Dutch Oven" has yet to be confirmed.

Make no mistake, Matt Barrows is reliable. This report is to be believed. Lance Williams of steelcurtainradio.com had Barrows on his podcast before the Steelers vs. 49ers game and even stated today that "Matt does solid work." - http://t.co/fRwqnMeZ

Mark Kaboly, also of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, tweeted, "I trust his report 100 percent."

So, trust in the report itself isn't in question, it's whether or not Wallace truly believes what was proposed in the report or, as I suggested earlier, was it just posturing?

The truth is that Wallace will come close to getting those numbers in 2013, unless a long-term deal is signed this year. But it will be performance based: the better the season, the higher the asking price can be pushed. As a point of example to that, Vincent Jackson got what amounts to a two year, $26 million deal after a slightly-better-than-average season.

So, it will happen. And you can't blame Wallace for asking either. The question in this instance is, "From whom?" The Steelers won't pay him that much. Period. Neither will anyone else this year, though. A great player with great potential Mike Wallace no doubt is, but just not $120 million great.

At this point, though, Wallace is basically already under contract. Why then should the Steelers pay more? Unless, of course, it's in a multi-year deal that's agreeable to BOTH sides. If not, the Steelers would still have the option of placing the franchise tag on him next year. The ball is still in the Steelers' court. They're in no rush, and rightly so.

So, don't get caught up in the TMZ journalism. (Or is it TRZ {Three River Zone} in this case?) Because fan and media reactions can be scary. And "fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." And I don't want you suffering...

I Knew Fans Could Be Clueless, But The Media???

Dear Internet and especially Social Media, Tim Tebow will not be breaking news of his own trade via Twitter. That is all.

Folks, Michael Lombardi got fooled by a fake Tim Tebow account. How does ESPN put it? C'mon, man! Seriously, main stream media, first Hines Ward to the Ratbirds, er uh, Ravens, the fake Eagles story and now this?

Tim Tebow was involved in a trade, though, where he basically was allowed to pick the team to which he wanted to go. He picked the Jets. Denver has agreed to trade Tim Tebow and a seventh-round pick to the Jets for the Jets' fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick.

Cue the "Mark Sanchez is so fragile, this is a bad message to send" articles. They just guaranteed him $20.5M. Play better & get tougher. Oops...sorry, David. ;-)

The Jets agreed to pay half of rhe $5 million in compensation back to Denver that was previously in dispute in the Tim Tebow. The details are here: http://t.co/rOjkHvxO

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Steelers president Art Rooney II released a statement via Steelers.com regarding the Bounty-gate sanctions brought down on the Saints. He expresses his agreement over Goodell's decisions.

Rooney: "I think the Commissioner wants to send a message that we are not going to stand for this kind of thing. So in general, I think it was the right approach. We don't need this in our game. I think the Commissioner is sending a very loud and clear message here. Hopefully, the effect is going to be that we will get these kinds of things out of the game."

~

William Gay is going to make his decision soon about where he'll play next year. He tweeted on his Twitter account that the tour is over.

His tweet read this way: “@williamgay22: Pitt,Denver,Arizona, and Tennessee..Great places to play for but I can only chose one!!!! Blessing from GOD sure he will show me da way”

Gay has been a very good Nickel corner and knows LeBeau's system. I don't think he's a good starting NFL corner, but he is definitely valuable. I'd like to see him stay, but, as was pointed out in a previous blog post, he'd only be brought back on a veteran's minimum or qualifying contract. He's probably looking for a multi-year deal which he won't get in Pittsburgh.

~

Showing how obvious his teaching abilities are, as he's mentored and taught his teammate wide receivers for years, Hines Ward was offered but turned down high school football head coaching job - http://t.co/5oqC6g4G

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Offensive tackle Jamon Meredith, who was on the Steelers' practice squad last year and originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2009, signed an offseason contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today via Steelers tight end Weslye Saunders' Twitter account.

Saunders tweeted, “@Wes_Saunders88: Dang..looks like I'm the only Gamecock on the Steelers roster again. But good luck to my boy Jamon with the Tampa Bay Bucs!”

Good fortunes, Meredith.

NFL Network's Rich Eisen was talking today with Vince Young about the Tim Tebow trade. At one point Young was asked what he thought about being a quarterback who might have been targeted in a bounty. Young replied, "Yeah, it's very disturbing to hear certain things like that. From seeing the playoff game and Brett Favre and the hits he took. I even got dunked on my head playing Pittsburgh. Rodney Harrison dunked me on my head. You don't want to think that these types of things are going on, but as the news is putting these things out there, these things are happening. They must stop, definitely, because we don't want anybody to get hurt. Definitely the nature of the game, when you put your shoulder pads on and helmet, you have a 50/50 chance of getting hurt. If these type of things are happening, it's very bad for the game."

Profound.

Well, it would be if it had been James Harrison and not Rodney Harrison. Oh, by the way, Vince, the Steelers PREFERRED you in the game. You suck, Kerry Collins was better than you and almost pulled off the comeback. Harrison, who was one of three players involved in that sack, was fined $5,000 for it. Obviously, though, the hit affected your memory...

AND YOU MEANT THE WORLD TO US, HINES

Today one of the greats in Steeler history, Hines Ward, announced his retirement after 14 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  A tearful Hines Ward gave us, Steelers Nation, what we all wanted. That he will retire and remain a Steeler for life.

There had been stories put out there that possibly Hines could be playing elsewhere this season, but he also spoke about that and stated,  “There’s been some interest from other teams...but I just couldn’t picture myself playing in another uniform.”

He is also not ruling out coaching down the line. He has already been a mentor/coach to his young receiver teammates.  Ward said he had told them not to get caught up in stats. "One person can't win a Super Bowl" he said.   He also told Mike Wallace that there is not another special place like Pittsburgh.  I have to agree with him on that.

Wallace will not find another devoted fan base like Steeler Nation that will always have his back.  The old saying goes "Black and Gold until I'm dead and cold."  We as fans take that seriously.

Personally, I would love to see Hines come back as a receivers coach and groom these young guys.  He has been like their coach since they became Steelers. This would only help improve their overall game by keeping them in the right mind-set that it isn't about stats,  it is about winning games and championships.  He could also mentor these guys in keeping them in the right mind frame of what it is to be a Steeler.

Finding Leadership In Draft No Easy Task

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert spoke with Steelers.com on Monday, covering a list of subjects. Among them, the cutting of veteran players.

Speaking on the former value of released players Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and James Farrior, Coach Tomlin said, “Absolutely, these guys were very critical components of the transition. These guys were the leaders of this team when I got here (in 2007),” said Tomlin. “They were leaders within the locker room, and they did an awesome job of taking my charge and being great leaders in that way – supporting me in the things I wanted to do with this football team. So, obviously there’s a level of appreciation there that adds to the difficulty of necessary decisions.”

Of life without them Coach Tomlin said, "I think we have a window of what life would be like without these men, from the 2011 season." http://t.co/rwBZL8fz

With these men now gone, depth and leadership are certainly now in question. And because of these releases, the main Steelers draft needs have shaped up very clearly: nose tackle, offensive line and inside linebacker.

Finding players to replace them talent-wise is certainly possible. Even intangibles like attitude, football intelligence and determination can be quantified in order to be drafted. But leadership, that's a different story.

According to former NFL coach Tom Landry, "Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you're in control, they're in control."

That isn't necessarily something that can simply be drafted. Leaders in college football don't always translate into leaders in the pros, for one thing. But, more importantly, rookies coming in this year won't even necessarily make the field on defense. So, even knowing who might fill those roles is, in the immediate, problematic at best.

May the Steelers, therefore, pursue such a player or two in free agency? Not likely. Certainly, the Steelers have looked to free agency in the past, and with success. Bettis, Farrior, Ryan Clark, Kevin Greene and Jerricho Cotchery were all acquired that way.

But, is there any way possible the Steelers go after or could afford to grab, say, a guard in such as Grubbs or Mathis in free agency? Umm...no.

That means the Steelers stay in-house for now to fill these roles. Larry Foote takes over Buck (linebacker on the strong side and calls defensive front seven) and wears the green sticker on his helmet next year with Sylvester rotating in...with maybe Dont'a Hightower as well (sorry, couldn't help myself).  

Who else carries leadership roles with Hines, Smith and Farrior gone? Keisel on the defensive line, Clark in the secondary and Roethlisberger on offense. Roethlisberger, as Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review pointed out, is the unquestioned leader of the offense now.

That having been said, keep an eye on such players as offensive guard Peter Konz (Wisc), defensive/nose tackle Mike Martin (Mich), linebacker James-Michael Johnson (Nevada-Reno), free safety Janzen Jackson (McNee St.), offensive guard Brandon Brooks (Miami, Oh), running back Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati) and Marvin McNutt.

Marvin McNutt is a 6'2 1/2" 215 lbs wide receiver out of Iowa who has the work ethic and toughness that might just fit the Steelers style. He has 4.5 speed in the 40 yard dash and always battles for the ball. He started all 13 games at wide receiver and led the Hawkeyes in receptions (53) and yards (861) and was second in touchdown receptions (8). It will be interesting to see if he goes from college black and gold to professional black and gold.

~

In the same interview with the team's official website, Colbert said the Steelers are done cutting "for the time being." He said that, though they still do not have a salary cap number, "We feel good where we are from cap standpoint."

As was said in the last blog post, the Steelers didn't use the franchise tag on Mike Wallace. Colbert stated that they just didn't have the cap room to use the tag. Colbert said, though, the Steelers still hold the cards with Wallace in regards to matching any offer he should get in free agency.

"It will be our call.", Colbert went on to say. "He could get an offer from another team, but ultimately we get to make the decision on Mike (Wallace)."

I'm sure no one has heard about this, but there has been talk of a Bounty program with the New Orleans Saints. Well, Colbert was asked about that as well with regard to the Steelers. Colbert says they would never condone bounties.

″To intentionally set out to injure another player, there's absolutely no room for that in our game or any other game,″ Colbert said. "We are comfortable our house is in order in regards to bounties."

Colbert also said the organization does its due diligence in the locker room to make sure nothing like that happens.

In a non-related story, a certain Las Vegas resident Steelers fan and blogger offered $10 to James Harrison as a bounty amount for Roger Goodell. Don't worry, it's not illegal, I'm an unrestricted free agent.

Out With The Old, In With The New

To borrow from steelcurtainradio.com and the movie Cooley High, it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday. But, that's what Steeler Nation is having to do again today.
The Real Man of Steel yesterday and The Unsung Hero today, including Juicy and, soon to come, Potsie. Yes, Hines Ward and Aaron Smith have been released in successive days as the Steelers remind fans that this is a business. Chris Kemoeatu has been cut also, and very possibly, James Farrior is soon to come. (Am I able to lobby for Jonathan Scott also being cut? Please?)

This blog has spoken at length about the respect for Hines Ward. There are several posts on how strongly he's regarded. He is, quite frankly, loved. Still, this is a business. For details on him and his situation, refer to one of several previous blogs.

Regarding Smith, his release was expected and also predicted by this blog as far back as January. He’s been injured in four of the past five years and himself had pondered retirement, yet had to be cut nonetheless. His missing 33 of the Steelers' last 48 regular-season games should've been enough of a wake-up call to simply take his shoes off on the mat.

I say that with the utmost respect as I have referred to him as "The Unsung Hero" for many years. Because, as a fourth-round pick out of Division II Northern Colorado in the 1999 NFL Draft, Smith only played in one Pro Bowl, but the Steelers always considered him one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league. He finally did get recognition outside of Pittsburgh and Steeler Nation when Peter King named him to his All-Decade Team.

I only want him remembered for his play and his being a gentleman off the field and a gentle giant on the field. Known for being unmovable against the run, Smith is also 10th on the Steelers' all-time sacks list with 46. He's simply a great presence in the locker room and on the field. But, few see that. Unsung Hero.

Peter Schaffer, Aaron Smith's agent said regarding his release, ″No one ever wants to see this day come but we're not focused on that. We're focusing on the last 14 years. Aaron's got nothing but the highest respect for (the Steelers). He bleeds black and gold.″ Gentleman to the end.

On the business side of it, though, by cutting Smith, who's now 35, the Steelers will save around $2.1 million off of the salary cap. He was set to make around $2.9 in actual salary. The Steelers saved around $3 million Wednesday when they released Hines Ward.

That brings us to Chris Kemoeatu and his release. I can't see how this wasn't expected. I don't mean that from a talent standpoint, because he might just be the most talented lineman the Steelers have behind Maurkice Pouncey. But, if that's the case, he may also be, as David Todd said, the dumbest.

As I've stated in previous blogs, WHEN HIS HEAD IS IN THE GAME, Kemoeatu might just be the best pulling guard in the league. The problem is that it seems his head was seemingly rarely in the game. Pre-snap penalties and post-snap penalties and holding calls...oh, my! Tell me if this sounds familiar: "Dammit, Kemo!"

I still think Kemoeatu can be a solid player when not battling injuries. He just, thus far, has never was able to get mental part of it all down well enough. At least at his current price, which is over $4 million and about $3.6 against the cap, less his replacement on top 51 salaries. That, coupled with his playing, as Mike Tomlin once put it, "illegally", made this a somewhat easy decision for the Steelers.

David Todd may have said it perfectly when he said via his Twitter account, @hammerspeaks, "I'll be interested to see what kind of interest Kemo generates in free agent market. Much more likely than Hines to get signed IMO #Steelers." Exactly, "talented, but a head case" still gets looks.

James Farrior's situation differs a little in that he hasn't officially been released yet, though, it's expected that he will be.

Farrior's loss coupled with Smith's affects the Steelers in more ways than just bodies. There is a maturity and leadership loss also. The play calling and experience that they bring to the table is irreplaceable. Farrior is the unquestioned leader of the defense in the locker room and in the huddle. No matter how softly he speaks, his voice speaks volumes. He may be a victim of the money issues surrounding the salary cap, but you can't put a price on what he brings overall.

Would it be jumping the shark to make a Happy Days joke regarding Potsie and...meh, never mind. (I actually had time to erase this, but left it in anyway...sad...please don't stop reading.)

At this point, if they do release Farrior and don't then bring him back at the veteran minimum or at a substantially lower rate, they definitely keep Foote one more year keep and start him. That gives Sylvester the opportunity to see much needed field time on defense. Still, expect to see the Steelers address all of these needs in the draft.

Counting all the numbers mentioned regarding the players mentioned above, the Steelers purged about $41 million in salaries and cleared about $34.1 million in cap space, if my numbers are correct.

It's not a rebuild, either. They're reloading and retooling. This is a business. It's also a youth movement with the Steelers.

Speaking of youth, or draft, considerations, the Steelers have certain basic needs that can be handled in late April. The most glaring needs are nose tackle, offensive line, inside linebacker, safety, wide receiver, and maybe running back. So, I'll discuss a few potential members of a Steelers youth movement, focusing on what I feel are the three most important needs: nose tackle, offensive guard and inside linebacker.

DONTARI POE: Despite being just under 350 lbs, defensive tackle/nose tackle Dontari Poe ran a 4.98 in the 40 time. That was nearly a full second faster than Terrance Cody’s 5.71 two years ago, and just a touch quicker than the 5.03 run by Ndamukong Suh, who worked out at 307 lbs and was drafted No. 2 overall that same year.

To the very fast 40, Poe added a 1.70 in his 10-yard split, showing the short-distance explosion more common to a linebacker than to a nose tackle. But Poe did more: he also pumped off a Combine-best 44 reps of 225 lbs on the bench press, leaped an eye-popping 29.5-inch vertical leap and broad jumped an 8’9”. *whew* I can bench 225 lbs too, it'll just be four reps, not 44, so he is officially Mr. Poe. And I want him in Black and Gold...though, I don't think he'll last to the 24th pick.

DAVID DECASTRO: Offensive guard David DeCastro is 6'4 7/8" and 315 lbs, but with a relatively short wing-span. He is definitely a guard at the NFL level, but could be a very good one. He ran unofficial 40 times of 5.34 and 5.47 and broad jumped 8'2". He started 39 games and was a 1st-Team All-American last year.

Mike Mayock of NFL Network said of him, "Stanford guard David DeCastro isn't particularly long or fast from a Combine measurable perspective, but word out of Indianapolis is that he turned heads when performing more football-related activities on the field. From what I was told, he was highly impressive in on-field drills." I liked the "when performing more football-related activities" part. That's of greater import, especially as his Combine numbers actually somewhat adversely affected his draft status. He could slide to the Steelers.

DONT'A HIGHTOWER: Hightower, 6'2" 265 lbs, didn’t do all the athletic tests at the Combine, but he did run the 40 and clocked an official 4.68. He also clocked an unofficial 4.62, which is impressive at 265 lbs. The 40 time and the reported 1.65 10-yard split are indicators that he has the quick twitch burst necessary to allow him to play inside or outside in a 3-4 defense. Does Hightower have the coverage ability necessary to be a long-term 3 down inside linebacker in a 3-4? That is a question to be considered, but based on the Alabama games I saw and what I hear, I lean toward a yes as an answer. He certainly had impeccable leadership ability enough to be the captain of the defense, and was trusted by Saban to be the playcaller of his defense as well. The same might eventually happen under Tomlin.

We in Steeler Nation tend to hold on exceptionally strong to our favorite players, even regard them almost like family at times. But, much like the circle of life, we must accept that we eventually have to part with those advanced in years and welcome in those young ones who will bring us joy in years to come. Still, it still is hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

NO, HINES, STEELER NATION THANKS YOU

A sad day is upon Steeler Nation, we have to say goodbye to one of the all time greats,  wide receiver's in Steeler history.  News broke yesterday that fan favorite and great Hines Ward would be released.  I can't describe the feeling that I had outside of I could not turn off the waterworks.  Yes, I know I am an emotional female , but this really hurt.  It felt like I was losing my best friend. 

I say that because , Hines came to the Steelers when I was at the young age of 13.  Me and Hines go way back in my love for the Steelers.  People that know me on FB , think that I am only a Big Ben fan, I am a fan of Ben's, but I also have mad love for Hines.  My favorite of all time is Greg Lloyd, when he left , Hines filled that void with that charismatic smile.  When Hines came up from a hit and was smiling , you knew it was going to be a good day. 

I know all the history pertaining to Steeler greatness, especially , Lynn Swann.  But  when it comes to Swann,  that was before my time, and alot of other fans my age.  Just because I am younger than alot of fans, does not mean that I am not as hardcore and die hard of a fan.  The receiver I knew as being great was Hines.

Hines released a statement following the announcement that he would be let go:

"This isn't how I wanted this chapter of my career to end. I did everything in my power to remain a Steeler and finish what I started here 14 years ago. I want to thank the organization, my teammates and coaches and everyone who made my run as a Steeler the best years of my life. To Mr. Rooney, thank you for allowing me to play for one of the greatest organizations in the world. To my fans and in particular, Steeler Nation, thank you for your support and all the great memories. I gave my heart and soul for you every down and I will always bleed black and gold. I do feel that I still have more football left in me and I am looking forward to playing in the NFL, again, this upcoming season."

So that is why I want to say ," No , Thank You Hines for the memories".   There are alot of great Hines memories , to many to list actually , but there are a few I want to touch on.   We all know the type of player Hines was.  He played with his heart and soul, and was on of the best blocking receivers in the game. Don't believe me ask Keith Rivers or Ed Reed?  Or the leap into the end zone in SB 40 after catching a pass from Antoine Randle El.  Or him planting Cortland Finnegan for being a punk and showing him , that you don't mess with me.   So many on the field memories.  Gonna miss them. 

In 2011,  when the Steelers suffered a disappointing loss, in the Super Bowl.  Hines gave Steeler Nation another reason to cheer , and showed another side of him.  We all watched Dancing with The Stars and used all our allotted votes to secure Hines bringing  home another trophy to the Steel City.  He also showed that he was a darn good dancer.  

Hines is also known for his charity work and contributions to the great city of Pittsburgh.  He will forever be an icon in the city no matter where his path takes him now.  I, for one will miss him terribly, because for over half of my life , he has been the main part of the Steelers.  He has been the face of the Steelers and that smile is what made Hines who he is.  He never lost that smile, even when he didn't see as much playing time last year. 

In whole a friend of mine said it  best and I share the same sentiment and am going to share it. 

"For all that Black and Gold Blood that flows thru my veins, and the Steel that dwells in my heart, everything that for so so many years of life as a Die Hard Steelers Fan that has made me Steelers tough, today, finally, something has broke my spirit, this has such an impact, I cannot even compare this to the loss of a SuperBowl, a Playoff, nothing with the exception of the death of someone dear, and the only thing I can compare this to is, The Day, the Music Died.............HINES WARD, THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR DEDICATION, ALL THE GREAT YEARS OF BEING A PITTSBURGH STEELER, AND THAT MY FRIEND, IS SOMETHING NO ONE, CAN EVER TAKE AWAY FROM YOU!!! YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY ALL OF US!!! HATS OFF TO THE GREATEST WIDE RECEIVER..........EVER!!!!!"

Thank you Michele Ogrzewalski, for that, I said it is how I felt about it as well. 

So I will end this in saying , I refuse to say goodbye to Hines,  I want to say Thank you for the memories, and I will see you again in Canton.

By Cutting Hines Ward Steelers Prove Their Main Goal Is Winning

Any stockbroker will tell you, buy low and sell high.

Today, Leap Day 2012, the Steelers announced the release of veteran wide receiver Hines Ward. Steeler Nation as a whole is in mourning. But, it isn't a leap to say that it was the right choice.

Hines Ward was drafted in 1998 out of Georgia. As a wide receiver for the Bulldogs (1994–1997), Ward's 149 career receptions for 1,965 yards placed him second in team history. He also played tailback and totaled 3,870 all-purpose yards. In 1997, Hines hauled in 55 passes and scored six TDs, which earned him All-SEC honors in the process. Ward played some quarterback his sophomore year, and holds Georgia bowl records for pass attempts, pass completions, and passing yards in the 1995 Peach Bowl in which he completed 31 of 59 passes for 413 yards. He also received his Bachelor's Degree in consumer economics from Georgia.

It didn't take long for Ward to make an impact with the Steelers, catching 61 balls and scoring seven touchdowns. Ward went to bigger and better numbers, including six 1,000 yard receiving seasons, four Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl MVP and, appropriately, 86 touchdowns.

Not bad for a man missing an ACL in his left knee, which he lost during a bicycle accident during childhood.

I'm sure I speak for all of Steeler Nation when I say, Thank you, Hines Ward. We'll miss that smile.

But, as Michael Corleone famously said, "It's not personal, Sonny, it's strictly business."

When you start to look at the business side of this, it was the right move. We look at players through Black and Gold colored glasses. We embrace our favorite players, even love them. But, it's still a business and the players know this. It's about wins. It's about Rings. The business side of things assures we have the right players who bring us those Super Bowl trophies with which Steelers fans are so elated to pose.

Naturally, Ward certainly wanted to come back. He's been open about it. His statement today even reflected as much. It read this way:

"This isn't how I wanted this chapter of my career to end. I did everything in my power to remain a Steeler and finish what I started here 14 years ago. I want to thank the organization, my teammates and coaches and everyone who made my run as a Steeler the best years of my life. To Mr. Rooney, thank you for allowing me to play for one of the greatest organizations in the world. To my fans and in particular, Steeler Nation, thank you for your support and all the great memories. I gave my heart and soul for you every down and I will always bleed black and gold. I do feel that I still have more football left in me and I am looking forward to playing in the NFL, again, this upcoming season."

The organization put out it's own statement on http://steelers.com regarding the release as well, with Rooney stating:

"Hines has been an integral part of our success since we drafted him in 1998 and we will forever be grateful for what he has helped us achieve. He has meant so much to this organization, both on and off the field, and we appreciate his efforts over the past 14 years. Hines' accomplishments are numerous, and he will always be thought of as one of the all-time great Steelers. We wish him nothing but the best."

Again, thank you, Hines Ward.

But, Ward's numbers, as I pointed out in other posts, were simply going to be too high to justify keeping a 14-year veteran who can't play special teams anymore, would be a 5th wide receiver at best and who has lost a step. That's on top of the one he didn't have in the first place. Getting out now is best. Again, sell high to avoid losses.

As I've said in previous blogs, I'm no salary cap guru, so go to Ian Whetstone of steelcityinsider.net for specific breakdowns. But, let's look at those aforementioned numbers briefly.

Ward still has a signing bonus proration this year and next of $610,000 each year. So, right now Ward is scheduled to count $4.61 million against the cap in 2012 and 2013. They could cut his base salary to $925,000, the 10-plus-year veteran minimum, but the '12 salary cap proration amount of $610,000 still would add to that $925,000 base, a $1.535 million base salary cap hit.

Saturday Mark Kaboly reported via his Twitter account, "The pay cut I am hearing Hines Ward would've been OK with in order to stay with #Steelers was 2 million. He is scheduled to make 4 million." If they restructured and turned $2 million of his $4 million base salary into signing bonus, his 2012 cap hit would then be $3.61 million. To bottom line this, Kaboly also pointed out that the Steelers saved $3.39 million against the cap by cutting Ward.

Again, for an aging wide receiver who can't play special teams and would be a fourth receiver at best, it just doesn't add up.

There's growing sentiment that Ward is in for a rude awakening. There's speculation that he won't be able to catch on anywhere else. Mark Kaboly and David Todd, the latter of  http://hammerspeaks.com and @hammerspeaks on Twitter, said that "he won't retire. Never" and that "it won't end well" respectively.

It was Tim Hasselbeck on NFL: 32 who said of Ward: "This should be a retirement party. He can't run anymore."

Mark Kaboly even suggested that Big Ben secretly loves Ward being gone. That Ben is the unquestioned leader of offense now. But, that's for another blog.

At the same time, though, such a move is hardly unprecedented.

Chuck Noll cut defensive end L.C. Greenwood during the 1982 training camp. The Steelers cut Franco Harris before the 1984 season over a contract dispute. Franco ended his career with the Seattle Seahawks. Mike Webster was "retired", Bruce Arians can appreciate this, after the 1988 season, then played two more seasons with the Chiefs. Rod Woodson and Alan Faneca each reluctantly left as free agents. Greg Lloyd, Joey Porter, Carnell Lake...the list continues.

It's nothing personal, Hines, it's strictly business. It's about winning.

~

In other news, the Steelers hired Shaun Sarrett, most recently with Duke University, as their new offensive quality control coach.

Good...what's that?

He's basically an entry level coach, similar to a college's graduate assistant. They prepare the statistical analysis as well as the initial video study of upcoming teams. They chart down-and-distance situations, field position, substitutions, etc..., and then gives that report to the team's offensive or defensive staff when they begin their game planning each week during the regular season.

For more on the details of the position, follow this link and read Jim Legwold's column on it: Q&A: "Quality control" coach is entry-level position in NFL - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17198145#ixzz1nqUDI8bc

Will We See Either Ward or Mendenhall In A Steelers Jersey Next Season?

Steelers beat writers Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette have been posting comments this morning received in interviews with Steelers GM Kevin Colbert on Twitter regarding the future of the team and, in particular, Hines Ward and Rashard Mendenhall.

GM Kevin Colbert said that no decision has been made about Hines Ward's future with the team. Colbert that no decision made on Hines Ward yet, though it's no secret that the Steelers are well-over the salary cap and need to trim as much as possible by March 1st, per the Rule of 51.

Colbert also said, as I've stated on more than one occasion, there is a good chance Rashard Mendenhall (knee) won't be ready for start of 2012 season and will open the season on the Active PUP list.

Colbert further said that the Steelers won't sign any of their own free agents before start of free agency on March 13 as they work to get under the aforementioned cap.

Steelers are basically not counting on Mendenhall in 2012, as Colbert went on to say regarding this: "I never feel good abut ACL for a year." Especially with the injury happening at the end of the season, his recovery time would extend to approximately the middle of the next season.

Despite Mendenhall's injury status, though, Colbert says running back is not necessarily a need in free agency or upcoming Draft. Actually, the Steelers could easily enter camp with six running backs, led by Isaac Redman, battling for three or four positions.

On other subjects, Colbert says Steelers have work to do to get under cap by Mar 13, the start of free agency, and that none of their own players are likely to be signed before Mar 13, thus all will hit free agency.

Finally, the Steelers could use the franchise tag on WR Mike Wallace, according to Colbert. He, like Art Rooney II, said signing him to a long-term deal is a priority. It would also make the most sense. If the franchise tag is used on Mike Wallace, it should be around $9.4 million, based on comparison of the top-paid players at his position around the league. The Steelers could also tag him to hold him here while a long-term contract is worked between his agent and the organization.

Not Debating Or Arguing, Just Time For Hines To Go

Franco Harris, Mike Webster, Rod Woodson, Gregg Lloyd, Carnell Lake, Joey Porter...maybe you have your own example of a player you couldn't stand seeing retire in another uniform. But none has never, and may never, caused quite the emotional stir as Hines Ward.

I can't put it strongly enough how much I love Hines Ward. Check previous posts in this Blog. I love Hines Ward. The post, "Hines Ward Is The Real Man Of Steel" was a t-shirt I had made for me before it became a blog post here. If you know me personally, just ask my friend, Matt Vargo. Though he doesn't read this blog and who goes by @MVargo18 on Twitter, he saw the shirt first-hand after it was made. Plus, it had 12 reasons on it too, not just 10.

Not only is he the epitome of the Pittsburgh Steelers in how the game is played, how to win and lose, how to represent your organization and team when succeeding at other ventures (his whipping out the Terrible Towel upon winning Dancing With The Stars specifically), and, aside from a serious lack in judgment last year when allowing himself to drive while intoxicated, has been THE face of the Steelers for more than a decade.

To any of you who argue that last statement, by the way, by saying that Troy Polamalu has been the face of the organization, you're simply wrong...he's been the hair of the organization. But, I digress...

On his Facebook page this afternoon, Ward said this regarding his future: "I don't normally like to respond to rumors, but as I've said all along I wants to finish my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers." He went on to say how he is willing to restructure his contract to stay in Black and Gold.

Thank you, Hines. We'd love to have you back too. But, this is football. It isn't a university where you could be Wide Receiver Emeritus. It's the NFL, which, as Jerry Glanville once said (not-)so eloquently, stands for "Not for long."

So, I'm sorry, but that just wouldn't be enough. Here's how it works. First, the head coach has to decide whether he can be part of the plan. If not, he's gone. Period. If he can be, then they negotiate.

Hines is scheduled to make over $4 million next season, with almost $3.5 million counting against the salary cap. The minimum for him would be $925,000. So, IF they saw value in keeping him, the amount he'd be offered would something between the minimum and approximately $2 million.

Then there has to be some thought to, if they do see that value, whether they have any real use for a No. 4 (or No. 5) receiver who can't play special teams.

Finally, the recent restructuring of contracts has NOT put the Steelers under the salary cap. They've saved about $15 million, but still need to trim more. As I said before, just restructuring his deal wouldn't be enough.

Most likely what will happen is that the Steelers will try to bring back Jerricho Cotchery first. Cotchery is a younger and faster version of Hines Ward who will test the free agent market. He's someone who could get No. 2 wide receiver money, but who also has said that he likes the organization and playing in Pittsburgh. If so, he could sound Ward's death knell.

If all of this comes to fruition the way it seems at present, losing Hines would still be readily felt. He brings intangibles that can't always be seen on a stat sheet. He's a coach on the field and in the locker room, he's a motivator, and he's an inspiration to the still young wide receiving corps.

Regardless, when the information comes straight from head coach, which at least adds some truth to all that has been said, it's still a situation where the player in question seems to be out the door. It's a business. It's about Rings. It's a money play. And it's a time when I hope to God that I'm wrong.

Art Rooney II talks Steelers offseason player and coaching situations.

On Monday, Steelers President Art Rooney II sat down and spoke with Mike Labriola of Steelers Digest regarding the offseason and what that means for Ben, Hines, the salary cap and which other players are of concern going forward. The talking points of the interview will be discussed here, but the first part of the interview can be seen on via this link: http://t.co/IrrKSxvZ

One of the things spoken of firstly was the way the season ended. While the Steelers did finish 12-4 in the regular season, and were the only team to finish with 12 or more wins in three of the last four years, the early playoff ouster was certainly not expected. Rooney pointed out that the "goal is always a championship" and the Steelers fell short of said goal. He pointed out, though, that it's "not a situation where we're looking to tear things apart and start over." Further on the early exit he said, "You have to be careful about using injuries as an excuse." So, it's a matter of reloading, not rebuilding, and holding oneself accountable.

The next topic presented to Mr. Rooney was quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Ben turns 30 this year and Mr. Rooney hopes that means that Ben is only half way through his career with the Steelers. But, he realizes that his taking fewer hits would be good for Ben, and also that fewer sacks would be good in general, which, as he stated, is a responsibility of the offense on the whole.

Speaking of players' careers, Mr. Rooney said he has talked to Hines Ward and will continue to talk to him, and others in the organization, about his future. Mr. Rooney was not ready to say, however, if Ward will be back for 2012 or not.

One of the points of interest, and sometimes contention, of late is the contract situation of Mike Wallace. When asked about the restricted free agent wide receiver, one of the brighter young stars of the Steelers offense,  Mr. Rooney said that "no question" Wallace will be one of the priorities in the offseason. He also said of defensive end Brett Keisel that he is "still being evaluated" after injurying his groin to determine if surgery is necessary.

One of the things that the Steelers must contend with this offseason is the salary cap restraints and the upcoming Rule of 51. At present, the Steelers are about $25 million over the cap. Per Mr. Rooney, it's "probably as big an issue as we've had to face" in reference to past cap issues. On how the cap issues affect the roster, he said: "There will be tough decisions." Keep on the watch starting March 1st, Steelers fans.

As other points of interest, Mr. Rooney said that he expects his father, Dan Rooney, to step down as Irish Ambassador and rejoin the Steelers in 2012, and that the Steelers will add 3,000 seats to Heinz Field after the 2012 season.

Although he cannot yet say which Steelers might retire or not be back,
Mr. Rooney did say a few Steelers coaches are also thinking about retirement. A point which possibly came to fruition this evening as Gerry Dulac of the Post-Gazette reported that Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians may not return in 2012. http://t.co/KIuqBwCK

Mr. Rooney was fairly candid in all he had to say regarding the Steelers and even stated that the team will be wearing new throwback uniforms in two home games in 2012 as part of a celebration of its 80th NFL season. As a part of the celebration of the NFL's 75 anniversary in 1994, the Steelers wore the old Pirates' striped jerseys. Will they be similar to those? Most likely not. The speculation is that the new throwbacks will be the "Batman" jerseys from the mid-to-late 60's. Appropriate, if so, considering The Dark Knight Rises, the newest Batman movie, was partly filmed in Pittsburgh and has scenes with Steelers players and at Heinz Field. Here is what that uniform looks like: http://t.co/moDDuWzz

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: It has been announced by the organization that the Steelers have signed 10 players to futures contracts: OG John Malecki, TE Jamie McCoy, OT Chris Scott, OT Trevis Turner, DT Corbin Bryant (all of whom re-signed with the team after spending 2011 on the Practice Squad), QB Jerrod Johnson, DL Mike Blanc, DT Kade Weston, CB Marshall McFadden and DB Antonio Smith.

The 2012 Salary Cap May Be The Steelers Toughest Opponent

The Steelers 2011 season ended abruptly on January 8th and, for all intents and purposes, the 2012 season began. After going 12-4 for the third time in four seasons, an accomplishment unmatched by any other team in that period, the Steelers and their fans had high aspirations going into the post-season. Those aspirations, according to running back Isaac Redman, "got Tebowed."

Now the Steelers organization must look ahead to next season with several questions needing to be answered: Will Rashard Mendenhall and Max Starks be ready for the start of training camp? Will Chris Hoke, Aaron Smith and/or Hines Ward retire? Will there be salary cap room for the likes of James Farrior and Larry Foote, especially with consideration of the Rule of 51? How will they handle the contract of Casey Hampton considering what he is due to make next season? How will the questions surrounding the offensive line, including Willie Colon and the role Starks' injury will play, be answered? What about backup quarterback? Do the Steelers look for a future successor this year?

Several questions indeed. And I haven't even addressed anything NFL Draft related. I didn't mention free agency either. I mean that more so, though, from the standpoint of whom we could lose as opposed to whom we could possibly gain.

One thing that has been seen is that the Steelers have already started to put together the offseason roster. The Steelers signed practice squad players tight end Jamie McCoy, offensive lineman John Malecki and defensive end Corbin Bryant to three-year Futures contracts. I had John Malecki penned to this blog's final 53-man roster/practice squad prediction at the start of the season and all three did actually start the season on the practice squad. Bryant did actually see the 53-man roster once this past season, but was released the next week and re-signed to the practice squad once he cleared waivers. Also signed were tackle Trevis Turner, defensive back/special teamer Anthony Madison, wide receiver Jimmy Young, defensive tackle Kade Weston and quarterback Jerrod Johnson.

Regarding the items discussed in the beginning, there are many things to be considered moving forward. And the salary cap is what determines most of them.

The most immediate issue is Rule of 51 compliance, i.e having their top 51 salaries at or under the $125 million salary cap by the beginning of March. Being that the Steelers are still almost $20 million over the cap, this means there will be several cuts. Just to be clear, there are 44 players under contract for 2012 and the Steelers still need to fill the offseason 80-man roster. Plus, they have to tender their restricted and exclusive rights free agents as well. Several cuts. So, what does that mean for our beloved Steelers? Will those names we've come to depend upon be deleted by March 1st? How many will we see deleted by June 1st? More than we may realize may be gone sooner than later. Some of them may be brought back, but even that might be problematic.

Let's just go ahead, then, and look at the most likely roster moves with regard to contracts, age and health:

Casey Hampton - Big Snack will count about $8 million against the cap, he will be 35 and he has a torn ACL which was suffered in the playoff game against the Broncos. This one is a touch complex as Hampton is supposedly due a $1 million roster bonus in March. Might the Steelers come to some form of injury settlement with him to avoid this? They could save around $6 million with a conventional release before the paying of the bonus, so his knee injury plays heavily into this. Regardless, because of the contract situation and the injury he sustained, the best option may just be to eat the roster bonus, cut him by June 1st and then sign him back but at a substantially lower amount. But, that's just me...it isn't my money.

Hines Ward - We will absolutely know by March 1st how this scenario will unfold. Hines will by no means be back next year at the over $4.5 million he's currently due. It simply won't happen. He said he wants to play another year and would take a pay cut to do so. If so, the Steelers would have to completely tear up the current deal, cut him and then sign him back to some sort of veteran minimum contract. Hines is a no. 4 or 5 receiver anymore and his real role(s) would be locker room leader, receivers mentor and coach-on-the-field. Is that feasible? Look, I'm one of the biggest Hines Ward fans there is, check this blog for the articles written about him, but even I realize it may be time for him to simple hang up his cleats.

Chris Kemoeatu - Big Juicy was a big pain most of the season. His erratic play, stupid post-snap penalties, knee problems and $5 million cap hit will almost certainly sign his walking papers. I said in this blog in the aforementioned final 53-man roster prediction that when his head is in the game he is one of the best pulling guards in the game. I stand by that. There game film to prove that. But, his head just isn't seemingly in the game nearly enough. He was demoted during the season because of it. The next demotion will be off of the team. The question is when it'll happen. Because I do believe he would actually would save the Steelers more money if he is cut by June 1st as opposed to March 1st. So, keep your eyes open regarding this one.

James Farrior - This is a tough one, not just because I really like Potsie, but because of the lack of experience behind him. He would count around $3.8 million against the salary cap, but the Steelers could save over $2.75 million if they cut him by March 1st and re-sign him to the veteran minimum or so. Something has to figured out here so that Stevenson Sylvester can learn from Potsie as Sly assumes a bigger role throughout the season. Something similar could be said about Foote with regard to this, though. With that being said...

Larry Foote - Foote is right there with Farrior. He counts over $3.5 million against the cap and that simply won't happen. He'll need to restructure in order to be in Black and Gold next year, At the same time, though, he's only 32 while Potsie is 37. Will that play into which of them stays?

Jonathan Scott - Can I simply say, "Goodbye, JScott?" Please. Seriously, he gets rolled up more than Zig-Zags. Ben probably has nightmares because of this guy. This is $2.7 million the Steelers could better spend on...well, anyone.

Aaron Smith - The Unsung Hero. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Aaron Smith. There isn't anything bad that I can say about him. But, it's time to ride off into the sunset. His contract was restructured this year so that room could be made for the signing of Max Starks. So, he'll count almost $3 million against the cap. That won't happen, especially not after neck surgery. Thank you, Aaron, for all you did for the Steel.

Chris Hoke - He had the same surgery that Aaron Smith had and is in basically ths same boat as Aaron. It's time to part ways here also.

Bryant McFadden - I said at the beginning of the season that BMac wouldn't see a Steelers uniform next year unless it was from the other side of the line of scrimmage. I stand by that. He was demoted to special teams shortly after the season started, and for good reason: he got burned more than MJ in that 1984 Pepsi commercial. The guy is marginal at best. He's due $2.5 million against the cap and that's free money at this point. The Steelers could always bring him back for the veteran minimum at the start of camp for depth and special teams, but I hope not.

There you have it: the offseason, for the most part, in a nutshell. At least from the viewpoint of the salary cap situation. Not much to consider, is it? Now, about the NFL Draft...

Hines Ward is the REAL Man of Steel

1- Unlike Superman, HINES WARD has no weakness.

2- HINES WARD hasn't actually had to run all those yards in scoring his 84 touchdowns. Sometimes he charmed the endzone closer. Even the endzone likes his smile.

3- With all due respect to Newton's 3rd Law, there is no equal or opposite reaction to HINES WARD block.

4- Superman wears HINES WARD pajamas.

5- Three Rivers stadium wasn't actually imploded, it was leveled by a HINES WARD crushing block.

6- When Heinz Field opened in 2001 and it was realized they misspelled his name, HINES WARD graciously allowed the name to remain. He simply takes it out on opponents each sunday.

7- The sound of  a HINES WARD blindside block can even be heard in the void of outer space...where he dances with the stars.

8- Superman may be able to fly, but HINES WARD can ground him with one of his signature blocks.

9- There are 4 forms of legal execution in the U.S.: lethal injection, gas chamber, electric chair and a HINES WARD devastating block.

10- P.E.T.A. once wanted to use HINES WARD as a spokesman. That is until they saw what he does to ravens, dawgs and bengals on a regular basis.

BEN AND THE GANG IMPRESS IN GAME 2 OF THE PRESEASON

Last night the Steelers played their second preseason game. They played the self appointed "Dream Team" of the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles. Well what I saw was a repeat of the NBA finals and the, you know, other "Dream Team" getting exposed.  

The Steelers went from looking like hot garbage to looking like a contender again. Coach Mike Tomlin, after last week's loss, went off on the guys and they responded to the call.  We had to listen to the talking heads all week saying that Michael Vick was better than Ben Roethlisberger, Philly was the team to beat, and so on and so forth. As a Steelers fan I am used to the skepticism of my team. But once again, as a Steelers fan, I was left a happy camper over the way my team responded.

First off I will address the Vick is better than Big Ben talk, which Big Ben pretty well squashed on his own last night. For one, what has Vick, done to deserve all this hype? Yes, he is a good player. One who came back from disgrace and had a good season. But so did Big Ben. I mean was Big Ben not suspended for four games and came back and led his team to another SB? Vick, on the other hand, made an early exit at the hands of the current champs. So there you go.

But still, Ben isn't all that great. Well as a fan ,again, I am used to it but it makes me furious. So now I am going to be Nancy Grace, so to speak, and defend a wronged  person.That wronged person would be Ben Roethlisberger.

The talking heads have always done this to Big Ben and have never given him the accolades he deserves. They seem to forget the fact that in seven seasons Ben has been to 3 Super Bowls and has won 2 of them. He has the highest playoff win percentage of current quarterbacks, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees and Philip Rivers. You know, the other QBs the talking heads love to love. He played in 12 games last season and still had very impressive stats. I have to believe that, if he had played all 16 games, he would have been right up there with all the other media-appointed greats. Even though he lost in the SB, with the Steelers having turned the ball over 3 times, Big Ben was still only within six points of winning a third SB and tying Tom Brady in that department. But that will come. I have a feeling Big Ben will not only tie Brady , he will pass him and another Steelers QB in that category. Just sayin.

Last night Big Ben, being the champion he is, came out and made the so-called experts look foolish once again.  He had a great showing, even after taking a hit to the knees that should have been flagged and was not. (Shocking, I know). Ben threw for 2 TDs and had no turnovers. He even ran the ball effectively to get out of a jam and did that scrambling, moving, shaking and making something happen when the play breaks down thing he does so well. You know, what the talking heads love to hate and bag on the guy for. He also had a passer rating of 140.6 to end the night, giving me and other Steeler fans that satisfaction of being proud he is our QB.  I know that Big Ben's style of play isn't worthy of making him a fantasy darling or anything like that, but, the last time I checked, fantasy stats do not win Championships. Big Ben and his style have. 

Now Vick on the other hand had, let's just say, not so good of a showing. He threw for 3 INTS and no TDs. So he is better than Ben, huh? Just to throw it out there, Vick is 2-4 in the playoffs. Big Ben is 10-3. So how is Vick better again?   

Again I will say it, Vick did have a good season last year and impressed a lot of people. Even getting him into the MVP talks, an honor which Tom Brady earned and won.  But is Vick better than Big Ben? I don't think so. Not yet anyway. 

So before you go appointing him the best or even better than any other QB who has proven their worth, let him do...something.  Let's see if he can come out and have another such season. Let him take another team to the playoffs and past the first round. If last night was any indication, and I know this is just preseason where teams look to work out the bugs, then frankly I wasn't impressed at all. Yes, he had a good showing against the Ravens D, but, then, maybe the Ravens aren't as good as people would like to believe either. But that is a whole other blog, not going there right now. But I will be addressing it, I am sure, as the season moves along.  

The so-called experts already have the self-proclaimed "Dream Team" winning the SB this year, which is ridiculous. There are other noteworthy teams out there, including the reigning champs, that deserve that hype as well. All you hear about on the Steelers is they will have the SB hangover and how hard it is to get back after losing, again bagging on the Steelers any chance they get.

Now since I have that off my chest, on to the other highlights of the game. Antonio Brown once again impressed.  He has been one those jewels that Kevin Colbert and Co. seem to find that comes up big for the Steelers. That kid is straight up ballin' and making his mark. They are also showing other teams around the league that the speedster Mike Wallace is not the only Steelers receiver that you are going to have account for. Brown also had an impressive end zone dance after his TD. Then the real man of Steel, Hines Ward, got in on the action and showed that, yes , he's still got game too, and you very well better account for him. And on a side note his dance at the end of his catch showed why he is also the Champ of Dancing with the Stars and me and my panel gave him 10's across the board. Mendy and Redzone Redman also had impressive showings. Newly acquired receiver Jerricho Cotchery also got in on the action with an impressive catch from Leftwich for 29 yards and showed that we have another weapon for Ben to work with. Underrated TE Heath Miller even had an impressive catch and Arnaz Battle made an impression with some of his catches.  The only sore spot was the O-line. The injury bug hit once again for them. Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert both went out with injuries and are making O-line coach Kugler earn his money once again this season. So if they get that issue corrected and keep Ben vertical, he has all the weapons to conten and even light up the scoreboard if needed.  

Now onto our awesome Defense. Once again they impressed, Clark, Lewis and Troy came up with INTs and the line was in the quarterback's faces all night. They showed that they may be old, as the talking heads have been saying, but they have not missed a step. The first team completely dominated this game. So if that is what we get all season, I will take them old fellas any day of the week and twice on Sunday.  

All in all after their showing against the Redskins, and, yes, they looked horrible, they have made the necessary adjustments to get things corrected as they always do and will only improve. So this fan is pumped up for the season ahead! I see big things for our underrated QB and our old defense.