Jason Worilds vs. Jarvis Jones: The Answer To Whom Should Start For The Steelers

The spoils of victory. The Pittsburgh Steelers are used to receiving them, just as they used to being victorious. But the 2012 Steelers were neither a Super Bowl contestant, nor were they a double-digit win team, but just a .500 ball club. A ball club looking for answers and an identity.

Among those answers they're searching for is who will replace ("succeed" would be a more accurate word) James Harrison at right outside linebacker. On one side is fourth-year player Jason Worilds, while on the other is first-round draft pick Jarvis Jones. There are debits and credits to each players' game, but only one can start week one.

Conventional wisdom would seem to dictate that Worilds is naturally the shoe-in for starter as he's been in the system longer. After all, he has been named by head coach Mike Tomlin as the starter to open Training Camp. But don't read much into that, into players being named as starters at start of camp. It's mainly a nod to seniority. The spot will be won in Camp, in practices, and eventually in games.

That being the case, who should get the starting job in order to help ensure the spoils?

If It Ain't Steel has long contended that it will be Worilds who will start week one. No rookie outside linebacker has started for the Steelers since Jack Ham in 1971, and none has ever started for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. So, it's time for Worilds to bring his self-proclaimed moniker of "Worilds Greatest" to reality.

Over his first three seasons, Worilds has shown that he is capable of putting up decent numbers when given the opportunity. But he has been limited to total 10 starts in three years while playing behind Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. So, expectations are rightly high for Worilds. but now is the time.

He had five sacks in 422 defensive snaps last season. According to Football Outsiders, that equates to approximately 10 sacks over the course of a season. But we ourselves had made such facts clear months ago.

In a March blog piece we wrote that part of Worilds' issues were that he'd yet to have a true and full offseason in that he was a rookie in 2010, he had to endure the lockout in 2011, and in 2012 he had the wrist injury. As a side issue, he also is decidedly better on the left side than on the right. Nonetheless, during those three seasons, he played 999 snaps or the equivalent to one full season. In that time he has 10 career sacks.

Now, we do realize that this extrapolation doesn't automatically mean that he'll produce that way this season, but it's definitely a point in the right direction. Sometimes, all a player needs is experience and the right opportunity - he will finally have it. Can he make the most of it?

Jones, in true Bulldog form, is chomping at the bit to take the spot from Worilds. In 2012, he led the nation with 14.5 sacks and terrorized quarterbacks for 28 total sacks over the last two seasons. He also pursues the ballcarrier aggressively. Last season, 24.5 of his 85 tackles were for a loss.

Jones has also shown good instinct and the ability to diagnose plays as well as the athleticism to flow to the ball for open-field tackles. Qualities not at all lost on LeBeau.

"He's shown us a lot of instinctive football ability," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. "If the coach doesn't mess him up, I think he's got a chance to be a pretty good player."

Linebackers coach Keith Butler said something similar regarding Jones' abilities.

"He's showing us things, and, if he keeps showing those things he's going to be a big part of that, hopefully," said Butler.

LeBeau once said that some of his defensive innovations actually came from mistakes made by players. He used those mistakes and adapted them. One could argue that it might not be a bad idea to let Jones make his mistakes too. Let him learn "on the job", as it were. A trial by fire.

Unfortunately, though, that brings certain failings to light that may be too much to overcome.

"When he was in college, he kind of freelanced a little bit," Butler said. "We're a little bit more disciplined in terms of what we ask him to do and the technique we ask him to use in the passing game. All he did was drop straight back and look at the quarterback."

Since questions still remain about his ability to cover opposing receivers in passing situations, it would be a disservice to the other experienced linebackers to put him out there with them. It's going to be difficult enough learning LeBeau's defense, which is widely regarded as one of the most complicated and ever-changing systems in the entire NFL.

In a defense where linebackers are expected to defend the run, drop into coverage, occupy blockers and rush the passer (from a number of positions and exotic looks), it would also be a disservice to Jones to expect him to start right away.

Could Jones start and then have Worilds brought in on passing downs? Possibly. But, especially with this being a pass-happy league, it would make more sense to start the more experienced Worilds and bring Jones in as a situational player. (And we haven't even touched on his possible susceptibility to further nerve-related problems.)

With the linebacker position, outside linebacker primarily so, being so important to the Steelers defense and overall success, the answer to the question of who'll take over the right side would initially seem to be Jason Worilds. It's the smartest and surest way to start enjoying the spoils of victory early on in 2013.

~

TIDBITS: Here's a run down of a few of the more important tweets from the various national and local reporters who were in Latrobe Saturday:

“@EdBouchette: Ben Roethlisberger just told me his right knee is fine, although he did not want to dispute Mike Tomlin's assessment Friday.”

@AKinkhabwala: Steelers WR Markus Wheaton been told to learn multiple positions. After school had him miss camps, said he's excited to hear plays in huddle

@AKinkhabwala: Mike who? Plaxico Burress says Antonio Brown "is an electric guy. He’s going to be our big play guy this year."

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: Antonio Brown makes deep catch from Ben over Cortez Allen. AB can go deep, apparently."

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: Emmanuel Sanders beats William Gay deep. So much for not being able to go deep w/out Wallace"
(It's early yet)

“@AKinkhabwala: Steelers rookie WR Markus Wheaton asked for goals here. Says: "First, making the team. As long as I make the team, I can move on from there"”

“@MarkKaboly_Trib: Team drills has Redman one rep with first team, one for Dwyer, one for batch, one for bell.”

“@MarkKaboly_Trib: Larod Stephens Howling also gets snap with first team”

“@MarkKaboly_Trib: Tomlin telling Le'Veon Bell to "finish everything you do" after breaking into the open”

“@MarkKaboly_Trib: Beachum second team left tackle. Malecki second team center”

"@jimwexell: Alameda Ta'amu injured hamstring 2 weeks ago running sprints. He's lost 27 pounds to 350. Last yr's belly is this yr's chest & shoulders."

Public Enemy No. 1: Showing Respect For Ray Lewis

Originally written 10/16/12
Updated 01/02/13

"On that day, I shall mourn." - Spock, Requiem For Methuselah, Star Trek

Respect. I cannot think of any other way to begin this article. Respect.

Respect for the man, respect for the player, respect for the image and respect for the leader that is Ray Lewis.

It was announced Monday that Baltimore Ravens veteran middle linebacker Ray Lewis would be out for the rest of the season with a torn right triceps injury. The accolades from players around the league for the 17-year veteran were immediate.

As soon as he heard the news, LaMarr Woodley tweeted this on his personal Twitter account: "Just heard on ESPN that ray lewis is out 4 the yr. hate hearing that because hes 1 of the NFL's true legends. wishing him a full recovery...”

This is from the main rival of the Ravens, no less. But that is the ultimate show of the respect that Lewis has earned throughout his career. A career that has had very few speed bumps on the road to Canton.

Just to be fair about his entire legacy, one of those speed bumps was a fairly large one. One of those kinds of speed bumps that could do serious damage to your undercarriage if not handled correctly. That being the murder charges in 2000.

Following a Super Bowl party in Atlanta on January 31, 2000, a fight broke out between Lewis and his friends and another group, which resulted in two stabbing deaths. Lewis and two friends were questioned by Atlanta police, and eleven days later the three were indicted on charges of murder and aggravated assault.

Lewis initially claimed that the he was not involved in the murder. Later, however, he admitted that he gave a misleading statement to police on the morning after the killings.

Lewis was sentenced to 12 months' probation, the maximum sentence for a first-time offender, and he was fined $250,000 by the Paul Tagliabue-led NFL.

Lewis has since devoted his off-field life to not only turning around his own life and righting his own wrongs, but also to being a leader, mentor, charitable contributor and Christian. - http://tinyurl.com/9l7t6yc

While I know that many haven't forgotten or forgiven those actions, Lewis paid his debt to society and to the NFL. He has shown repentance and has endeavored to make amends and to make certain that others learn from his mistakes. After all, this is America, right? The home of the free, land of the second chance. Too many people tend to forget that...unless if affects them directly. So, if someone can't accept that Lewis has done all he can to show his contrition, then the problem lies with them.

On the field, though, Lewis has been a destructive and disruptive force and an even greater leader and mentor, but he's hardly been charitable.

Lewis is the only man in NFL History to have 40 sacks and 30 interceptions, and is second among linebackers all-time with total takeaways at 50. Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jack Ham is first with 53 (though, in fairness, Ham did most of his pilfering in 14-game seasons).

There is no greater leader for a team in the NFL today. Maybe ever.

ESPN personality Tom Jackson may have said it best. On the pre-game show of Monday Night Football, Jackson said that 'if you check Ray Lewis' phone or Rolodex, you'll find numbers of not only young players, but veterans alike who reach out to him for advice.'

That is a complete truism. We in Steeler Nation know this first-hand as he and Big Ben have that relationship. Lewis was the first to reach out to Big Ben as we've written in a previous article. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/08/skip-bayless-wrong-vilifying-ryan-clark_24.html

In 2010, Lewis was quoted as saying he and Big Ben text one another and have a good relationship. In part, he said: “He texted me last night and things like that. It’s a respect we have for each other, but more importantly it’s a respect you got to have for yourself.”

There's that word again...

Though the word "malevolence" could be used as a definition of his position, respect is still the most important thing to Lewis.

When asked once in an interview what he wanted his legacy to be after he retires, Lewis said that he wanted his name to be the first one mentioned when middle linebackers were brought up.

In this writer's humble opinion, he is very definitely on the short list of greatest NFL middle linebackers. A list that contains only four other members. Those being Jack Lambert, Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Ray Nitschke. That's it, that's the list.

I spoke earlier of Lewis' road to Canton. The biggest question facing Lewis right now is whether or not the injury that inspired this piece marks the end of a sure-to-be Hall of Fame career.

Given his age and years in the league, it very well could be.

The determination and drive that Ray Lewis has shown over his career, however, challenges that sentiment. ESPN injury expert Stephania Bell agrees.

"It can be repaired," Bell said. "He can come back strong. He can play the position again."

Deion Sanders agrees based on knowing him and having played with him: “The Ray Lewis I know will not end his career off this injury. He's conquered much more than this. He will determine when its over not a injury."

Lewis himself even said that he would be the determiner of his departure.

"I don't know when it will all be over for me," Lewis said before the 2011 season. "People want to use my age against me. They say I'm too old. People fear getting old. I don't fear that because now I have wisdom and a tough body to go with that wisdom."

Lewis is one of six players to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award multiple times since the award was first handed out in 1971 (2000, 2003). He's been selected to 13 Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro teams, has three AFC Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Super Bowl with the Super Bowl MVP and a partridge in a pear tree.

While Lewis may not have the same dominance he had a decade ago, he remains the unquestioned leader of the Ravens. He was also still a leader on the field as well. After losing an approximate 20 pounds in the offseason, he was once again leading the Ravens in tackles with 57 total, including 14 in the Dallas game, before the tackle that caused the triceps tear.

Are you ready to count Ray Ray out? I'm not.

Being a devoted Steelers fan, I can't even reconcile seeing that dismal purple uniform lined up across from my beloved black and gold without Ray Ray out there.

Ray Lewis is the Baltimore Ravens. He's my favorite villain in my favorite movie. He's public enemy No. 1 in Steeler Nation. I love to hate him, but I respect him too.

The aforementioned Captain Jack Lambert in an interview once related that a particular player on the Cleveland Browns said that every player on the team "hated Jack Lambert," but that each player would "love to have him on [their] team."

That was the ultimate compliment to Captain Jack.

In harmony with that, you don't have to love Lewis, you don't even have to like him, but you must respect him.

Remember that tweet from LaMarr Woodley expressing his good wishes to Lewis? He got a not-so-nice reply from a Steelers fan afterward. Woodley retweeted it and replied to it. It went like this:

“@LaMarrWoodley: Its called respect RT @DJJonnyHaze: @LaMarrWoodley how could u [say] that, lewis is a joke & we hate baltimore! U lost my respect for that one.”

Yes, Woodley, it is.

See ya next year, Ray Ray.

UPDATE:
"Ray Lewis announced he is retiring at the end of the season."

I guess we won't see ya next year after all.

At approximately 9:08 a.m. PST, that tweet came through from ESPN's Adam Schefter via his Twitter (@AdamSchefter) account. It was a shock, to say the least, as can be gathered by the way this article was written. That said, we've written enough. A listing of his Hall of Fame stats or a video of his masterful highlights could accompany this update, but we thought we would let his peers speak.

The media, opposing coaches, and former teammates alike have been chiming in on the retirement of Ray Ray. In more than one instance it has been said of him, like former teammate Deion Sanders said, that "he will go down in history as arguably the best linebacker to ever play this game." - http://tinyurl.com/ajsrxxf

Jamison Hensley, ESPN reporter and AFC North blogger, made a compelling, though not necessarily convincing, argument for Ray Ray as the greatest defensive player that the NFL has seen. - http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/62536/ray-lewis-greatest-defensive-player-ever

As was reported by Aaron Wilson, who cover the Ravens for the Baltimore Sun, two former coaches showed their respect as well.

On his Twitter (@RavensInsider) account, Wilson quoted Marvin Lewis, former defensive coordinator of the Ravens who coached Ray Ray and the record-setting Ravens defense that led them to a win in Super Bowl XXXV 34-7 over the New York Giants, as saying: "I'm happy for him. It's disappointing for the game after what he's done.”

Wilson also quoted Chuck Pagano, who served as secondary coach and then defensive coordinator for the Ravens and whom Ray Ray would've faced this weekend, as saying: "Nobody studied the game and prepared as well as Ray. He taught so many how to do that. He always had great insight.”

"He's obviously a first-ballot Hall of Famer," Pagano continued, "and he'll be sorely missed.”

Yes, he will. By the Ravens, the NFL and especially by the Steelers-Ravens rivalry, he will indeed.

The Pittsburgh Steelers: Linebacker, Inc. - Where Does James Farrior Rank?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very long and storied linebacker tradition. The names from the '70s dynasty easily come to mind, but the greatness at the position didn't start or end there. In fact, it's alive and well and still at the confluence.

One linebacker who masterfully represented that tradition just ended his days with the Steelers on March 2nd of this year. That man was the Happy Days-loving, University of Virginia product known as James Farrior. Or, "Potsie" to teammates and Steelers fans.

From 2004-2011 James Farrior was the unquestioned leader of the defense. In the locker room and on the field, he had his teammates ears and their respect. The defensive huddle was his - all with being incredibly soft-spoken. His was a quiet leadership, yet he was heard as clearly as much more colorful and vocal players on the defense.

Farrior's level of play did justice to past Steelers linebackers virtually from the start. This brings a question to mind, though: where does Farrior rank among the greatest of Steelers linebackers? He would seem to have the résumé to have his name mentioned amongst the greats. There are too many Pro Bowlers, All-Pros and Super Bowl winning linebackers to do an actual top 10 or 20 list, and it might just simply be too subjective an argument. So, let's stay with Farrior for now and then look at all of the other greats and leave it to posterity to decide.

In Farrior's first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, acquired via free agency after the 2001 season because of his being seen as somewhat of a bust by the Jets, Farrior recorded 82 tackles throughout 14 games. But he was just getting started.

In 2003, his second with the Steelers, he recorded 141 tackles and one interception. In his third season with the Steelers, Farrior made 94 tackles, three sacks, and a career-high four interceptions. He also finished second to Ed Reed for NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.

During the Pittsburgh Steelers 2005 campaign, Farrior missed 2 games due to an injury, but played very well in the 14 regular season games and 4 postseason games in which he appeared. He finished the season with 119 tackles and a Super Bowl ring.

Farrior maintained a stellar career, including another near MVP-like season in 2008, until two out of the last three years when his play dipped from the level Steelers fans were used to seeing. All told, Farrior's accomplishments included 154 games played and started, 1,078 tackles, 30 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 8 interceptions, 2 Pro Bowls, 2 All-Pro selections, 2 Super Bowl rings and a Steelers MVP. Plain and simple, Potsie was one of the best.

Who then are the other CEOs of Linebacker, Inc.? Let's start with the Chairman of the Board, take it through his executives and then filter our way down to middle management and then to the ones who didn't quite make it past entry level positions. I'll even mention a couple of promising young interns as well. I'm staying out of the mail room, though. They're a strange breed down there.

Remaining JOINT CEOs -

Jack Lambert, or "Captain Jack", was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the famed 1974 NFL Draft. Though a natural athlete, Lambert played quarterback at Crestwood high school and then switched to defensive end at Kent State, many thought he was too small to play linebacker in the NFL. While most of his pro career he was reported to be 6'4" and 220 lbs, he measured only 6'3½" and 204 lbs. as a rookie.

When the Steelers took a chance on Lambert to replace an injured player in Lambert's first season, he made the most of it and went on to earn the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. He was a central figure on a great Steelers defense that went on to win their first Super Bowl by beating the Minnesota Vikings 16-6 in Super Bowl IX.

Lambert was the Steelers starting middle linebacker, for nine seasons, starting right inside linebacker for two seasons, and, according to the Steelers media guide, averaged 146 tackles per season through his 10th year. He recorded only 19 in his 11th and final season because an injury suffered to his toe (Turf Toe) forced him into retirement.

Lambert's accomplishments are downright gaudy. He is a member of the 20/20 club as he amassed 28 career interceptions and (officially) 23½ sacks (sacks weren't kept as an official statistic until 1982). He collected the 1,479 career tackles referred to earlier, was named to nine straight Pro Bowls, was an a first-team All-Pro seven times, was a four-time Super Bowl winner, a member of the NFL's and Steelers' respective 75th Anniversary teams, the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams and was the 1976 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. *whew* With the knee-pumping antics, the missing front teeth, the "That'll cool your ass down!" sound bite, the throwing of safety Cliff Harris to the turf after he disrespected Roy Gerela by patting him on the head after a missed kick and many other highlights, he is the reality that the myth would strive to be. Blood, sweat and no tears: Captain Jack.

Jack Ham was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second-round of the 1971 NFL Draft. Jack Ham was so good that he won the starting left outside linebacker job as a rookie. He was first-team All-Pro six years (1974-1979) and was named to eight straight Pro Bowls (1973-1980).

Ham was blessed with tremendous quickness and, according to former Steelers coach Chuck Noll, he was the "fastest Steeler for the first ten yards, including wide receivers and running backs." He was one of the few outside linebackers who could play pass defense as well as the NFL's top safeties. Although he was a tremendous hitter, Ham was known as being a player who couldn't be fooled and was seldom caught out of position.

Ham's career statistics and accomplishments are only slightly less opulent than Lambert's. Some of his numbers include 21 fumbles recovered, 32 interceptions and a Steeler media guide unofficial 25 sacks (again, the NFL did not begin recording sacks until 1982, Ham's final year, so he officially has just three sacks). Though he didn't play in Super Bowl XIV because of an ankle injury, Ham was a member of all four '70s Super Bowl winning teams during his twelve-year career.

As you can see, Ham had a penchant for the big play. He was guided by some of the best football instincts ever for a linebacker, and was duly recognized for them as he was also member of the NFL's and Steelers' respective 75th Anniversary Teams and was a member of the NFL's 1970s All-Decade Team.

Greg Lloyd - this guy scared everybody. Lloyd was just plain nasty, and he was a personal favorite. Lloyd was notorious for wearing that worn, old t-shirt at practice and under his game jersey that read, "I Wasn't Hired For My Disposition." He tried proving it every Sunday too.

Lloyd was injured his first year (1987), and most of his second year, but became a starter during the 1989 season at outside linebacker where he would wreak havoc for nearly a decade (147 games). He became the emotional and fiery leader of the Steelers defense.

Lloyd was indeed the most feared player in the league for his time. Jim Harbaugh, former NFL quarterback and current coach of the San Francisco 49ers, claims he wasn't afraid of anything until he played against Greg Lloyd, the man he respected and feared on the gridiron more than anyone.

A true enforcer. He was intimidating...to everyone. But, he was also a true leader and student of the game. Lloyd continued to make an impact on the defense even while injured by teaching young linebackers like Jason Gildon, dubbed "Baby Lloyd", the finer points of the Steelers linebacking tradition.

Team President Dan Rooney once said of Greg Lloyd, "He was one of the best, not just one of the Steelers' best, but one of the best in the league. Greg could play in any era. He has the makeup, whether it's in 1998 or 1938. He's just a football player." He'd know.

Steeler fans themselves recognized this and showed it by voting Lloyd to their 75th anniversary team. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl five times (1991-1995), was first-team All-Pro twice (1993 & 1995), and was United Press International's (UPI) AFC Defensive Player of the Year for 1994.

Like Lambert, Lloyd had his own share of sound bites. He once could be heard telling the Dallas Cowboy sideline after stopping a running play before it got started, "I told y'all don't run that sh** over here!"

He famously dissed former NFL quarterback Joe Namath in 1991 when Namath, then an analyst of NBC, accused Lloyd of playing dirty. Lloyd responded by saying "Who is Joe Namath? This is a guy who, if he played in the league today, I'd probably just go hit him late and see what he did, just for the hell of it. Joe Namath can go to hell; he can kiss my ass."

But the most famous is after beating the Indianapolis Colts for the AFC crown, Lloyd forgets that he's on camera, or just doesn't care, and tells his teammates, "Let's see if we bring this damn trophy here next year along with the fu**ing Super Bowl." Just plain nasty.

Joey Porter was drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Joey was an emotional, cocksure player who commanded respect, earning him the nickname "Peezy". Peezy was another in an increasingly long line of Steelers linebackers that struck fear into the hearts of NFL players.

Joey received his share of accolades as well. While with the Steelers he was a three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro (2002, 2004 and 2005). Also voted to the Steelers 75th Anniversary, Joey was a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. He had 376 tackles, 60 sacks, 31 passes defended, 14 forced fumbles, 10 interceptions and a Super Bowl win. He was a force to be reckoned with at all times.

Six degrees of separation: During the preseason of his rookie year, Joey wore number 95, the first player to wear the number since linebacker great Greg Lloyd was released after the 1997 season. Whether it was despite his similarities to Lloyd in terms of playing style and vocal leadership or perhaps because of it, Joey changed his jersey number to 55 before the start of the regular season in order to develop his own identity. Fast forward to November 14, 2004 against the Browns in Cleveland. During warmups, Joey felt Browns running back William Green disrespected him as Green passed him. A fight ensued (after Peezy straight clocked him) and both were ejected. James Harrison, who would ultimately replace Joey in the starting lineup after Joey was released, would get his first NFL start.

James Harrison, nicknamed "Deebo" (based on the character of the same name from the movie "Friday") and "The Silverback" because of his incredible strength (the latter epithet given to him by former Steelers HC Bill Cowher), went undrafted in the 2002 NFL draft, because it was thought he was too short, he's 6'0", to play linebacker, and too light, 240 lbs., to play on the defensive line. Nonetheless, the Steelers signed Harrison as an undrafted rookie in 2002, making him only the second linebacker from Kent State to play for the team since Hall of Famer Jack Lambert. Good company.

The Silverback has his share of detractors as well, ones who claim he's a dirty player. But, enough about Roger Goodell.

Deebo is fierce. Once he learned the game and all the nuances of the position he plays, Deebo began to wreck shop on the NFL. He's even been called "Mr. Monday Night" because of the incredible games he's had on Monday Night Football.

Then, on January 5, 2009, Deebo was named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2008 season, becoming the first undrafted player to win the award.

During Super Bowl XLIII after that same 2008 season, Harrison intercepted a pass from Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner at the goal line and ran back the length of the field for a 100-yard touchdown at the end of the first half. Harrison collapsed in the endzone and spent several minutes catching his breath as his teammates celebrated. It was the longest play in Super Bowl history and helped the Steelers defeat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. It was also the longest interception return in Steelers franchise history, surpassing the 99-yard return by Martin "Butch" Kottler which occurred in the club's second ever game and was the oldest team record.

Just like his predecessors, Harrison has many awards lining his trophy case. He has so far been named to five Pro Bowls, he has four All-Pro selections, and the aforementioned Defensive Player of the Year award. His is also a laundry list of accomplishments so far in his career: 547 tackles, 58 sacks, 27 forced fumbles, 18 passes defended, five interceptions and a partridge in a pear tree!

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT -

These players could have been higher had they played longer or had they not been overshadowed by truly great linebackers:

Andy Russell played linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963 and from 1966–1976, the two-year gap being from when Russell temporarily left the team for the Army. He was an early member of Pittsburgh's famed Steel Curtain defense.

Russell made seven Pro Bowl appearances (1969, 1971-1976), one first-team All-Pro, the Steelers' MVP in 1971 and earned two Super Bowl rings in Super Bowl IX and Super Bowl X. Russell intercepted 18 passes in his career.

Levon Kirkland was a massive inside linebacker. He was only 6'1",  but weighed anywhere from 275-300 pounds during his career. Despite this, he had great speed and agility, especially for a big man. He became a starter at inside linebacker for the Steelers in his second season, 1993.

Kirkland made the Pro Bowl after the 1997 season, making a career-high and team-leading 126 tackles and career-high five sacks, as the Steelers went to the AFC Championship game.

He was a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro (1996 & 1997). He made 1,029 tackles, 18.5 sacks and 11 interceptions in his career with the Steelers. He was also a member of the NFL 1990 All-Decade Team.

Jason Gildon, deemed "Baby Lloyd" because of his style, build and ferocity being similar to Greg Lloyd.

Gildon played a large role on the Steelers special teams unit during his first two years before being inserted into the starting lineup in 1996, after All-Pro pass-rusher Greg Lloyd went down in the season opener with a torn knee ligament. Gildon turned in 7.0 sacks in 1996 and landed a permanent spot at outside linebacker. He never looked back from there.

Gildon was a three-time Pro Bowler (2000-2002) and one-time All-Pro. Along with 520 career tackles, Gildon's major accomplishment came when he set the Steelers all-time sacks mark, breaking L.C. Greenwood's record of 73, in 2003. He would eventually register 77 total with the Steelers.

Robin Cole was an underrated linebacker for twelve seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Because he played with many great Steelers linebackers, especially early on, some feel he did not get as much recognition as he deserved. But make no mistake, Cole more than held his own.

In Cole's second year, the Steelers reached Super Bowl XIII. The Steelers started veteran linebacker Loren Toews against the Dallas Cowboys. "After a [few] of series, I came in and played the rest of the game," remembered Cole, as the Steelers won, 35-31.

Coming into his own in 1979, Cole helped lead the Steelers to Super Bowl XIV.
"It was huge," said Cole, "I consider it my most memorable game." Cole's performance spoke volumes in the Steelers' 31-19 victory.

"I was told that I was the MVP going into the fourth quarter," Cole said. "I wound up second to Terry (Bradshaw). For a linebacker to be MVP, you have to play (well) the whole game. A defensive back can return a couple interceptions for touchdowns or a quarterback can throw a couple of bombs."

Cole was named to the Pro Bowl and to the All-Pro team in 1984 when the Steelers reached the AFC championship game and was an alternate in 1985 and 1986. -- http://blackandgoldworld.blogspot.com/2005/02/another-look-robin-cole.html?m=1

Earl Holmes was another underrated linebacker the Steelers had briefly in their midst. Just ask him.

When drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 4th round of the 1996 NFL Draft out of Florida A&M University, Holmes said to Cowher, "Congratulations, coach. You just got the best linebacker in the Draft." He may have been correct.

Holmes, 6'2" 242 lbs, gained a reputation as a solid run stopping inside linebacker. He played his first six seasons with the Steelers where he totaled 547 tackles (392 solo), 9.5 sacks, an eye-popping 56 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, four fumbles recovered, 21 pass deflections, and one interception for 36 yards, all in 81 games.

ENTRY LEVEL -

These are two players who may have been good or even great during their careers, but only made a brief stop in Steel Town. Their contributions while in the Black and Gold nonetheless are worth noting:

Kevin Greene - Two-time Pro Bowler (1994, 1995) and one-time All-Pro (1994) while with the Steelers. He sacked the quarterback 35.5 times while a Steeler and was a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team.

Mike Merriweather's was elected to the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons (1984-1986) and was 5th in the NFL in 1984 with 15 sacks, a Steelers record that stood until broken by James Harrison in 2008.

INTERNS -

These are the two Steelers linebackers who are currently on the cusp of greatness. They could go on to greatness or have average careers and eventually fizzle out. (Kendrell Bell, for instance, was named a starter his rookie season, was AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and then was lost because of having no head for the game and because of injuries. So, early success doesn't mean continued success):

LaMarr Woodley was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round with the 46th overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.

With two sacks in both the Divisional Round and Conference Championship, Woodley became the first player in NFL history to record three consecutive multi-sack playoff games, dating back to the Steelers' 31-29 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round of the 2008 playoffs. In Super Bowl XLIII, Woodley extended this streak to four games when he sacked Kurt Warner twice, forcing the game-ending fumble on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner with 5 seconds remaining in the game to secure the win. He had double-digit sacks three consecutive years and had nine sacks in 10 games in an injury-limiting 2011 season. He's been a Pro Bowler and All-Pro once (2009).

Lawrence Timmons could possibly have the greater promise of the two. Despite getting less acclaim than many on the Steelers defense, Timmons led the team in tackles with 135 and also recorded 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions. His numbers dropped last season, but that was largely due to injuries to several players and his being asked to fill voids. He essentially played out of position much of the season.

Timmons career numbers thus far include 384 tackles, 21 passes defended, 17 sacks, eight forced fumbles and four interceptions. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has said that his versatility allows Timmons to be able to put up such numbers, but it also allows LeBeau to use him in many different ways. He considers that a great asset to being able to institute multiple sets and to be able to disguise coverages.

The list you just reminisced over represents nearly 50 years of Steelers linebacking greatness, from Andy Russell to James Farrior. At least one All-Pro in each decade during that time period, several Super Bowl participants and winners, many Pro Bowlers and countless award winners. The Pittsburgh Steelers: Linebacker, Inc.