When I was teaching Massage Therapy back in another life, I focused on one modality in particular-Deep Tissue. By that I mean real Deep Tissue, not just deeper pressure like you may get at a local spa. Dr. Ida P. Rolf was a biochemist who invented Structural Integration, or "Rolfing", a form of bodywork that reorganizes the connective tissues, called fascia, that permeate the entire body. I taught Deep Tissue based on this modality and one of the things I stressed to my students was that I was giving them the "ingredients, not the recipe." They would have everything brought completely into focus at the next level at The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.
The OTAs are similar to this. They give us those niceties of insight as to what to expect from the team's direction with the new offense and from individual players. Being that it's "football in shorts" as Tomlin and other coaches say, it isn't remotely the recipe that will constitute the complete offensive and/or defensive body of work, but merely the various ingredients that will eventually come into focus in training camp and, of course, the season.
The various Steelers beat writers and Pittsburgh columnists allow us to have a glimpse of that insight as they report to us what they're seeing.
Bob Labriola of Steelers Digest told us Tuesday that "John Clay looks like he has a nice burst running the ball." I threw out the possibility about two weeks ago that we could see a possible roster spot for Clay if he were to live up to what was projected based on his play at Wisconsin. If he continues to show that "nice burst", he'll provide a nice dilemma for the Steelers coaching staff. They could be looking at a real "problem" with Rashard Mendenhall (who reportedly is looking good and rehabbing well), Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, Baron Batch, Chris Rainey, John Clay AND the implementation of a fullback. There will most likely only be four running back/fullback spots, so there essentially is already a log jam. Might we see Chris Rainey listed a wide receiver to make room? Check back in August for that answer.
Speaking of wide receivers, Labriola told us that "No. 88 (Emmanuel Sanders) looks fast, has been catching everything and making it look easy." Again, it's football in shorts, but any time that Manny has on the field is valuable time. He had feet (surgeries) and knee issues last year that kept him from flourishing like I had expected him to do. He has a very high ceiling, world class speed (4.41 in the 40) and, with the retirement of Hines Ward, is the best blocking receiver the Steelers have. He's also a polished route runner, which is an advantage he has over Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace. I'm personally pulling heavily for Manny-he has the tools to be a No. 1 receiver.
Labs gave us "One more: Ziggy Hood wears a weighted vest under his practice jersey every day." I've blogged before about Ziggy and his gap and technique limitations, but I'm only slightly less concerned about his core strength, being that he's been moved out of position before. Like Casey Hampton alluded to once when asked about Ziggy's being the strongest on the team, there is a difference between weight room strength and "grown man strength." That may have shown itself on the field in that the first season in which Ziggy was alone at the position, the Steelers defense gave up 99.8 yards per carry. So, I'm in favor of the weighted vest if it helps him in any way. The on-the-field practice and gameplay, though, are still the best ways to get that "grown man strength."
Dejan Kovacevic, sports columnist with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, had some interesting if not encouraging comments about certain players too. Kovacevic stresses the need for playmakers on defense, the scary type that the Steelers have acquired of late on offense. In line with that he said that Curtis Brown looks really good and even spoke specifically of a particularly sensational athletic play during an OTA session. He also talked about former West Virginia Mountaineer Mortty Ivy, calling him a "ballhawk" and saying that even near the goal line he just "has a nose for the football." Ivy, who was mainly on the practice squad last year, simply needs the opportunity to show those skills more definitively. Kovacevic's description, though, of Brown and Ivy is exactly what is needed on defense: players who are young, athletic and, especially, hungry.
Both James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are being reported as looking very healthy. Harrison looks good and doesn't seem to be hampered by the back problems that hindered him all of last year. Woodley is spoken of as running "full sprint." Their presence is going to be sorely needed to bring back the splash plays that the Steelers defense was missing last year. Turnovers, sacks and getting the ball back on a short field were simply missing last year, and the aggressive play that those two bring is directly tied to that.
Another player who affects that is Lawrence Timmons. Kovacevic again provides some insight as he had a chance to talk to "Juan". Kovacevic wrote, "Timmons just told me he's aiming for "12 to 14" sacks this year. If that sounds high for a guy who had two last year, consider a) he bounces back and forth between inside and outside all year because of injuries to others and b) the man actually predicted 18 for last year. "I'm being a little more careful," he said with a grin."
Very true. Timmons was moved around a lot because of the aforementioned injuries last year. He needs to stay put so he can prove that he truly is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL like the coaches say he is and like I personally believe he can be.
Oh, evidently Chris Rainey is fast.
Speaking of the OTAs from a different angle, Ed Bouchette reported Wednesday that Mike Adams, David DeCastro and Alameda Ta'amu "can attend once their course ends, not necessarily when the semester ends. So, it now appears that all three will be here for the June 12-14 minicamp, at the least, and Adams actually could be here sometime next week." This is good news because, considering Adams and DeCastro are being looked at as potential starters, they need as much time and as many reps as they can get.
DeCastro might be under contract at that point too, because the Patriots signed Chandler Jones, the last unsigned draft pick left in front of DeCastro, last week. I expect the deal should get done soon.
Ryan Clark: "There were a lot of scenarios we talked about how we could lose that game.Tim Tebow throwing for 300 yards wasn't one of them." It wasn't for me either.
One last thing. With the release, and possible soon-to-come retirement, of James Farrior the Steelers lost more than just a player, they lost a leader. As I wrote in a blog a couple of months ago, leadership can't be drafted, nor can one just assume a player's replacement can take on that mantle. It will most likely take a few players to take on various aspects of that role. Think of it this way: when Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent retired, he held all major NFL receiving records, including: most receptions in a career (819), most receiving yards in a career (13,089), and most touchdown receptions (100). He also held a then-record streak of 177 consecutive regular-season games with a reception. Point: it took four different men to break the records held by one man. We should look at Farrior and his record of leadership the same way.
Showing posts with label James Farrior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Farrior. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
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...
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...
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