Catching Up With, Chronicling Steelers Visits, Workouts and Pro Days

No, If It Ain't Steel wasn't sold at a fire sale. Close, though. 

As we ease back into this blog thing, we thought it best to catch up on what our Pittsburgh Steelers have done in preparation for the April, er uh, May NFL Draft. 

In addition, in upcoming articles we will cover more pre-draft information, which of these prospects was actually selected and their potential, and the logistics of rookie salary.

Back to the matter at hand... 

These are the Pro Days that were attended by the Steelers staff:

Auburn - Kevin Colbert;

Duke - Colbert; 

Florida - Mike Tomlin, Carnell Lake and Colbert;

Florida State - Tomlin, Colbert and Todd Haley;

LSU - Tomlin, Colbert and Haley;

Johnny Manziel/Mike Evans - Tomlin and Colbert; 

Michigan - Tomlin and Mike Munchak; 

Michigan State - Tomlin and Colbert;

North Carolina - Colbert; 

Notre Dame - Tomlin, Colbert and Joey Porter; 

Ohio State - Tomlin and Colbert; 

Oklahoma State - Tomlin and Colbert;

Penn State - Tomlin and Colbert; 

Texas A&M - Colbert; and

Vanderbilt - Dan Rooney.

These, now that the period has been exhausted, are the visits and/or workouts held by the Steelers. The visits can serve multiple purposes. Teams can delve further into whatever character concerns or medical issues may exist. The visits can also just be general visitations as teams try to learn as much as possible in order to make informed decisions come draft weekend. 

Or they can also be used as smokescreens...  

There are 30 non-local visits and workouts allowed, which does not include any individual workouts held away from the team's facility. The visits and workouts were:

Beau Allen, DT/NT, Wisconsin (Visit);

Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA (Visit); 

Odell Beckham, WR, LSU (Visit); 

Rob Blanchflower, TE, UMass (Visit); 

Carl Bradford, LB, Arizona State (Visit); 

Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson (Visit); 

Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State (Visit); 

Scott Crichton, DL, Oregon State (Visit); 

Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State (Visit);

Aaron Donald, DL, Pittsburgh (Visit); 

Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina (Visit);

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (Visit);

Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice (Visit); 

Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State (Private workout);

Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota (Visit);

Seantrel Henderson, OL, Miami (Visit);

Jackson Jeffcoat, DL, Texas (Visit); 

Wesley Johnson, OL, Vanderbilt (Private workout);

Demarcus Lawrence, LB, Boise State (Visit); 

Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss (Visit);

Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB, Boston College (Visit); 

Calvin Pryor S, Louisville (Visit); 

Shaquille Richardson, CB, Arizona (Visit); 

Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State (Private workout); 

Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State (Visit);

Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor (Visit); 

Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State (Visit);

Stephon Tuitt, DL, Notre Dame (Visit); 

Brock Vereen, S, Minnesota (Visit);

Jason Verrett, CB, TCU (Visit);

Andre Williams, RB, Boston College (Visit); and

Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA (Visit).

A Look At Steelers Linebackers And Post-Combine Draft Possibles

 Do one thing and do it better than anyone else - Anonymous

Blitzburgh. Linebacker, Inc. Whatever you want to call them, the Pittsburgh Steelers' linebackers have terrorized NFL offenses for much of the last quarter of a century. 

The Steelers have run the 3-4 defense continually since 1982, but returned to a particular degree of excellence in 1992 by running a zone-blitzing scheme built around its linebackers. 

Hardy Nickerson. Greg Lloyd. Kevin Greene. Chad Brown. Levon Kirkland. Jason Gildon. Earl Holmes. Joey Porter. James Farrior. Larry Foote. Clark Haggans. James Harrison. LaMarr Woodley. Lawrence Timmons. It's an incredible list of names that any team would love to have as part of its history. 

What is more impressive is that those names only cover the last 25 years - and it isn't even a complete list. There have been some, Mike Vrabel comes to mind, who were lost amongst the depth and left in free agency.

Now, with the aforementioned veteran inside linebacker Foote being released, a new corps of backers takes the field led by Timmons, along with second-year men OLB Jarvis Jones and Buck ILB Vince Williams and new starter OLB Jason Worilds. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2014/03/steelers-extend-miller-polamalu-cut.html

The Steelers overall, though, are thin at a position that used to be a factory unto itself. 

To reignite a flame under the current regime is a man who has never been accused of being politically correct, Joey Porter. - http://tinyurl.com/n7zf6k3

More is needed, though, to return the team to form. Depth is needed as well. Especially among the outside guys. 

Whereas the ILBs have definite game experience and depth, via Kion Wilson (former failed starter but solid on special teams), Terrance Garvin (saw increased playing time after excelling on ST) and Stevenson Sylvester (provides depth if nothing else), the OLB only boasts fourth-year also-ran Chris Carter. 

Not one of those names scares anyone, nor are any of them true "next man up" candidates. And even though Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette's Gerry Dulac says 3rd-round 2012 NFL Draft choice Sean "Spence is significantly ahead of where the Steelers thought he would be at this point," that still isn't a guarantee. - http://tinyurl.com/mqhfpns

Therefore, Linebacker, Inc. will definitely draft a linebacker, the question is, "When will they pull the trigger?"

It is most likely that at least three or four of the top names - Khalil Mack, C.J. Mosley, Anthony Barr, Chris Borland, Ryan Shazier - will be gone by the time the Steelers draft at No. 15. C.J. Mosley, however, has been linked to the them. Because, while Williams was a surprise for a 6th rounder last season, there is always room for improvement. The two-time first-team All-American selection (2012-2013) and 2013 Butkus Award winning Mosley, though who didn't perform all events at the NFL's Beefcake Bonanza, would be just that. 

Also possible, but not probable, is Ohio State's Ryan Shazier who ran an unofficial 4.36/40 at his Pro Day on Friday. Neal Coolong of Behind The Steel Curtain wrote about the chances the Steelers may look his way if his name hadn't been called through the 14th pick. - http://tinyurl.com/k6jeq25

Further possible prospects:

Dee Ford, defensive end/OLB, Auburn: 6'2" 244 LBs, 4.53/40, 225-LB Bench Press - 29 reps, 29 Tackles, 14.5 Tackles for Loss, 10.5 Sacks (2nd round) - Will have to gain some bulk to be a consistent terror on the field, and must build his repertoire of moves, but has the frame to build upon and the requisite raw talent to deepen his bag of tricks. - http://youtu.be/kSxiVqlYFY8

Kyle Van Noy (pictured), OLB, BYU: 6'3", 243 LBs, 4.71/40, Bench - 21 reps, 68 Tckl, 17.5 TFL, 4 sacks (2nd round) - The BYU defensive coaching staff spent a week with the Steelers last spring. I don't know if that will factor in at all, but the Steelers brass was effusive when speaking about his character. He has an excellent physique and plenty of upside. 

He is no one-hit-wonder, either. According to WalterFootball.com, in 2012, "Van Noy was the most impressive player on the BYU defense and that includes the 2013 NFL Draft's fifth overall-pick, defensive end Ezekiel Ansah." With no Combine numbers, and before his Pro Day is set, here's how he looked against top-level competition. - http://youtu.be/9EDaiV0VoBM

Adrian Hubbard, OLB, Alabama: 6'6", 257 LBs, 4.69/40, 33 Tckl, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks (4th round) - Hubbard is a solid mid-round pick who could start in the special teams part of the game as he learns. He started at Sam linebacker for the Crimson Tide and did fairly well at the Senior Bowl. But the quick and physical OLB definitely fits well into a 3-4 defense. 

Late-round gem:

Shaquil Barrett, OLB, Colorado State: 6'1.5", 260 LBs, 4.86/40, 80 Tckl, 20.5 TFL, 12 sacks (6th-7th round) - In our piece that introduced Joey Porter to the coaching staff, we stated that his "tutelage, assisting the defensive coaches with the team's outside pass rushers, produced significant results for the 2013 Rams..." Including helping Barrett in "winning MW Defensive Player of the Year honors." With Peezy's continued tutelage, this could eventually prove itself to be a steal. - http://youtu.be/gcGMgbc_DRU

The talent level at the position drops off after the fourth round. So, outside of Barrett or maybe a Jordan Zumwalt (UCLA - 5th-6th round), if the Steelers want a linebacker for more of an immediate impact to help put the Blitz back in the Burgh, they'll do it before then.

Aptitude As Well As Attitude Behind Steelers Hire Of Joey Porter

The horrendous field conditions and lightning-filled weather that plagued the game that Monday night in 2007 reminded one a different era in the NFL and looked, amidst the mud and muck, as if it should've been played in black and white. Despite the all-too memorable conditions dominating the story that night, there is one thing I remember, will always remember, more than anything else.

"You know you love me!"

That night, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey "Peezy" Porter returned home - and picked up right where he left off.

The Steelers opening drive ended with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger being intercepted by Peezy who had been cut by the Steelers in the previous March. His pick came along the Steelers' sideline, and then yelled those famous words at their bench after being tackled.

That epitomizes Peezy and exemplifies why head coach Mike Tomlin brought him in as an assistant linebackers coach as Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola would later point out on Twitter.

"@BobLabriola: Since 1992, the 2 best @Steelers OLBs re: sacking the QB & intercepting passes: Greg Lloyd and Joey Porter. He can help Jarvis and Timmons."

During that time until now, per the criteria set by Labriola, Peezy leads all Steelers outside linebackers with 60 sacks and 10 interceptions. He wasn't just the fire-and-brimstone, sack-the-quarterback menace most remember. He could also cover, and knows how to translate his skill set into a teaching format. Just ask his alma mater, Colorado State.

"Porter’s tutelage, assisting the defensive coaches with the team’s outside pass rushers, produced significant results for the 2013 Rams, who posted their best record since 2002, at 8-6, and earned a victory in the New Mexico Bowl over Washington State. Senior outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett posted 12.0 sacks and set a Mountain West record with 20.5 tackles for loss en route to winning MW Defensive Player of the Year honors." - http://tinyurl.com/lgfc534

As the title of Labriola's article brought out, and referring back to the tweet quoted earlier, 'Jarvis Jones isn't Peezy's only pupil.'

"Joey can bring a certain element of pass rush expertise, and the exciting thing is that Jarvis and him are a very similar stature,” said Steelers GM Kevin Colbert. .... "But Joey wasn’t brought in here just for one player. The expertise he can lend to all of our pass rushers, interior people as well as the outside linebackers, can only help us.” - http://tinyurl.com/mvvqxge

Part of that "element" is something that is missing with the current corps of linebackers. They don't have...let me see, how can I explain this?

Since 1974, the Steelers have always had at least one linebacker who just scared everybody. That one who personified the words from the rap group U.T.F.O. on their 1987 cut "Diss": "I never say excuse me, move out my way, sucker! You use 'Mr.', I use 'Motherfu**er!'"

And that is something this group is lacking. So, sure, he can show them how to beat up half the Cleveland Browns team, but his expertise  benefits in more ways than just that as was a fierce pass rusher and great cover linebacker as touched on before. He could help teach Jones, Spence and even Timmons in those categories.

Jones is more laid back and is, as If It Ain't Steel has described him before, more sleek and sudden than powerful and disruptive. Though Jones says he understands the import of the offseason, Peezy will still provide a real challenge on a daily basis. - espn.go.com/blog/pittsburg…

Spence, as Labriola pointed out, "is a complete unknown." He still has to overcome the peroneal nerve damage that he suffered when he tore ligaments in his knee. If he avoids further damage, as this type of injury can lead to other injury conditions like the inability to even lift the distal are of the foot, he still has to get used to being on a football field after being away for two years.

He is currently working hard at the renowned Bommarito Performance Systems in Miami, Florida. Spence has trained there before and is also from Miami where he played college ball.

According to Michael Coffey, owner of "Coach Coffey" and formerly of Velocity Sports Performance, "Pete Bommarito does a great job with Muscle Activation Technique. I'm sure that will help Spence."

Peezy will definitely be able to help all the linebackers in some way or another. He will be able to light a fire under them and get results.

"You know you love me!"

Yeah, Peezy, we do.

LaMarr Woodley Paramount In Returning Greatness To Steelers Defense

"Who are you to deny greatness? If you would deny it to yourself, you would deny it to all of Steeler Nation. And we will not be denied. GREATNESS AWAITS!" - Sony PlayStation ad. (Ok, but not exactly "Steeler Nation." Don't sue me, Sony!)

By the end of the 2012 season, James Harrison was playing some pretty good football. He started to resemble once again the disruptive force he used to be. He was the intimidator in a long line of intimidators. It was something the team had been lacking. It may also be the thing the Steelers will miss most next season now that Deebo is wearing Cincinnati Correctional Facility orange.

That is unless someone steps up and takes over the mantle of the bad ass. Because despite impressive statistics, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense wasn't the wet-the-bed scary hoard of ruffians they had been in previous (nearly 40) years. And that needs to change.

Change that needs to be spearheaded by LaMarr Woodley.

The initial problem to that end is that Woodley doesn't have the same disposition on the field that Harrison has. Harrison earned the nicknames "Deebo" (from the movie Friday) and "Silverback" for good reason. Woodley, on the other hand, has a slightly different demeanor and comes across more as Chief Bromden from One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - you know the power is there, you've even seen it, but there just isn't the same fear factor.

And while the Steelers have drafted the man whom they feel can be a replacement in Jarvis Jones, and already have what looks to be a ready player in Jason Worilds, for the Steelers to bully themselves back to the top means that Woodley truly needs to next level his game.

Greatness awaits you, Mr. Woodley. And in one sense, it's closer than one may initially have thought.

The Steelers top all-time sacks leaders (via Steelers and NFL stats) through the 2012 season are as follows:
1 - Mean Joe Greene (78.5);
2 - Jason Gildon (77);
3 - L.C. Greenwood (73.5);
4 - James Harrison (64);
5 - Joey Porter (60);
6 - Keith Willis (59);
7 - Greg Lloyd (53.5); and
8 - LaMarr Woodley (52)

Just an average 2013 season from Woodley would put him ahead of Willis and Porter and into fifth place all-time in sacks for the Steelers. In fact, there is an extremely short list of pass rushers drafted by the Steelers (playing at least 48 games) who have as high of a sacks-per-game average (.626) as Woodley. He is also the Steelers' leader in sacks-per-game average in games started (.742) with 52 in 70.

This is also all in just six seasons, which includes the missing of nine games between 2011 and 2012 because of nagging hamstring and ankle injuries. As a point of comparison, the aforementioned Porter played 122 games for the Steelers. If Woodley does pass Peazy this season, he would have done so in at least 23 fewer games.

All of this and yet there is still the lingering feeling that Woodley has underachieved. That he actually fed off of Harrison's carnage as if he were a pilot fish eating on the leftovers of the host species.

Therefore, for his sake and that of the Steelers, more than "just an average 2013 season" is needed. And there is also more to the outside linebacker position than just getting sacks. It isn't just sacks, it's power and presence. In a word: fear. The kind of power that pushes back the line of scrimmage on running plays. The kind of presence that causes offensive linemen to miss a snap count or causes a quarterback to throw too quickly. The kind of fear that we know Woodley can instill.

Woodley had been just as dominant a run-stopper over his career as he had been a sack artist. According to FootballOutsiders.com, in 2010 Woodley ranked eighth in yards against per run play, and had a stop rate of 71% for a ranking of third. Respectable, if not dominant, numbers.

However, his production dropped precipitously over the last two seasons. The same website tracked his decline for 2011, but his numbers essentially nonexistent in 2012 in those categories. In his defense, though, Woodley was asked to drop into coverage a lot last year, doing so 35% of the time. Even so, questions remain for the other 2/3 of the time.

It is that 2010 Woodley, also the last year he had double-digit sacks, that the Steelers need to see reappear in 2013. Woodley turns 29 years old in November, and is under contract through 2016. Now is the time to reestablish relentlessness and intimidation in the Steel City, Mr. Woodley.

Greatness awaits.

Just What Is "Steeler Football?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is This James Harrison's Final Year?

"I do believe that this will be Harrison's last year with Steelers. Either [they] aren't going to [be able to] afford him anymore or his back will get best of him."

That quote from one of the Steelers beat writers has been echoed many times in the last two months. After basically seeing only spot work during minicamps and OTAs, you can understand why this has been a consideration.

That being the case, there has been concern that the Steelers could see a repeat of last season. We touched on this in a previous blog, Deebo does have a couple of different physical issues. His back being the main one.

So, will Harrison be a victim of dollars and sense? Will his back not be able to endure another season of torque and twisting & pressure and pounding? Why don't we start by just looking at both issues concerning The Silverback and go from there?

What the beat writer was basically saying was that Deebo will be a "cap casualty" as of the 2013 season. Well, would that make sense if he rebounds and has a comeback season this year? A season like he had from 2008-2010 when he had double-digit sacks and caused offensive coordinators to stay up until all hours devising ways to stop him. Remember, his doing so this year would be a boon toward staying one more year and for Worilds and Carter, the next two on the depth chart, to continually learn under him, if they're both still in Black & Gold.

Deebo's tutelage could certainly be used with the two young backup linebackers.  Jason Worilds wasn't exactly the epitome of "the standard is the standard" when he substituted for The Silverback. He wasn't a force when rushing the quarterback and finished with only three sacks in seven games. The Silverback had nine in 11 games. He was also suspect in defending the run and needs to learn to be quicker off the snap of the ball and how to shed blockers better.

Chris Carter? All he does is catch touchdowns. Oh, wait...wrong Chris Carter. While Carter is another young option, he still has a lot of learning to do. He also needs to step up after missing eight games last year with a hamstring injury. The Steelers can ill afford to wait past this season for him, else Deebo will be tutoring next year's early round linebacker pick.

I won't say that anyone who thinks The Silverback will be a "cap casualty" in 2013 is crazy, but it isn't a forgone conclusion either. He'll stay until the end of 2013 most likely. The Steelers know his worth. Yes, the Steelers buy low and sell high and have released ones before in a similar position. See: Joey Porter (he's in the news again too). But the dearth of experience behind Deebo will likely affect how the Steelers look at this situation.

What now about the other element in this equation: Harrison's back? As was reported in a previous blog posting, Deebo was first diagnosed with a herniated disc in his lower back in October of 2010 and was presented at that point with the option of surgery, which would've caused him to miss the rest of the 2010 season, or play through it and put off surgery until after the season. The Silverback took the second option and ended up having two total back surgeries, the initial and the follow-up, within two weeks of each other after the Super Bowl loss to the Packers.

This, in If It Ain't Steel's opinion, is what would prevent another sequel from Deebo. (Besides, another sequel without Smokey ain't worth it. I know, bad pun...)

Yes, he's basically only played five seasons, which some would say could elongate his career, but 34 years old is still 34 years old. That's especially so when the 6'0" 245 pounder is routinely going up against men several inches taller and at least 50 pounds heavier.

Yes, he also may be going through an extensive offseason training and therapy program, but the constant car wreck-like pounding that comes with an NFL season will still take its toll. Though he has adequate speed, his game is based on leverage and power. Can he stand two more seasons of such conditions?

While I remain optimistic that he will, knowing how dedicated to training and therapy he is, his surgically repaired back is what should be paid attention to in this scenario. Either as a catalyst to being let go or directly affecting his decision, it will likely be the greater factor as to whether Deebo will make it two more years.

Joey "Peezy" Porter To Retire As A Member Of The Steelers

It seems Kordell Stewart has started a trend.

NFL reporter Ian Rapoport confirms that former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter has retired. Porter, Peezy to Steelers fans, plans to retire as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“That’s where I started at,” Porter said,  “It’ll be an honor to go out there and retire as a Steeler. Started there, end there. Thirteen years. I never thought I’d play that long when I first started.”

Porter has said he's already talked to the Steelers organization about it. What led to the retirement decision, though? Peezy said it was because of health, and didn’t feel like himself last season with the Cardinals, aka Pittsburgh West.

“Not being able to get 100% healthy to play at the level I am accustomed to playing at,” Porter said, telling why. “The last two years, I tried to play and I wasn’t out there as healthy as I’ve been in the past. This year, I knew my knee wasn’t getting any better as far as this season.”

Peezy was beloved in Steeler Nation and there was an initial uproar when the Steelers let him go over contract and other issues. A personal friend, my Little Steeler Pixie Amanda Taylor, even called me up after it was announced and said, "What are they doing??? They released Joey!" I told to calm down and remember the name James Harrison. 'Nuff said.

Peezy was one of the best and most fierce. He was a leader in the locker room and on the field. He never backed down and he dared you to cross him. Just ask William Green and Terrelle Smith, formerly of the hated Cleveland Browns.

Peezy got into a pregame fight with Browns running back William Green in November of 2004. Peezy was already pissed because Browns defensive lineman Gerard Warren had threatened several days before the game to "rattle" Steelers rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger by hitting him in the head.

Bad idea. Since 1974, the Steelers have always had at least one linebacker who just scared everybody. At that time it was Peezy. Bad idea.

After Peezy and Green began yelling at each other, Green shoved Peezy (bad idea), who countered by throwing punches at, and connecting with, Green. Green left leakin'! (Sorry, street slang. Green left with a bloody lip.) Brown fullback Terrelle Smith was also there and tried to come to Green's aid (bad idea). He got tagged too. Go back and try to find tape on it. You could actually see Peezy say something like, "Oh, you want some too?!" Joey!!!

In Peezy's eight years with the Steelers he recorded 327 tackles, 60 sacks 10 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. He went to three Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2002.

It just feels right that he retires as a member of the Steelers. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nvS9w_vyxo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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.

By Cutting Hines Ward Steelers Prove Their Main Goal Is Winning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Again, thank you, Hines Ward.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~

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

Good...what's that?

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

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