Tomlin Shakes Up Steelers Lineup, Makes Good On Promise

Updated 10/9/13
 
The Victor Hugo-novel based Broadway musical "Les Miserables" has a song of lamentation called "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." It is sung by the character Marius who is mourning his friends who are no longer with him.

Seeing the photo posted by Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette reminded me of that scene in the play. Because, since death is often colloquially equated with dying, there empty chairs associated with empty microphones at head coach Mike Tomlin's press conference. It was more sparsely attended than your typical meeting of Congress. 

A lifeless 0-4 start will do that.

In light of said start, after the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Tomlin promised that there would be changes. 

"We'll continue to work and get better as long as I see belief and effort and continued improvement in detail because that's what's going to change the outcome of these games," Tomlin said. "Those who don't, they won't be a part of it, whoever it may be. It's just that simple."

True to his word, players were benched. 

The elephant in the room was Mike Adams at left tackle. Atrocious would aptly describe his play in the last two games. Yes, like Tomlin alluded to, Jared Allen is Jared Allen. But when the Steelers last played the Vikings in 2009, when Allen had 14.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and in contention for the Defensive Player of the Year award, Max Starks held him to all of two tackles and zero sacks.

Adams allowed Allen to get 2.5 sacks and four tackles. After awhile, he looked as if he was a part of the backfield. And he would've been pulled had Ramon Foster not gotten hurt, forcing Swiss Army Lineman Kelvin Beachum to fill in at guard. Instead, he got chip help from David Johnson. The worst part, though, is that when Adams got that help, he couldn't even recognize who he should be blocking. 

That said, Tomlin says he isn't giving up on Adams and that he "absolutely" sees potential in him. It is just that how he responds to his benching will go along way in defining him as a player. 

“The most important thing is not maybe what has happened to him to this point, it’s how he responds to it and moves forward,” Tomlin said. “I think it’s going to have the opportunity to define him and his career. There are a lot of solid professional players that have been through ups and downs, the emotions and so forth, and the guys that that show staying power and the guys that respond to it appropriately. That roll their sleeves up and go to work – solid, steady players, even within our organization.”

Therefore, after being speculated upon last week, it is now confirmed that Kelvin Beachum is the starter at left tackle going forward, with newly acquired Levi Brown backing him up. Adams is now third string. 

More promotions and demotions surrounded the defense, as rookie Vince Williams is now listed as the starting Buck Inside Linebacker. He was sharing the role with Kion Wilson.

Though he missed a key initial tackle on the long touchdown run by Adrian Peterson against the Vikings, overall the coaches "feel he’s earned it."

If It Ain't Steel wrote two articles over the last year questioning how long Ziggy Hood would remain the starter while playing the way he had been. That has now been answered in Cameron Heyward being promoted to starter. 

"He...will play more, and deservedly so," said Tomlin when asked Tuesday if Heyward had moved ahead of Hood in the base defense. "I think he's been really solid, not taking anything away from Ziggy [Hood], obliviously, both guys will continue to play, we just want Cam to play more than he's been playing and in order to ensure that, we are going to put him in the starting lineup." - http://tinyurl.com/mmfvtu3

Heyward has nine pressures, second behind Brett Keisel's 13, has batted down two passes, has two tackles and one quarterback hit in approximately one half of the plays (114) as Hood. 

Another move was that of Isaiah Green, after again clearing waivers, being added to the practice squad and Devin Smith being released from it. 

As for the rest of the presser, and aside from the usual minutiae where he makes the opponent sound 14-2 even if they're 2-14, he made valid points about Muhammed Wilkerson and rookie quarterback Geno Smith being players to watch on Sunday at the New York Jets. 

Wilkerson is a force who had five tackles, one forced fumble, one quarterback sack and even more quarterback pressures Monday night. 

Per Pro Football Focus, through four games Geno Smith led the NFL in deep completions (with a target of 20 yards or more) with 12 (Ben Roethlisberger was tied for second with 11).

The Steelers travel to the Meadowlands to take on the 3-2 Jets at MetLife Stadium in a bit of rematch of the AFC Championship game from three years ago. Though their roles are reversed this season, traditionally, the Steelers have had the edge. They are 18-4 all-time against the Jets, including a 9-3 road record.

UPDATE: the Steelers have re-signed inside linebacker Stevenson Sylvester and have released Kion Wilson.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Sylvester was cut by the team on Aug. 25. He is a former Steelers fifth-round draft pick fro the 2010 NFL draft out of Utah. In three seasons for the Steelers, he recorded 22 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Wilson had started games two and three for the Steelers before being replaced by rookie Vince Williams. 

The Steelers also worked out tight ends Ryan Otten and Chase Clement.

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TIDBITS: Injury Report - Safety Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith (hip) is questionable to start the week, per Tomlin. Guard Ramon Foster (pectoral) practiced partially capacity on Monday with his left pectoral strain. His availability is crucial. Linebacker Kion Wilson (hamstring) also practiced partially Monday. He is questionable for the week. Wide receiver Markus Wheaton (finger) was ruled out for the Sunday game by Tomlin after having surgery.

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NFL may compel teams to participate in "Hard Knocks" if none volunteer. If Steelers don't make playoffs, we may see them as next year's team.

"Athletic" Offensive Line 'United' To Run Ball And Protect Ben Roethlisberger

by Jayden and Jason

"...Ben Roethlisberger...has only played 16 games one time in his entire nine year career. He's missed eight games in the last three years. It's hard to win without your franchise quarterback..." - ESPN's Teddy Bruschi

What Bruschi said in response to Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark's comments regarding his former quarterback is just what the coaches are thinking as well. This offseason, new offensive line coach Jack Bicknell, jr. said that the "foundation" of a successful team and season definitely begins with the offensive line, and, more pointedly, players "athletic enough and be able to move."

Those athletic players have two basic jobs: run the ball and, as Bruschi said, "protect the franchise." More on the latter in a moment.

Anymore, teams are getting away from the feature running back and moving more towards two and three-headed monsters who provide a certain level of output at the position. Having Jerome Bettis for almost a decade is great if you can get it, but even The Bus had an effective-if-not-powerful offensive line. And to get back to a powerful running game requires an "athletic" group with "unity" and an edge to their practices starting now.

"For sure,'' current left tackle Marcus Gilbert said. "I think that's what the coaches envision us having -- a highly drafted, athletic group of guys. I think the guys we have now, we're working toward good unity and everything will sort out itself."

Gilbert looks at present to be the man who will be the one to protect Big Ben's blind side. But as head coach Mike Tomlin points out, that isn't set in stone yet.

"One of the things that we learned through the trials of the 2012 season is that both of those young men are capable of playing both spots," [Mike] Tomlin said last month. "We will use the spring and the summer to sort out where we play those two at." - http://tinyurl.com/orc7scz

But what may ultimately be even more important is the quarterback and the protecting of the left side, which Gilbert said "is more important, the quarterback has to have trust in you."

It is a sentiment that Bruschi echoed when, continuing from earlier, he said that quarterbacks are "of the utmost importance and they need to stay alive, and stay healthy, and be there through the entire regular season, and the entire postseason."

Staying healthy throughout it all, though, starts with a healthy offensive line. A point which left guard Ramon Foster understands all too well.

“Just pray that everybody stays healthy,” he said, before adding: “We’ve got guys in our clip right now. Kelvin Beachum is ready. John Malecki played in games last year. Guy Whimper has played on a Super Bowl team. We’ve got some guys. We’ve got some guys who’ve got to mature really fast. If worse comes to worse, I believe guys will be ready.” - http://pit.scout.com/2/1293498.html

He does admit, however, that, considering that those five men need to be as close knit as possible, they are striving for that much-needed "chemistry."

“We’ve been tight this whole off-season. We’ve been here the entire time. I think our chemistry is there. It’s just about putting it on the field.”

There's no way to tell as of yet whether those words from the different linemen will translate onto the field, but this young and athletic group looks to be on its way to bringing back a forward-moving running back and an upright quarterback to the Steel City.

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TIDBITS: Per Jim Wexell's Twitter (@jimwexell) account: "[Kelvin] Beachum working at Center and [Al] Woods working at NT (for 2nd year) only serves to expand versatility, not a slight of [John] Malecki and/or [Alameda] Ta'amu."

"More interesting is amount of practice time seen by undrafted rookie DE Brian Arnfelt." (Northwestern)

"@jimwexell: Cap expert @IanWhetstone says loss of [Max] Starks should equal 5th-round compensation. [Mike] Wallace whole 'nother deal."
(Brackets ours)

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Steelers have best punter of last decade, Brian Moorman, on their roster and did not even have to use a 4th-round pick for him: http://t.co/I39X6pbB6t

Art Rooney II: The State Of The Steelers, pt. 3: Injuries

With all due respect to every sideshow, Atlantic City, and downtown Las Vegas "magician" ever, the real magic words still are "please" and "thank you."

Last Wednesday, when Pittsburgh Steelers team president Art Rooney II held his postseason 'State of the Steelers' address he pointed out several areas of contention that led to the team's failure in 2012. The last article surrounded the many turnovers - those on offense and the lack of those on defense. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-rooney-ii-state-of-steelers-pt-2.html

The final article deals with the part of the interview which arguably 'frustrates' and confounds the Steelers organization and its fans the most, that of its rash of injuries: "We have to look at everything we're doing," Rooney II said, "and we will look at everything we're doing, from the training and conditioning side of things, from a practice side of things and see if there are things we can do to get better." - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Team-to-investigate-rash-of-injuries/7a52fef7-d231-4726-99f1-624c12207ae0

Please and thank you.

As Bob Labriola of Steelers Digest noted in the article on Steelers.com, the Steelers were a M.A.S.H. unit again this season: "Troy Polamalu missed nine games. Rashard Mendenhall missed seven. Marcus Gilbert missed 11. Mike Adams missed six. Ben Roethlisberger missed three, as did Antonio Brown. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley were on the field together for only nine games."

"David Johnson," Labriola continued, "went on the injured reserve list before the start of the regular season, and No. 1 pick David DeCastro didn't come off that list until the regular season was 13 games old." As a matter of fact, Steelers players missed over 100 games due to injury, with 11 players ending the season on the Injured Reserve list.

The Steelers offensive line alone started seven different line combinations. They started nine different offensive line combinations in 2011. Now with guard Willie Colon hurt again and Ramon Foster, Doug Legursky and Max Starks all being unrestricted free agents, major questions once surround the depth of the OLine and how this will affect offseason moves. Even prompting some to say that it needs to happen sooner rather than later. - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1476681-pittsburgh-steelers-why-they-must-use-the-draft-to-fix-the-offensive-line

The player on the Oline that many are pointing at is Colon. Considering his injury history, it may just be time to cut ties and continue the Kelvin Beachum experiment. Cutting Colon outright will save $1.2 million and it is something the Steelers need to think about doing. If he had stayed healthy/healthier this season, he might have received the benefit of the doubt. Now there's just just plain doubt. - http://steelblitz.com/kelvin-beachum-could-be-steelers-left-guard-in-2013-and-beyond/2455/2013/01/14

According to team GM Kevin Colbert, the Steelers, per one study taken, had fewer injuries that some playoff teams had. "We were not the only team that had injuries. Teams that had more had better results." He said the amount of injuries "really wasn't unique to us."

That's the problem. Yes, injuries happen - they're an unavoidable part of the game - but it's the recent consistency of them and how the Steelers have reacted to them that is of concern. We've already touched on the fact that the OLine has been especially ravaged and what may be expected to happen, but there was more of what seemed to be a lack of mental toughness.

How often was the 'standard not the standard?' Wasn't the 'next man up' seemingly sometimes absent when roll was called? As was said, all teams face injuries. How they react, as individuals and as a team, speaks volumes. And, as much as Steelers fans may not like reading this, the team that tends to speak the loudest in this regard is the New England Patriots.

In a league where a team's hopes crash and burn because of one key injury, the Patriots' version of the "next man up" continues to produce winning results year after year. Patriots insider Tom E. Curran talks about that quality here: http://www.csnne.com/football-new-england-patriots/patriots-talk/Curran-on-Patriots-mental-toughness-defe?blockID=805607

There has to be a mental toughness to go far. It takes time to develop, but that's where the veterans who have been through the tough days help to pass it on to the younger players. It must become contagious, permeate the entirety of the team. It's something that was missing with the Steelers this season.

As former Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins defensive end Bruce Smith once said in an interview, there's a difference between playing "hurt" and playing "injured." Playing hurt is something players often do. Like he said, players can be dinged up in some fashion from week two on. Playing injured, however, in the most cases, is detrimental to the team and usually only serves to worsen the injury.

Winning is a mindset - 10% is physical and 90% is mental. Which also means knowing when your offseason regimen may not be working. Like as brought out in part two of this series, Woodley has been offered to work with Ike Taylor's trainer Tom Shaw since Woodley's offseason routine...aww, who are we kidding? What offseason routine?

Another who may consider adjusting his offseason regimen to aid in durability throughout the season is Polamalu. Especially because of his wonderful reckless abandon, he has seen fewer field time the last few seasons.

The website pittsburghjedi.com (Pitts Burgh-Jedi on Facebook and @Pittsburgh_Jedi on Twitter) offered up an assessment on Polamalu's offseason ritual.

"I think a lot of [Polamalu's] getting hurt is because he's not training using the same standards as everyone else," they surmised. "He does holistic-style training with no weights at all. As a younger, more resilient man, he could get by [with] doing that. At 30 years old, 10 years in the league, and 10 years full of big hits and collisions, it seems logical to say his sort of wear-and-tear calls for something additional. He's still huge, but with gravity-based training that depends on using your body-weight as resistance, it means there's a ceiling you can hit with your training."

People are training harder than him using weights and he's not holding up against their hits....maybe it's time to use some more health science and not so much of these alternative, natural methods," they continued. "A half-baked theory, but knowing the correlation of proper training and risk of injury, it holds some water, if not a lot of it."

It just might. But, whether because of training, conditioning, mental toughness, offseason regimens or even because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement rules, there has to be a reason or conglomerate of reasons to why the Steelers have been snake bitten the last few seasons.

"I would like to see us have some of that [CBA] loosened up a little bit, but that's not something completely in our control," Rooney II pointed out.

Regardless, as he said, "people are always coming up with new ideas on how to train, and so we'll look at all of that."

Please and thank you.

Art Rooney II - The State Of The Steelers, pt. 1: 'Frustration'

The president spoke, he delivered his address and everyone took note. However, this wasn't Obama or the State of the Union, but Pittsburgh Steelers' team president Art Rooney II speaking to the local media on the State Of The Steelers.

With the offseason for the Steelers underway, Rooney II's now annual season wrap-up featured a few points of interest for Steelers fans. Nothing, however, that was unexpected nor anything that took football's version of Pythagoras to figure out. In a word, it was "frustrating."

"It was clearly a frustrating season, mostly because we had so many opportunities that we didn't take advantage of," said Rooney. - http://tinyurl.com/ajgrk3k

One of those missed opportunities was turnovers related. The defensive side of the turnover ratio, as we've covered in previous blog posts, was a result of the lack of pressure on the quarterback. As Rooney II stated, "We have to get more pressure on the quarterback. Anybody will tell you that creates turnovers."

As he pointed out, the Steelers need a better pass rush, more turnovers on defense and fewer on offense. These are priorities for 2013, and will be discussed in more detail in part two of the interview. None of them, though, are going to happen if one thing in particular isn't taken care of first: the Salary Cap problem.

ESPN reported recently that the Steelers currently are $10.8 million over the Cap. Rooney said that it's much more than the $10 or so million over. As we said also, add the exclusive rights free agents and it's around $12 million. - http://tinyurl.com/akdduo5

However, as some have further reported, add the dead money that's owed and it is closer to about $15-$16 million over. There are more tough decisions ahead, Rooney said, and called it a "jigsaw puzzle."

Many of the pieces in that puzzle are amongst the unrestricted free agents as they attempt to determine who will be kept and who will be allowed to go off into free agency making room for the restricted free agents they'll need to retain. These are the ones we believe will be allowed to go:

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
Casey Hampton
Ryan Mundy
Justin King
Brandon Johnson
Greg Warren

OFFENSE:
Charlie Batch
Byron Leftwich (Injured so much he got a hangnail clicking this link)
Plaxico Burress
Rashard Mendenhall (2014 compensatory draft pick)
Mike Wallace (2014 compensatory draft pick)
Ramon Foster (Unless they decide to cut Willie Colon after June 1st)
Doug Legursky

There is unfortunately one more on that list: Max Starks. Starks was the only Steelers lineman to play every snap this year. We'd love to see the team extend a two-year deal to him since he has given so much to the organization. Will it happen? Probably not. What does he think will happen? - http://tinyurl.com/byb7g7u

Starks isn't the only player on the team who is contemplating his future. Many realize how much of a possibility it is to be in another uniform next season, or simply looking for work. It can be a sobering thought, especially when one's season ends unfulfilled. - http://tinyurl.com/cfggnt4

There are a few currently under contract as well who might have to be let go because of not fitting into that puzzle anymore. The most obvious of those are defensive end Brett Keisel ($2.8 million), linebacker James Harrison ($10 million), and guard Willie Colon ($1.2 million). Releasing those players would save the Steelers about $14 million in Cap space.

The problem with that is whether or not their backups would be ready to step into their vacated positions? There's the rub. A jigsaw puzzle indeed.

Rooney II also spoke on the problem the team has had lately with injuries. He said that while injuries do come in cycles, the Steelers will evaluate their training methods to see if they need to change anything.

Here's a consideration: In June of 2011, Ariko Iso, the first and only female NFL athletic trainer, left the organization to take the position of head athletic trainer at her alma mater, Oregon State. She seems to have taken with her the knowledge, training tactics and experience that the current person does not have. It also might be pure coincidence. But it is a feasible thought considering that the last two years have been replete with injuries. It is something worth considering at the very least. - http://tinyurl.com/bkd8uwy

Rooney II naturally spoke on the offense as well and gave both head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Todd Haley votes of confidence, saying that each did a "good job." He made the point that nine games into the season, the offense was functioning at a high level and that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was taking fewer sacks. Something that he had wanted to see when former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' contract was not renewed. Points that were discussed and emphasized on Talkin' Steelers Football: http://tinyurl.com/anal7by

He's basically accurate. Through those first nine games, the Steelers were 6-3, were scoring 23.0 points per game, were just -1 in turnover differential and were averaging 103.8 rushing yards per game. Not record setting numbers, but certainly winning football.

The last seven games on the other hand, they were 2-5, scored only 17.5 PPG, had a turnover ratio of -9, and their rushing YPG dropped to 86.1.

The two biggest reasons for this was the putrid turnover ratio and the declined play of Big Ben. Regarding his part in this equation, Big Ben admitted after the season was finally over, that he came back too early from his injury and, because of either not trusting the game plan, not trusting his teammates enough or both, he tried to do too much. - http://tinyurl.com/cxjdje6

It wasn't just him, though. Frankly, how could he completely trust his teammates when his top two wide receivers, Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace, were in double figures in both drops and fumbles?

How could he completely trust the game plan when it went away from Heath Miller about halfway through the season? A man whom Ben calls the "best player on the field whenever he's on the field." Or, for that matter, when Tomlin and Haley couldn't settle on a feature running back? A point that was perplexing and that even brought "friendly criticism" from one teammate in particular. - http://tinyurl.com/cuka6mf

But Big Ben believes the offense can work if they simply execute properly. He said so earlier in the season when he attempted to dismiss any philosophical disagreements with Haley. Big Ben is quoted as saying that he was convinced the offense “works for us. When we‘re executing, I think it works.”

He also said that a full offseason working with Haley should be productive, and that they just "need to continue to grow." - http://tinyurl.com/cy2u7ey

The only problem with that is whether he'll be able to or not.

On Thursday, January 3rd, the Arizona Cardinals officially asked for permission to interview for their vacant head coaching position. The Steelers granted permission and, according to those associated with the Steelers organization, Haley did interview.

What would happen to the Steelers offense if Haley were to leave? Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review offers this assessment: http://tinyurl.com/cetkzca

Yes, it is a big "if" on Haley's possibility of leaving. If he does leave, however, Kirby Wilson is considered the only one in-house replacement candidate. After that, there is long list of possibilities. Haley did say, however, during his final interview before the offseason, that he is happy where he is.

“Really, it isn’t anything I am thinking about,” said Haley about head coaching jobs. “I’ve said a bunch of times, and even when I came in and sat down with Mike {Tomlin} earlier on, this is where I want to be." - http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/2013/01/losing-haley-would-be-setback.html?spref=fb

If Haley and Big Ben are to be taken at their word regarding their relationship, and that their "feud" was more media-driven than anything, the full offseason time that Big Ben spoke about will be welcomed and needed, especially with him at an essential crossroads in his career. - http://nicepickcowher.com/2013/01/06/2013-career-crossroads-for-ben-roethlisberger/

The offense has its issues, yes, as Rooney II alluded to, but they are things that can be fixed. Through the upcoming draft, a possible dip into free agency and, most importantly, simply learning to execute better, the offense can be what they want it to be.

However, there is still one more thing, as touched on earlier, that they will need to address. Something about which Rooney II spoke extensively: turnovers -- but on both sides of the ball. We'll discuss this in part two of this series.

Steelers' Inept Play Ruins Anniversary Ceremony, Playoff Hopes in 13-10 Loss

What's an antonym for "immaculate?" Dirty? Filthy? Foul? Tainted? Unclean? Unsterile? Well, pick one, because they all fit the Pittsburgh Steelers overall performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in a 13-10 loss. Here are the highlights from the game: http://tinyurl.com/d4noqw9

That's it. After that, then the opening kick, it got really ugly.

For Ben Roethlisberger and the offense, it was an utterly pathetic showing. Granted, Big Ben was 'almost dead' five weeks ago...how much did that affect his arm strength? That can't be quantified accurately, but he wasn't the Ben we know for more than a handful of plays.

As Big Ben accurately stated, "We should be (going to the playoffs) if it wasn't for me." - http://tinyurl.com/cqrn7hj

As Dejan Kovacevic, sports columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, tweeted on his official Twitter (@Dejan_Kovacevic) account, and with which we agree: "I love Ben, always have and have always defended him...BUT he should take a lot of the blame...not all, but A LOT." - http://tinyurl.com/cjg5y4a

Was he actually still ailing? Let's hope it's nothing else. Regardless, Big Ben deserves the brunt of the blame for the last two losses. Ben just hasn't been Ben since coming back from his injury and the difference is staggeringly obvious.

BIG BEN pre-injury:

209 - 316 passes
66.1% completion
17 TD passes
4 interceptions
QB Rating of over 100.0 and 121.1 on 3rd down with the team just under 50% on 3rd.
3 game-winning drives.

BIG BEN post-injury:

60 - 110 passes
54.5% completion
6 TD passes
4 interceptions (half of season total)
QB Rating in the 80.0's (58.6 on Sunday) and the team converting only 2 of 14 3rd downs.
3 blown chances at comebacks or game-winning drives.

The offense as a whole wet the bed and wasted a nearly brilliant defensive performance in which Cortez Allen, the Steelers Digest Player of the Week, had two interceptions and a forced fumble, the Steelers first multi-interception game in over a year (their first since Cleveland last December).

It was also a game in which the defense recorded six sacks, their most in one game all season, and where an unusually animated Troy Polamalu had his first sack since September of 2011 in a 24-0 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

But their performance couldn't offset the inept play of the offense. An offense that had actually been the ones carrying the defense in recent weeks. And as has been the case too many times this season, one wasn't enough. - http://tinyurl.com/br2thgt

The offense had far too few bright moments, Sunday and all season, and turned it over far too many times. That's a failure for both the players and the coaching staff.

No, the coaches don't throw interceptions, fumble or drop passes, but they are ultimately responsible for repetitive problems and continued insanity (insanity: doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result).

One dropped pass is a mistake, two fumbles is a pattern, and three interceptions is a habit. Or, in this case, a problem. A problem If It Ain't Steel said was needed to be avoided in our pre-game article. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/12/for-steelers-playoffs-begin-sunday.html

The players, for the little good it meant, recognized it also. "I'm not surprised at all," said running back Isaac Redman. "Turnovers at key moments of games have just crushed us all year long."

(Getty Images)
The final crushing blow was dealt once again by quarterback Big Ben who threw two interceptions in the game, the first being returned for a touchdown. For the second straight game, Big Ben threw a costly interception that led to a loss when Reggie Nelson picked him off with 14 seconds remaining and the score tied.

The Bengals (9-6) then only needed a 21-yard completion to A.J. Green to set up the game-winning field goal. This is the first time since 1981-82 that the Bengals have reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons. - http://tinyurl.com/d6jbnk7

Though he also threw a touchdown pass when he and wide receiver Antonio Brown made it rain on Adam "Pacman" Jones for a 60-yard score, the Steelers (7-8) lost for the fifth time in six games. This will be the first season since 2006 that the Steelers will enter the regular season finale with no chance of making the playoffs.

According to Steelers left tackle Max Starks, though, they'll be ready: "There won't be any quitting going into next week," he said after the game.

Next week will be it for this season, however. Time to start taking a serious look at everything and everyone. Injuries decimated this team from virtually day one, yes. But there were obvious inherent problems that need addressing.

"We have to do a better job as players of playing," said Steelers linebacker James Harrison, "and a better job as coaches of coaching."

One thing they have to absolutely do better is block. Finding a number one running back would help and they had injuries at all positions but one. But the offensive line was never completely consistent in its blocking and got progressively worse as the season went along.

In fact, we warned how bad it could get with defensive tackle Geno Atkins in town. It was expected that Ramon Foster would see him, instead he lines up over rookie David DeCastro most of the day. Atkins feasted on the youngling, having 2.5 sacks for a total of 13 this season.

The problems that need to be addressed will be discussed at length in future articles, as we have a long offseason to address them. All that is left is to salvage the season and avoid being the first losing year since 2003.

It won't take an immaculate performance against fellow cellar dwellers, the Cleveland Browns, just one that isn't the same inept showing seen lately. The standard should be a higher one.

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TIDBITS: In Mike Tomlin's post-game press conference, he announced that Baron Batch broke his arm and that Heath Miller suffered a PCL and MCL injury. Injured reserve for both for a certainty.

Curtis Brown (Achilles), Mike Wallace (hamstring), and center Maurkice Pouncey (knee-MCL) all dinged up, but status unknown. - http://tinyurl.com/c3qbr5f

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After his suspension, Rashard Mendenhall returns to have 11 carries for 50 yards. He returns to the scene of the crime (sort of) next week against the Browns. - http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/c554e1aa-a4c2-431e-97b1-9ae34aa3b64b/

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Steelers 2013 opponents now set following loss to Bengals: http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh/f/90c0e581-dcbf-4d7a-869f-964a6142aa34/

Isaac Redman, Max Starks And Players To Watch

"I wasn't sure how my body would react, but I don't feel anything right now. Kind of feel like I never really injured it."

Those words were spoken by the Pittsburgh Steelers running back Isaac Redman after practice on Thursday as he prepared for the third preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Regarding the game itself, he said further, "I'm anxious to get out there. I want to get out there and play and give it my all."

Redman had to sit out the Steelers second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts because of a hip injury. Since Redman's health status was unclear and Rashard Mendenhall, who was just removed from the Active PUP list, certainly won't be ready, until now we'd had Dwyer as the starter not only in Buffalo, but in Denver on September 9th also. Looks like that might not be the case after all.

Nonetheless, Redman has seen little action this preseason. He was in for 11 plays in the first preseason game against the Eagles and carried the ball just five times for 14 yards. He also caught a pass for five yards on the first play of the game.

So, Redman will play Saturday night in Buffalo, but what's unknown is how much. Tomlin has stated that the starters will play at least the first half, maybe more. Since Jason Ford, who has a hamstring strain, won't make the trip, the carries will be divided between Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, Baron Batch and Chris Rainey. 

Per Mike Tomlin on Thursday, the inactive list for Saturday will consist of Ford, James Harrison, Mendenhall and Stevenson Sylvester. Hampton is traveling with the team, but is unlikely to play. None of the others will even make the trip. As a matter of fact, Mendenhall says he has no timetable at all yet on his eventual return.

“To be real, I don’t know when I’ll be ready to play,” said the running back who injured his right ACL in the 2011 regular-season finale at Cleveland. “I’m just working with the training staff and doing what I can to get on the field.”

Unlike most recovering from ACL injuries, Mendy downplays the mental hurdles involved: "Theres a physical difference, and once that's gone, I'll be able to play."

Regardless, that timetable he doesn't know about? Don't expect him back before the bye.

Max Starks will also start against Buffalo. Whether he plays for a quarter or a half is unknown, since he nor the coaches wants to overdue it. Tomlin, expressively forthcoming as always simply said, "Our intentions are to let him play."

Tomlin also said it's unlikely that fourth-string quarterback Jerrod Johnson, who seemed a little more comfortable his second time out, will play against the Bills. Though, Tomlin didn't make a determination who the 2nd QB is yet, I would expect to see Byron Leftwich before Charlie Batch this time. 

~

PLAYERS TO WATCH in Saturday's preseason game against the Bills: 

DAVID GILREATH is consistently good in short area quickness and burst. He's still trying to earn a spot on this roster, but should be considered the frontrunner for the fifth wide receiver spot.

CHRIS CARTER is taking advantage of a golden opportunity and is "improving daily." With Harrison still ailing, look for him to stake a claim for the starting right outside linebacker position (with a solid performance over Cordy Glenn Saturday) against the Broncos to start the season.

JUSTIN PEELLE is a tight end who has played fullback and was brought in to replace the Steelers' David Johnson who was a tight end who had played fullback. Someone needs to be able backup WVU product Will Johnson and still play TE as well. 

MORTTY IVY, another WVU product, may just find a way onto the roster this year considering all the injuries to the position. If he has another solid game and can hold off Adrian Robinson, he just might do it this time. Though, both could make the initial 53-man roster with the aforementioned injuries being an issue. 

AL WOODS and CORBIN BRYANT are battling for the same position and one has to go. Woods had the big interception that he took about 50 yards into the red zone. It must've taken a lot out of him because Bryant received the majority of the snaps in the second game. Who'll step up Saturday?

Dermontti Dawson And Jack Butler: Hall Of Famers Defining Greatness

Historian and writer H.G. Wells once said that a man's greatness could be measured by 'what he leaves to grow, and whether he started others to think along fresh lines' with a "vigor that persisted after" him.

Certain men in the history of the NFL (players, coaches and owners) have done just that: some with pomp and braggadocio, and others with much quiet humility. Either way, their greatness couldn't be denied. For Dermontti Dawson and Jack Butler, Saturday it no longer was.

Dermontti Dawson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the University of Kentucky in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft. Before taking over at center, Dawson actually played next to Mike Webster, a Steeler legend at center, starting five games at guard his rookie season. 

Drafted in 1974, Iron Mike anchored the Steelers offensive line, "Webster's Warriors", from 1976-1988, succeeding Ray Mansfield who had the job from 1966 until Webster took over. So, Dawson had big shoes to fill. Multiple big shoes. He would succeed in grand fashion.

Referring to the opening quote from Wells, Dawson would go on to succeed in just that way: leaving a vigor that persisted after him in the form of a plethora of linemen and coaches who emulate and praise him. 

“I think for us as offensive linemen we have an appreciation when you see someone that was special at that position," said Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks. "Dermontti was the greatest center I ever watched play. There were a lot of great centers that came through the Steelers organization and played in the NFL, but for us he was our standard for what offensive linemen, especially the center position, should be. He did what was unheard of at the time. He had a special ability, a unique ability. He was a big, strong guy but was so quick and could do things that now every offensive lineman is expected to do."

He added, “I think a lot of younger kids are looking at the type of player he was and you are seeing a lot more athletic centers in this league, pulling on screens and getting out and being a lead blocker. There are characteristics that Maurkice [Pouncey] has that Dermontti had." 

You simply never had a center pull like was referred to by Starks, until Dawson. Plainly put, he caused ones to "think along fresh lines" and changed how teams ran the football in the NFL. You can read of other linemen who extolled Dawson as well in an article posted back in February when the announcement of his enshrinement announcement was first made. - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Linemen-respect-and-admire-Dawson/1c8b76dd-30d7-4f92-acaa-dd99114dce26/ 

Ask also his former coaches about him and they are not at all reticent with regard their plaudits. 

Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher often sang Dawson's praises, but a different perspective comes from a Steelers defensive coach. Dick LeBeau, Pittsburgh’s living legend of a defensive coordinator, shared this perspective with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

“He’s the first center I ever saw pulling and leading sweeps. They would lead Dermontti on what we called the ‘plus nose tackle,’ the guy who sat outside his shoulder with the play going to that side. His blocking assignment was to cut that guy out of that onside gap, almost impossible. But Dermontti could do it because of his quickness.”

Great Xs and Os type of assessment from a defensive coach. His first head coach also, though, spoke highly of him. The man who coached Webster through four Super Bowls.

“Dermontti is a much better athlete (than Webster)," Chuck Knoll said in a 1996 interview. "Mike had great strength and power. Dermontti has it all: smarts, strength, quickness and speed.” 

Finally, though, what vigor persisted after Dawson with his opponents? How your enemies respect you may be even more telling of you and your mettle than how those who love you revere you. 

Current New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick used to face Dawson and the Steelers twice a year when he manned the helm for the rival Cleveland Browns (1991-95). BB had this to say about DD: "He was one of the best players that we have ever played against at that position. He had exceptional quickness. I think that really the measure of a center is his ability to play against powerful guys that are lined up over him and try to bull-rush the pocket and collapse it in the middle so that the quarterback can't step up. Dawson had great leverage and quickness with his hands and his feet where he did a great job of keeping that pocket clean for...those [quarterbacks] who played behind him."

Dawson accepted his selection to be inducted with the same quiet humility spoken of at the outset of this article. He knows his legacy, but he never blew a horn ahead of himself. The ferocity with which he played is a juxtaposition to the docile and appreciative demeanor that makes the man and that was on display Saturday:  http://t.co/GkEl9QY2

~

Jack Butler played defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1951-59. Years ago I didn't even know that. Three years ago that was all I knew. Not long after that I started voicing my opinion that he deserved to have his bust in the Hall of Fame. 

Last year, I put it down on paper, sort of, that Butler's absence from the Hall was a travesty that needed to be rectified. All that I truly have to say about him, therefore, I said here: http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2011/08/jack-butler-should-be-in-hall-of-fame.html?spref=tw

Between his playing days and BLESTO, Butler exemplified his career in the NFL with panache. Since Butler was short and sweet with his speech, despite all that he's done with and for the NFL, I will do likewise here and allow the presentation speech and then his speech close this out. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK5DdtJYWSc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://t.co/zCvpESUu 

Welcome Back, Max Starks; Goodbye, Jonathan Scott

"@BobLabriola: Max Starks signed to a 1-year deal, puts Steelers at 90 players on their roster."

That was the message that flashed across my phone Tuesday morning...causing me to shed a brief tear. I say that not only because the Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed Max Starks, their starting left tackle since 2008, but also because it most likely means the departure of Jonathan Scott. Finally.  

I personally have wanted to see Starks back, and we at If It Ain't Steel have blogged about his possible return and the implications of such an acquisition.

Max Starks gives the Steelers the luxury of keeping second-year man Marcus Gilbert at right tackle, where he started as a rookie and at what is seemingly his best position. Starks and rookie Mike Adams, the Steelers second-rounder, will contend for the starting job at left tackle in training camp. I'm sure, though, the rookie would have to be outstanding in camp to become the actual starter going into the season.

Before they drafted Adams, there were stirrings that the Steelers had planned to move Gilbert to left tackle. Gilbert practiced on both sides during the minicamps. He also played left tackle, albeit for only approximately six games, while at Florida.

Like Ed Bouchette said, "No need for Marcus Gilbert to move to left tackle if Mike Adams could grasp it now with Starks signing with Steelers." We also know now why the Steelers kept their roster at 89 players for so long.

Starks had said back in May that he was aiming for week one to be healthy and ready to go. According to his posting on Twitter this morning, he's on schedule: “@maxstarks78: It's a great day, doc gave me a great report! On my way to being game ready!”

He then posted proof, just in case there was any doubt: “@maxstarks78: It's real and sealed! I'll be seeing you in Latrobe! http://t.co/FqqZ0xZV  

Though not the best left tackle in the game, Max Starks is still one of the most liked persons amongst those in the organization and in Steeler Nation. A sentiment echoed by Mike Prisuta of the DVE Morning Show in Pittsburgh and co-host with Labriola of "Agree to Disagree."

"When Steelers types talk Starks they get to 'comfortable' and 'respect' and 'good fit' pretty quickly. I'll second that 'no lose' assessment."

I'm right there as well. In fact, I'm so happy about this that I won't even bash Jonathan Scott. I've done that enough anyway. I won't point out that the crew from Ghost Hunters was hired to find him on the offensive line and couldn't. I won't suggest that he gets smoked more than a joint at a Snoop Dogg concert. Nor will I suggest that he's on his back more than Jenna Jameson.

I won't say any of that. I'm a bigger man than that (he said as he shined up his sh*t kickers ready to boot Scott outta town).

Welcome back, Max.

What The Loss of William Gay Means For Steelers Secondary

When the news came down Sunday morning that William Gay had decided to leave the Steelers for the Arizona Cardinals, it didn't really come as any big surprise. Not even to Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert.

″We knew that was a possibility,″ Kevin Colbert said today. ″His representatives had been in contact with us. We were aware of his trips and that he was going to get offers and he got an offer that he took.″ 

It was actually William Gay himself who broke the news of leaving when he declared from his personal Twitter account: "@williamgay22: I'm #Birdgang now west coast". 

In Arizona, as I alluded to in a previous blog post, he will be reunited with Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton and assistant defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend. 

Make no mistake, William Gay's departure is a loss. Not only is there now the possible need to replace a cornerback, but the Nickel position as well. He started at the left cornerback spot for the Steelers last year from week two on after Bryant McFadden was benched following the week one loss to the Ravens. Then, when the Steelers would switch to Nickel and Dime packages, Gay would move inside to the slot and Keenan Lewis would come in as the left corner.

Gay made more plays last year than people choose to remember. He's not a starting NFL by any means, no, but the Steelers will still feel the loss, especially at the Nickel. 

That said, he was only beaten in a game-changing way twice all regular season, one of which arguably was caused by Ryan Clark being late over the top, and his 2011 regular season stats were on par with Ike Taylor's. The loss is real: he provided experience and depth, he was very good in the Nickel and he knows LeBeau's system.

At the same time, though, this is far from a major loss. There is good young talent at the position behind him in Pittsburgh. Even if he had stayed on a veteran minimum or qualifying contract offer, he still would have been the third or fourth defensive back in Pittsburgh next season. 

Is there a need to draft a corner to add to this young talent? Maybe, but the Steelers won't go against the norm and get someone via free agency. We may already, in fact, have what we need in Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith and/or Myron Rolle. They may be able to step up at safety and negate the need for an extra cornerback/Nickel defensive back.

Nonetheless, there should be healthy competition at cornerback to compliment Ike Taylor with Keenan Lewis being the leader in the clubhouse. Lewis has more defensive snaps, seeing game action to the tune of about 400 snaps last season. 

Also based on last year's game packages and total snaps, I'd expect to see Cortez Allen being the nickel corner Keenan Lewis starting opposite Ike since it was Allen who was used in the Dime, though not a true Dime, packages.  

Curtis Brown hardly saw action at all on defense in his rookie campaign. He does seem to hold the eye of the coaching staff, though, as Bob Labriola of Steelers Digest says that they are high on Brown and Allen both. Both showed promise, but Allen seemed to wedge himself in a little tighter in that he would line up inside on slot receivers and tight ends. 

Though the loss of William Gay is palpable, it isn't a loss that will completely hamstring the Steelers. The Steelers have young talent that, though very short on experience, is very long on talent and potential.

~

Steelers unrestricted free agent tackle Max Starks was on Sirius XM on Friday and expressed interest in coming back to the Steelers. Alex Marvez reported via his Twitter account, @alexmarvez, that Starks was recovering from his ACL tear suffered against the Denver Broncos.

His tweet read, "T Max Starks - who looks physically great despite having ACL surgery during the season -- is on @SiriusXMNFL #Steelers" 

At one point during the interview in question he was asked if there was a chance that he would return to the Steelers in 2012 and he replied, "I mean it's a potential. One of the biggest things is that for myself, there's been expressed interest, but once again it all stems off of my ACL recovery....It's my intent that I have the opportunity to go back there, but I know the reality is that I'm not going to get a legitimate look until June for my knee." 

Showing his desire to remain a Steeler is real, he further said, "I say 'us' and 'ours' when I'm talking about the Steelers, speaking from that past tense, but that's been my whole entire career, I was eight years there, so that's all I know."

~

The Denver Broncos brought in and are currently hosting Steelers unrestricted free agent quarterback Dennis Dixon.

Dixon has appeared in four games for the Steelers, making three career starts. He has a 2-1 record with one touchdown and two interceptions. If signed, he would battle Caleb Hanie for backup role. 

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...