Steelers Sign Brice McCain, Bring In Prospect Bradley Roby: Defensive Backfield Is In Motion

"NFL teams threw for a combined 120,633 yards last season, an average of 471.2 yards passing per game for both teams. That’s way, way up from the combined 109,467 yards in 2003, when teams combined to average 400.8 yards passing per game." - http://t.co/4CPn0Ng9p6 

Those words from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Alan Robinson indicate the need to have a strong secondary. The Pittsburgh Steelers recognize this and are still makeover mode. 

Tuesday morning, the Steelers announced the signing of former Houston Texans Nickel defensive back Brice McCain. 

It was also disseminated Monday night that Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby would be visiting the South Side. 

One is a potential upgrade, the other is something that likely just smacks at depth. 

Like the Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac tweeted (@gerrydulac), "McCain signed for depth. Started 10 of 72 games in 5 seasons w Houston." So, yes, he undoubtedly will be a backup cornerback and special teams player for the Steelers. In Houston, the 4.33/40 McCain often was the gunner.

At first glance, though, this isn't a good signing. As the aforementioned article states, "the 5-foot-9, 180-pound McCain was the NFL’s worst-rated cornerback last season, according to Pro Football Focus."

But going back a little further reminds us that Brice McCain was once an integral part of the Texans secondary. The very same Pro Football Focus two years earlier wrote of McCain being a "secret superstar." - http://tinyurl.com/7p5ynst

But we had written previously that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recently said that they would be focusing on the defense's sub packages, as this current NFL showcases more and more three- and four-receiver sets, forcing Nickel and Dime packages. So it is possible that defensive backs coach Carnell Lake feels he has something to work with in McCain. 

Regardless, the teams who thrive in that pass-happy environment are obvious. Case in point, the Super Bowl-Champion Seattle Seahawks had 28 interceptions last season. 

The Steelers had 31 interceptions. . .over the last three seasons (10 INTs in 2013, 10 in '12 and 11 in '11). That means the secondary, then, is of unique importance in today's game. True to his word, therefore, Tomlin has orchestrated a second defensive back free agent signing.  

The other DB who will be in town is draft hopeful Bradley Roby. The Ohio State product was on Sirius XM (@SiriusXMNFL on Twitter) Monday night and announced his plans: "I have 8 visits set up. I will be meeting with the Chargers, Steelers, Titans, Bills and Jets this week."

Roby, who had been considered a top-ten draft prospect going into his junior year, saw his draft stock plummet because of a disappointing 2013 from a personal-play standpoint. 

Disappointing in just about every objective measurement - ball awareness, losing track of the receiver, backpedal - as he was torched and torched (and torched) last season. Rotoworld.com breaks down his performance here: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/46190/349/peshek-cb-metrics-10

However, Roby has definite attributes - speed, explosion, good hands, good hips - and did have a very good showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. He was 4th among DBs  with a 4.39/40, T-6th in vertical jump (38.5"), T-11th in broad jump (10'4"), and was one of the more fluid DBs going through the drills overall. 

So, while the Combine is no substitute for a season's worth if games, he does have real NFL potential and could be a likely fit if the Steelers decide to address the wide receiver position in the first round and then go cornerback in the second (and third?) round. 

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TIDBITS: Per the Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette, the "Steelers get McCain for vet minimum plus $65 K bonus. He will count $635,000 against their cap. That means he adds $215 K to cap as top-51."

Per the Rule of 51 and displacement of higher contract amounts, as Bouchette continued, the "Steelers now have a little less than $400 K in salary cap space."

OverTheCap.com had the Steelers at $712,896 before the previous signing (Blount), so those numbers look to be accurate. 

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"@EdBouchette: Veteran WR Darrius Heyward-Bey to visit #Steelers Wed. 7th overall pick in 2009. UFA. Team has just under $400K in cap room" ... Umm...no.

Ravens To Test Steelers Depth Perception

Didn't we just see these guys?

This Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to M&T Bank Stadium to play the division leading Baltimore Ravens (9-2) where they haven't lost since December 5, 2010...to the Steelers.

That's one of the few things we can be completely sure of at this point. A lot has happened in the four days since the debacle that was the Cleveland Browns loss.

As reported by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette on Tuesday, former starting running back Rashard Mendenhall was demoted to third on the depth chart.

"Rashard Mendenhall is dead man walking," Bouchette wrote, "as far as being a member of the Steelers in 2013 and Mike Tomlin made that pretty clear by busting him down to third string on Tuesday."

A more surprising change in the Steelers depth chart, however, was head coach Mike Tomlin listing Mike Wallace OR Emmanuel Sanders. Bouchette said that it's the first time that has happened.

Did Wallace get demoted too? Was it praise for Manny? Was a message being sent to Wallace? Or was it some sort of motivation for a "frustrated" Wallace, as Tomlin referred to it at his press conference Tuesday? - http://tinyurl.com/c4c33tu

It was a curious move nonetheless. Because, while Wallace has his issues, a demotion would be an uncalled for move. - http://tinyurl.com/cw9j83a

But, back to Wallace in a minute. Because along with the depth chart moves were the releases and additions with regard to the roster and practice squad.

In part, right tackle Marcus Gilbert was placed on IR and rookie right guard David DeCastro and offensive lineman John Malecki were added to the 53-man roster.

With rookie tackle Mike Adams out for the next few weeks, the Steelers will use rookie Kelvin Beachum at right tackle and will have Ramon Foster, and possibly Malecki, back him up. Expect the fullback and running backs to chip and for Todd Haley to employ 12-personnel packages to help in blocking considering that Haloti Ngata and Paul Kruger are on that side.

Coming back to the running back situation briefly, the fumbling issues are what put Mendenhall on the bench. And as Tomlin said, fumbles are unacceptable. Mendy fumbled twice in four carries against the Browns and only had three yards. Mendy also has one more fumble than Dwyer in about a third as many carries (34 to 98).

Per Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly, Mendy has fumbled nine times in 847 carries (incl. three times in his last 28 carries), or one every 94 carries. As a point of comparison, Hall of Fame runner Curtis Martin fumbled just 29 times in his 11-year career, or once every 121 carries.

Dwyer is also averaging 4.4 yards per carry while Mendy is only averaging slightly more than three yards per carry. In the Ravens game, Dwyer carried the ball 12 times for 55 yards, a 4.6 YPC average. So, without a doubt, the move of Dwyer into the number one spot was the right call.

As for Wallace, I'm hoping that this is just Tomlin giving him a nudge, another "one-trick pony" type of motivation. Tomlin generally knows how to reach his players and how to get the most out of them. Not always, but better than most. My main concern is Wallace's reacting in kind.

If Wallace does use this as proper motivation, great. Despite what many in Steeler Nation are saying, we need him. Even when not catching a pass, as long as the play is executed properly, his being a decoy opens the middle of the field so that Heath Miller and Manny are able to get open.

Does Wallace have his faults? Of course. Among other things, Wallace has to do a better job of getting open on routes, especially his short routes. He is great as a deep threat, but still not much else. And when he has been open in those situations, he's dropped several (I believe he's credited with seven drops), including also a fumble against the Ravens.

That's more than disappointing, it's disturbing. At the same time, though, it is not his fault when balls are thrown off target or way behind him as they were against the Browns. Such as the deep pass that was picked off was under-thrown. That wasn't his fault and he did make an attempt to fight off the defenders and prevent the interception.

The pass on the underneath route that hit his hip was behind him and not his fault. Could a greater effort have been made? Yes, but if that pass is thrown even just a foot more in front of him, he gets a first down or more. Maybe even a repeat of the Giants game. The flack he's taking for his few faults is out of proportion.

Yes, I have my issues with him too. The deep or streak routes are fine, but right now that seems to be the only route where he can get open on a consistent basis. With his speed and the compliment of receivers he has around him, he should be running those routes more regularly. Part of that is him, but Haley is to be blamed for not scheming these for him as well.

The coaches have to make the calls necessary to put the players in the best positions to succeed, and need to take responsibility when they don't do so.

There's no question that Wallace needs to work harder getting open on his route running and on catching with his hands instead of letting it hit his body first. Those were two of the knocks on him coming out of Ole Miss.

Despite, though, what has been deemed a "demotion" for him also, Wallace doesn't seemed phased by the move. "If I do, I'll give everything I have. If not, I'll cheer whoever starts. It really doesn't matter...I'm still gonna be in the game." - http://tinyurl.com/ctca8yl / http://tinyurl.com/cdjratf

Fellow wide receiver Antonio Brown said that Wallace should look at the demotion as a wake-up call: "It should be. It will give him a spark. Make him come back hungry to respond."

This is the perfect week for him "to respond" as the Ravens will be without starting cornerback Jimmie Smith. He has already been ruled out of the game because of an abdominal injury.

The Ravens, however, do have a 12-game division winning streak and would love nothing more than to get a baker's dozen against their arch rivals. - http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/60010/ravens-can-set-record-against-steelers

They will be going against a Steelers team led by veteran quarterback Charlie Batch. Batch started in place of backup Byron Leftwich last week who started in place of some guy who wears No. 7. It didn't turn out so well.

Per ESPN Stats and Info, Batch completed 2-of-11 (18.2 percent) passes with two interceptions on throws of more than 10 yards downfield. He threw three INTs overall.

Uncle Charlie, whose record with the Steelers fell to 5-3 with that loss, was frank about his poor performance last week: "I have to play better, figure out a way to help get us in the endzone." - http://tinyurl.com/c6m39va

Don't expect any change, though, because Tomlin is sticking with the 38-year old, that's 266 in dog years, quarterback and says "his body of work" makes him a "capable, veteran guy" who can provide "winning-type performance.''

Let's hope so. The Ravens are perfect at home of late and there will be no John Wayne riding into town this time.

Speaking of Big Ben, Tomlin said he will judge him with his own eyes. He said that he must prove in practice that "he's capable."

Tomlin said on Sirius XM on Tuesday that Big Ben only threw short and intermediate passes on Monday, and it was reported that he went through a "very" light practice on Wednesday.

Tomlin says that they hope to be able to "raise the bar" as week progresses, but reiterated that Uncle Charlie is the guy.

Despite Tomlin's public approval of Uncle Charlie, I honestly don't think I would keep him over Brian Hoyer when everyone is healthy. The Steelers need youth ans value at the position. Brian Hoyer, 27; Uncle Charlie, 46 (he's getting older even as I write this).

So, for the Steelers to expect to win Sunday, they're going to need to win the old fashioned way, running the ball and with defense.

With those two elements, and a splash of speed, the Steelers dominated a Giants team, in their stadium, that last week dominated a strong 49ers team. Things can change just that quickly. Injuries are a big part of it. Injuries that are slowly turning back in the Steelers favor.

The Steelers look to possibly have All-Pro strong safety Troy Polamalu at their disposal again. Troy is now doing what the Steelers were hoping he could do in advance of the previous Ravens game. It smacks at how tough the recovery from a torn calf muscle can be.

Troy practiced fully on Wednesday for the first time since October 5th. Antonio Brown practiced fully on Wednesday also. Both of them practicing is serious reason to believe they'll play Sunday, assuming no setbacks of course.

As pointed out earlier, rookie offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum will be the starting right tackle against the Ravens. Beachum has been a part of 27 snaps this year and has two holding penalties to show for it. He got work at both right and left tackle Wednesday and Ramon Foster took some snaps at right tackle as well.

Maurkice Pouncey says he will play left guard if starting left guard Willie Colon can't go. Not a problem. Pouncey played (right) guard almost his entire freshman year at Florida and Legursky is no stranger to the center position. - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8682805&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

So, your starting offensive line Sunday could be (L to R): Starks, Pouncey, Legursky, Foster and Beachum.

Nonetheless, the Steelers are still a threat to take the crown if these injuries are healed in enough time to make a run. Thanks to a pummeling defense, a revamped "dink and dunk" offense (including a newly found power running game) with yet untapped potential, they can play big boy football against anyone. - http://pit.scout.com/2/1244190.html

Therefore, this Sunday's game won't just be a test of the Steelers depth, but also of how they perceive and utilize that depth.

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TIDBITS: Ryan Clark said that the Pittsburgh Steelers are a 'spoiled bunch.' That after a loss, specifically in this case after the Browns loss, that the sky is falling. He says this is a must-win game, but, he says, that should always be their outlook. - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/27/ryan-clark-you-lose-one-game-and-the-sky-is-falling/

Nothing at all wrong with what RC said. In fact, the "spoiled" part applies to most of the fan base too.

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Offensive guard Ryan Lee was released from the practice squad to make room and was claimed by the New Orleans Saints.

Wide receiver David Gilreath was waived to make room for the promotion of offensive lineman John Malecki, but was subsequently claimed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Toney Clemons was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars off of the practice squad.

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Signed to the Practice Squad:

Former Florida State wide receiver Bert Reed. Originally signed by Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent. Reed spent time this season on the Buccaneers and Broncos practice squads. Reed is 5'10", 183 pounds and ran a 4.46/40 at his Pro Day. - http://www.seminoles.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/reed_bert00.html

Offensive guard Justin Cheadle is 6'3", 295 lbs. Mainly played right guard. Has an uncle John Tarver who played four years in the NFL. - http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cheadle_justin00.html


Offensive tackle Joe Long is a rookie out of Wayne State. He is 6'6", 308 lbs. Younger brother of Dolphins' Pro Bowl OT Jake Long. He was in Training Camp with the Rams after going undrafted. - http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profilexnews.php?pyid=88751&draftyear=2012&genpos=OT

To make room for the three signed to the practice squad, the Steelers released cornerback Josh Victorian. (Don't feel bad if you don't know who he is, cuz he doesn't even know.)

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PRACTICE REPORT: Max Starks (back) took advantage of veteran Wednesday and didn't practice. Neither Mike Adams, Willie Colon, Byron Leftwich nor LaMarr Woodley practiced Wednesday. Big Ben and Cotch were limited.

James Harrison And Ike Taylor Talk Defense, Accountability

Photo courtesy of ElizabethVincentPhotography.com

"Overall it's just breakdowns within the defense...not executing. Guys playing different calls than what are actually called....just not getting all-around snap in, snap out execution of the defense."

Those words were spoken by Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison to Mike Prisuta of WDVE after practice Monday. - http://tinyurl.com/8rl5t2p

As the Steelers prepare this week for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football, the players know that more is needed than what they've shown to this point.

While defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's scheme may be complex, knowing the plays called and executing them is a salient point to consider.

LeBeau talked a couple of weeks ago about players trying to do too much instead of just playing the defense as called.

Players have to trust their teammates too. But if players are "playing different calls than what are actually called," trust would become a difficult thing. So, execution becomes paramount.

Deebo, therefore, was right in pointing out that each man needs to be accountable.

"What we need is we need to play better defense, ya know, the whole game. Uh...better situational defense and guys need to...take responsibility for their actions and...do exactly what the defense is called to do. That's it."

Being the leader that he is, the Silverback showed appropriate candor when Prisuta asked about the drag route by the tight end late in the game that basically sealed the win for the Titans last Thursday.

"Bad technique," said Deebo. "I didn't get in front of him. He took off and caught the ball. He did his job, I didn't." (This 2nd link provides sstatements by Harrison not contained in the Steelers.com link above.)- http://tinyurl.com/9mwcyct

What the Silverback said is no secret. The 2012 version of the Steelers defense is not the juggernaut it has been in recent years so far this season. And other teams are taking advantage.

The main baby from whom teams have been taking their candy this season is cornerback Ike Taylor.

Ike has not played up to last season's standards this season and it has hurt the Steelers on occasion. He doesn't think it's that big of an issue, though, and said so on Trib Live Radio - http://www.youtube.com/watch?nomobile=1&v=3c5Fv57_njI

A'ight, Swag. I see ya, nephew.

Since If It Ain't Steel isn't exactly the "media" Ike was talking to, we won't take offense. This isn't 1952, but I like Ike, and he did make some valid points.

At the same time, however, overall numbers don't tell the whole story.

Yes, the Steelers do currently have the fifth rated defense in the NFL, are fourth against the pass and have allowed the fewest splash/explosive plays with eleven. When the numbers are examined more closely, though, the dings and dents in the steel curtain become more evident.

The Steelers defense may have allowed the fewest explosive plays, but many of them have come at inopportune times, including third down. Not coincidently, they rank 31st in third down conversions allowed. They're also allowing, as Ike admitted, a pathetic 23 points per game.

Again, Ike is a big part of that. I've said before that Ike has been worked like a part-time job this season. No one needs but to watch the games to see he isn't getting it done this season.

Regardless, Mark Kaboly of the Trib in Pittsburgh pinpointed the numbers to back it up anyway. He compared this year's numbers to last year's to show the difference.

This year through five games Ike has been targeted 44 times allowing 24 receptions for 382 yards, four touchdowns and seven penalties.

Last year through five games he was targeted 24 times allowing only three receptions for 24 yards, no touchdowns and only one penalty. -
http://triblive.com/mobile/msports/2738524-81/taylor-yards-third-game-steelers-titans-call-kaboly-mark-allowed

That will be tested even more Sunday as Ike is facing a wide receiver whom Ike calls the "third best" in the game, A.J. Green.

Might they switch Ike off of Green on occasion? Like a relief pitcher situation or moving a batter around in the lineup if he's slumping? Not according to Ike.

Ike isn't asking for safety help against Green despite the fact that he catches anything remotely near his hands. He's still confident he can go toe-to-toe. - http://t.co/8tbxBExR

Ike knows he's not playing as well as last season, but insisted it's "all correctable" and isn't related to last season's playoffs disaster.

"Um...naw," Ike said. "Just crucial times, I'm just doing a few things. But every season isn't going to be the same. What I do have is 11 more games left. So I just need to do what I need to do." - http://tinyurl.com/94gha6n

In other words, Swag still has his swag.

He'll need it Sunday. He'll need it for the remainder of the season.

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TIDBITS - Mike Tomlin wants more, and not just from a few players. http://t.co/m714bIQK

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Mike Tomlin said this week on Sirius XM Radio that he is concerned about health of safety Troy Polamalu. We addressed the "retirement" issue last week and said that we don't think imminent. Neither does Troy, per columnist Joe Starkey - http://sulia.com/my_thoughts/22557277-f690-44d0-80c4-d45d54c75a1c/

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ESPN Video: Harrison Says He Has Had 'Double Digit' Concussions. - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8515042&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

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Ta'amu suspended for two (too few) games. - http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/20574823/steelers-suspend-rookie-taamu-two-games

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.

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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."

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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. 

Mike Tolbert Talks Free Agency On Sirius XM

Mike Tolbert, the San Diego Chargers running back, was on Sirus XM NFL Radio this morning and spoke of his free agency choices.

When asked by host Adam Schein what he thinks about playing on certain teams with various running game needs, he said, "I think I could fill that void pretty good."

Tolbert discussed the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay, Denver, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Green Bay and the Giants as teams in which he's interested.

Tolbert also said, "But, you know, 4 o’clock tomorrow we’re going to see really how it heats up and what happens. So I’m excited. I’m ready to go.” http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/giants/post/_/id/13162/tolbert-says-he-can-fill-jacobs-void

This is true, but I doubt "we're going to see" the Steelers put their hat in the free agent ring regarding Tolbert. That's despite feature running back Rashard Mendenhall being on IR and the likelihood of him starting the season on the Reserve PUP list also. Nor will they with Brandon Jacobs, who was released by the Giants, which prompted this interview in the first place.

Mike Tolbert was correct about something, though, 4 p.m. EST Tuesday will see things heated up.