Steelers Secondary Should Be Improved; June 1st Salary Cap Info

Updated: 1850 hrs, June 1st
"We have more numbers there than people realize. We may have great players in building and they haven't had chance to show us."

Those words by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau summed up why the team did not select one of the top-level cornerback in the first round of this year's NFL Draft that many expected them to select. Especially when Darqueze Dennard, about whom we wrote as our favorite going into the draft, was sitting there as a fully-ripened fruit ready to be picked. 

The Steelers' coaches, however, simply didn't feel that their secondary was as dire a situation as it seemed on the surface. Defensive backs coach Carnell Lake agreed with LeBeau that CB wasn't as pressing a need as perceived. He specifically said that Brice McCain and Antwon Blake will help Steelers. 

Add to that, CB Deion Belue, an undrafted free agent out of Alabama that the Steelers claimed off of waivers (Dolphins), and Devin Smith and Isaiah Green and you have those who will be battling for a backup role. 

Blake, a UTEP product, falls into the "he's not small, he's short" category in which head coach Mike Tomlin placed rookie running back Dri Archer. He's 5'9", 198 LBs but did 21 repetitions of the 225-pound bench press at his 2012 Pro Day. He also ran a 4.32/40, and is the gunner on Steelers special teams. Rather than a player expected to get snaps in the Steelers' defense, that's where his greatest value is. As for McCain, we wrote about his potential when he was signed back in April. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2014/04/steelers-sign-brice-mccain-bring-in.html

Belue (5'11", 182 LBs) had a turf toe injury which hindered his senior season, but he played well in the 2012 National Championship game against Notre Dame. He's wiry, strong for his size and has good enough speed (4.47/40). A slot man who can occasionally line up out side, Belue has a chance at the practice squad.

Devin Smith and Isaiah Green should be familiar to Steelers fan as the two CBs who were on and off of the practice squad all of last season. 

The Steelers finally did address the need for depth at cornerback, though, by selecting Arizona's Shaquille Richardson (6'0", 194 LBs) in the fifth round. 

The former Wildcat has versatility, length and a good frame. He looks mainly to be a right CB, but also played a safety/rover position and in the slot in some subpackages. He's also fast (4.43/40), quick and agile, but not physical. He'd rather cut a runner rather than wrap him up, and also tends to squat to much which can affect his backpedal. 

Lake's familiarity with Richardson, having helped recruit Richardson to UCLA, is intriguing and he could very well be a diamond in the rough with Lake's guidance. 

“I remember Coach Lake being someone I can look up to,” said Richardson, who was also a teammate of Robert Golden at Arizona. “I'm happy to be learning from him and being a Pittsburgh Steeler. It's crazy.”

Lake praised Richardson as well.

“He's a smart, young corner who can come in and contribute,” said Lake. “He gives us good size out there and somebody that has the ability to put a lot of pressure on tall receivers that have been drafted in the last few years.”

Then there are your starters and main substitute, Cortez Allen, Ike Taylor and William Gay, with Gay receiving praise for his play last season. - http://tinyurl.com/kst23t3

Taylor's play was the expect opposite last season, rated by PFF as 107th out of 111 CBs. Something of which is keenly aware. 

“I feel after these last two years,” Taylor said, “especially after last year, that I have lot to prove. I feel like I have more to prove than ever.”

Tez Allen had a similar season to his 2012 campaign. He didn't play much of the first half of the season due to injuries, but made his presence felt late in the season. Starting the final seven games, he finished the year with 51 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown. 

Also, one of the most important things to remember is that Taylor isn't following the opponent's best receiver. That responsibility has fallen more to Tez. That disallowed the top WRs from having career days on Taylor and saw a slight increase in coverage, causing the Steelers' pass defense to finish 9th in the NFL giving up 222.1 yards per game. 

Free agent acquisition Mike Mitchell will help complement the rest of the safeties, plus an expected improved pass rush from the front seven, as pressure on the quarterback throws off timing (routes) and helps create turnovers, will lead to improving the pass defense.

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Per OverTheCap.com, the Steelers have $357,896 under the Salary Cap as of Sunday, June 1st, a day when there is no loss of compensatory picks for free agents signed. - http://overthecap.com/nfl-rookie-salary-cap-2014.php

As of Monday, June 2nd, the $8 million freed up by the release of LaMarr Woodley will be available. Displacement dictates, though, that his release will be closer to $7.5 million in cap space. 

Still, that will be more than enough to sign the remaining four selections from the draft. Sixth-round draft pick DL Daniel McCullers and seventh rounder TE Rob Blanchflower were signed on May 19th, fifth-round draft pick Wesley Johnson and sixth-round pick Jordan Zumwalt on May 27th and fifth-round draft pick CB Shaquille Richardson on May 29th. All were signed to a four-year deals. 

None of these picks actually counted against the Cap because of said displacement and the Rule of 51. The top four picks will even displace four players currently counting against the cap out of the top 51. 

So, expect the amount used to sign those top four to be less than $3 million (at least $750,000-$1 million less than the amount first reported that we previously covered). That leaves well over $5 million to be spent on another free agent or two with plenty left afterward. 

UPDATE: I've since come across more exact numbers brought to light by fellow scribe Neal Coolong of Behind The Steel Curtain. The Cool One wrote that the exact number Woodley's release frees up after displacement is "$7.505" million and that the Steelers' Cap cost for the aforemetioned rookies is "$2,018,643." So, as The Cool One wrote, "let's call it $5.48 million in Cap space after the remainder of the rookie class is signed."

Roger Goodell Needs To Drop Hammer On Ray Rice, Jim Irsay

written by Jayden Matthews

So Ike Turner, Phil Spector and Ray Rice walk into a bar... Stop me if you've heard this one. 

Roger, Roger, Roger...why must we have these conversations? Oh, I know why. It's because you're a hypocrite. 

Many, including myself, are wondering when you are going to address the situation regarding the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice assault. You say that you will not tolerate any stain on your precious shield. Well, isn't dragging his unconscious fiancée, whom he conveniently married as soon as charges were filed, out of an elevator and then kicking her a stain? - http://tinyurl.com/pbs3lxk

Do you not realize, Roger, that every nine seconds a woman is assaulted at the hands of domestic violence, and it is the leading cause of injury to women? Do you also not realize that a lot of those women are fans of the NFL? 

by Matt Vargo

What kind of message would you be sending if you let Rice off with nothing? If some form of punishment is not handed down, it would be a slap to the face of the women that have suffered from this type of action and you would indirectly be an accomplice to their assaults. Ask any victim or families of victims of domestic violence, such as myself or William Gay, and we will assure you that any other reaction would be the wrong message. - http://youtu.be/dMZw8JIkOd8

The legal issues have played out in the courts and Rice agreed to an intervention program to avoid jail time. I hope this gives him the help he needs. He and his new wife Janay Palmer held a press conference on Friday, along with the usual apologies. But, basically it was a dog and pony show to show they're a happy couple now, with their "no relationship is perfect" comments. - http://t.co/qxo2eIk6o3

Intervention programs and press conferences notwithstanding, it still does not take away from the fact, Mr. Goodell, that there was video of him dragging her caveman-style out of that elevator in Atlantic City after knocking her out. He committed an act of violence against a woman. You do realize, don't you, that young men look up to these players? What kind of message is being sent to these young men? That it is OK to hit your lady and drag her around like a caveman? Really? 

In 2010, you said you did not need an arrest to hand down a punishment. Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, found that out first hand, being suspended for six games and later being reduced to four. Ben was never charged with any crime, never arrested, never had any videos of his actions, nothing. But Big Ben was made an example of because, as you put it, he put a "stain" on the beloved shield of the NFL. 

Since Big Ben’s suspension, there have been several NFL players arrested for drunk driving, domestic battery, having guns in airports and even an alleged serial killer that is now in jail. But the one thread that connects all of them is the lack of punishment handed down. None of them were stains, then?

The best one by far just might be Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who was arrested in March for alleged intoxication and operating a vehicle, he also had in his possession bottles of prescription drugs that were not his. Irsay was at the owners meeting and was seen on TV. Now if that isn't a big old glaring stain, then I don’t know what is. 

An NFL owner in possession of controlled substances that weren't even his? Oh, that’s right, you’re playing the wait-and-see and game. Well, you didn't with Big Ben. Even if he is suspended, you made it clear before anything was announced he would be punished and punished he was. - http://tinyurl.com/nr7zj3y

Ryan Clark, former Steelers' safety said it best on ESPN's First Take: “So here we have Jim Irsay, a guy, an owner, who has history of substance abuse, who's found in a car with over $29K and prescription drugs that weren't in his name, pulled over for driving under the influence, and now we're saying we need more information? What more information do we need than these aren't your prescription pills? You're obviously under the influence. You have $29K. There would be no questions asked if this was a player." -  http://tinyurl.com/papv46t

I fully agree with Clark. But what else is new when it comes to Roger Goodell and his handling of punishments? Which gets me to my point. Roger, you need to stop being all Stay-Puff-Marshmallow-Man soft and squishy and afraid of any repercussions from NFLPA, and start acting like Thor and bring the proverbial hammer down and bring it down swiftly. 

Start sending messages to these overgrown frat boys that enough is enough and that this type of behavior has no place in the NFL. If they want to do the crime, then they must do the time. Not slaps on the wrists, either - both Rice and Irsay need to be suspended. 

Because if you don’t start sending the appropriate messages, to find the biggest stain on the shield of the NFL, all you will have to do is look in the mirror. 

Turnover-Free, Ball-Control Steelers Surging, Beat Browns 27-11

Remember the 1991 movie "Hook?" The Lost Boys are in obvious disbelief that the shadow-of-his-former-self Peter Banning that Tinkerbell has brought them is their Peter Pan. It wasn't until Pockets smoothed away the wrinkles and looked deeper that the real deal could be seen: "Oh, there you are, Peter!"

The first four weeks of the season were like Peter Banning -- 0-4, -11 in turnover ratio and in disarray on offense and defense.

Since then, the edges have been smoothed out, the team focused and galvanized and have turned around the turnovers. They're starting to look like a team who might just be a legitimate contender come playoff time.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Right?

"Can't," Roethlisberger said after being asked about playoff scenarios. "I'm not looking around. It's all about focusing on one game because that's all we can control, you know?"

For the most part, the Steelers have done just that and have shown a resilience in the past few weeks that has brought them back to, not just respectability, but a team with which to be reckoned.

They are +7 in turnover ratio in the last three weeks, are creating turnovers and controlling the ball, are protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (just one sack in two weeks and none Sunday) and at least are running the ball effectively (80 yards on 23 rushes for Le'Veon Bell). Just as we said in the pre-game piece, turnovers were key. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/11/roethlisberger-turnovers-will-be-key-to.html

They also have become very comfortable with Todd Haley's offense and are incorporating the no-huddle efficiently if not impressively.

"I think it’s growing on this team, I think it's growing on the city of Pittsburgh. I think everyone likes it," wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said of the no-huddle. "We've got one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He can throw. Why not use him? He likes it, it's been successful."

"We said coming [into the first] series 'no-huddle', but think all runs," Big Ben said. "Even on third down, run it. Even on the second series."

It worked yet again, but not just there. The Steelers No. 1 wide receiver, Antonio Brown, was again one of the stars of the game partly because of it. His anticipated matchup with the Browns cornerback Joe Haden was advantage: Brown. AB caught six balls for 92 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown pass.

After the game, Joe Haden was classy and succinct when speaking on allowing the score: “That’s a good receiver, a good quarterback, making a good play. I’m saying I got beat.”

In all, AB has posted at least five receptions in 11 straight games this season, which is a franchise record, and is only the fourth wide receiver in Steelers history with an 80-reception season (Hines Ward - 2001-04, '08-09; Yancey Thigpen - 1995; and John Stallworth - 1984).

The defense, though giving up 367 total yards and 237 receiving yards to Josh Gordon (most of which coming because of being down most of the game and Ike Taylor more-or-less giving up late), was viciously reminiscent of Steelers defenses of the past recording five sacks, nine quarterback hurries, four quarterback hits, forced and recovered three fumbles and had one partridge-in-a-pear-tree pick six. The wealth was spread evenly as well.

Cornerback William Gay notched the pick six, as well as a strip sack of Browns quarterback Jason Campbell, which led to a touchdown. Troy Polamalu forced a fumble (he has two on the day) and the Steelers' recovery led to a field goal. The Steelers sack attack of Browns' quarterbacks Campbell and Brandon Weeden were led by Al Woods' two sacks and by outside linebacker Jason Worilds' six QB pressures.

"I just enjoy being out there. Being out there consistently," said Worilds. It allows me to open up some of the things I do."

You want to be playing your best football in November and December. Though the pass defense is still a concern, the Steelers definitely are an improving football team.

It couldn't come at a better time, either, as the next two weeks are critical to the team's, dare we say, playoff hopes. They have the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night, and in two weeks they host the Miami Dolphins.

Or as Sanders said following the game, "Right now we’re playing playoff football."

Oh, there you are, Steelers.

~

TIDBITS: Injuries: Steve McLendon (ankle) and Curtis Brown (knee); post-game press conference and highlights of the win - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Coach-Tomlin-Post-Game-at-Browns/16a544ce-8bf2-4927-a1e9-ddbaae58f1b9

London Calling - It's Time For The Steelers To Put Up Or...

After Pittsburgh Steelers head coach said that "we're going to roll our sleeves up and keep our mouths shut", Steelers players did just what you'd expect them to do - they started talking.

Some of it was basically benign, as when safety Ryan Clark said that he'd retire rather than play for a London team if and when the NFL expanded there. - http://tinyurl.com/nwveqyp

UM...RC25, you will be - the NFL won't be expanding there for 10 years.

Did Troy Polamalu really call someone a yinzer?

Isaac Redman caused a bit of a stir when said that he had a concussion against the Cincinnati Bengals, but lied about it. He said he "was pretty much out of it the rest of the game. I had a concussion. I said I was all right." - http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/story?storyId=9728680&src=desktop

The NFL has said it is satisfied with the Steelers' explanation of the incident, but why say anything in the first place?

The one, however, that has caused the biggest stir and that has polarized Steelers fans is the comments made by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The man-child quarterback, when asked, said of the Steelers second-round draft pick, Le'Veon Bell, that he had "no idea" about whether Bell will contribute or not.

“Honestly, I have no idea with him,” Roethlisberger said. “You can’t get a read on him. One day, he’s practicing, one day, he’s not; one day, he’s going hard, the next day, he’s not. I wish I could. If he was a guy like Heath Miller that you knew was busting his butt every day to get back there … Le’Veon is a rookie, I don’t know him quite well enough yet. But if he can come back and help us, we’ll take him.”

First of all, though I personally have no problem with what he said, it isn't exactly a vote of confidence nonetheless. Big Ben is right - we don't what Bell will bring. He could be the next Franco Harris or the next Tim Worley.

What is a problem is the fact that a player who is directly responsible for all three losses this season and who has been nothing more than an average quarterback over his last seven games is seemingly calling someone out...to the media.

Remember back in 1983 when former San Francisco 49ers QB Joe Montana called out rookie running back Roger Craig?

Neither do I.

Big Ben has since said that he was complimenting Heath Miller more so than he was insulting Bell (with which I agree), but the damage was done. Whether perceived or actual.

The time has come to shut up and play football. As the old saying goes, "He who thinks by the inch and talks by the yard will be kicked by the foot." And the Steelers can ill-afford to another foot kick them in the a...well, they can ill-afford another loss.

They face a Minnesota Vikings team led by 2012 NFL MVP and 2,000-yard rusher Adrian Peterson. He alone is enough to keep a defensive coordinator up at night. For a week of nights. Dick LeBeau may not be worried about jet lag, but he is about AP-lag.

"I don't think anybody has stopped him too well for six or seven years....but we recognize he is probably the best there is in the business. To beat that team, we've got to hold him down." - http://tinyurl.com/mcnfmwq

Holding him down will be a Herculean task for this Steelers defense. When they faced him back in 2009, a Steelers victory, he was held to 69 yards on 18 carries. He is still, though, a tough man to bring down.

Just ask William Gay.

Nonetheless, his presence will be felt in the passing game as well. As LeBeau pointed out, if even one player bites or is out of position on the play-action pass, the results could be disastrous. The Vikings passing game, led by QB Christian Ponder and wide receivers Greg Jennings and Jerome Simpson, definitely has the ability to capitalize. *

However, they have some of the same problems as the Steelers in that they've turned the ball over 10 times this season. The Steelers themselves have nine turnovers. The difference is that the Vikings have forced 10 turnovers while the Steelers have none.

Therein lies the fulcrum on which the game may hinge.

In each of the three games this season, there were one or two key moments that led to the team's losing - all being from turnovers. To that end, offensive coordinator Todd Haley knows they and Big Ben especially cannot surrender the ball.

"...We're all pretty clear on why we're not winning," Haley said, "it's because of turnovers."

We've talked about that as staff," Haley further said when asked about Ben in particular, "and have talked with him and really tried to look at it, and it does not appear that anything is happening because he's trying to do too much....It comes down to protecting the football at all costs." - http://tinyurl.com/mvgs5oq

Yet, protecting the ball is something Big Ben hasn't done. With eight interceptions in his past seven games and more than 10 total turnovers in that stretch, he is the catalyst in avoiding having to provide excuses for why they lost yet another game.

The way he goes is virtually the way the Steelers will go. Protect him, protect the ball and protect international relations when Big Ben strikes 6 p.m. London time.


addendum -  I know some of you don't like this cut, but the last time I ended an article with it the Steelers won. So, again, two words: Taylor Gang! - http://youtu.be/nWAGLkyxQG0

*UPDATE: Christian Ponder has been ruled out and the starting QB will be Matt Cassell. The only thing that this will change is that Cassel isn't a running QB and more of a pocket passer.
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TIDBITS: Steelers Thursday Practice Report:  Cortez Allen, Le'Veon Bell, Brett Keisel and Steve McLendon were full participants. Heath Miller was limited.

Is William Gay Coming Back To The Steelers?

That was the tweet sent by former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay Sunday evening. A tweet that caused an immediate stir and mixed emotions amongst Steelers fans. Does it mean, though, that he's returning to the Black and Gold?

According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Jerrold Colton, Gay's agent, said that there is interest in the Steelers but would not say whether Gay has come to contract terms with the team yet." - http://tinyurl.com/d3n5lrb

According to Gay, he will be in Pittsburgh on Monday, most likely meaning that he'll be at the team's South Side facility. One of his next tweets confirmed this:



Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review made a good point on his Twitter (@MarkKaboly_Trib) account when he tweeted this: "It's not like #Steelers aren't interested in bringing back Keenan Lewis now, but they sure are covering bases just in case Lewis does leave."

Gay, 28, does know the defense and is referred to by head coach Mike Tomlin as "big play Willie Gay." He recorded 60 tackles, six passes defensed, and two interceptions for the Arizona Cardinals last season, but still graded out as one of the worst corners in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

If Gay does come back, whether unrestricted free agent Keenan Lewis is signed or not, he would only be used in Nickel and Dime packages on the slot receivers. Gay would be inexpensive and he didn't have a bad season his final year with the Steelers. Also, if brought back, it'd provide a bonus for the Steelers in that they should receive a compensatory pick, most likely a seventh-round pick, for him after his departure in 2011. BloggingTheBeast.com posted their projections a month ago regarding the NFL's compensatory picks. - http://tinyurl.com/cmzbw62

Despite popular belief, the NFL does define its basis for compensatory picks. NFL.com explains them this way:
"Under the rules for compensatory draft selections, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.

"The number of picks a team receives equals the net loss of compensatory free agents up to a maximum of four. Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. Not every free agent lost or signed by a club is covered by this formula."

So, despite our previously predicting he'd wind up in Cleveland, the possibility of his being signed by the Steelers does exist. It's the probability that is up in the air.

The Possibility Of Keeping Keenan Lewis; Roethlisberger Takes Control Of Team

This is arguably the most critical offseason the Pittsburgh Steelers may have faced under general manager Kevin Colbert. Several contract/Salary Cap issues, free agent issues, age issues and questions of leadership. How things are handled in the coming weeks will determine the direction of the team.

One of those issues that will be coming to a head as of March 12th centers around starting left cornerback Keenan Lewis. Lewis started all 16 games last season and showed that he has the ability to be a top-level cornerback in the league. His taking on the opponent's top receiver after right cornerback Ike Taylor broke his right ankle in Week 13, helped to prove that.

Lewis' 2011 campaign was heady enough to allow the coaches to part ways with veterans Bryant McFadden and William Gay. He then shined last season as a starter for the Steelers, recording 71 tackles, forcing a fumble and was second amongst cornerbacks with 23 passed defended. A season that garnered the attention of his peers as well: http://tinyurl.com/b879b76

This helps to make the unrestricted free agent highly sought after if and when he's allowed to test the free agency waters. Lewis has said, though, that he's "hoping" to be back with the Steelers after excelling last season, per Gerry Dulac, who also said last month that the team "almost certainly" plans to re-sign the 26-year old four-year pro.

What are the possible numbers of Lewis' eventual contract? Taking some data from last season's top free agent cornerbacks and projections from this offseason and we can formulate an idea.

Since Richard Sherman said that Lewis was one of the top three cornerbacks this season, let's look at the top three 2012 free agency CB signings:

Lardarius Webb (Ravens) - six years, $52.74 million, $10 million signing bonus;

Cortland Finnegan (Rams) - five years, $50 million, $27 million guaranteed, $5 million signing bonus;

Brandon Carr (Cowboys) - five years, $50 million, $25.5 million guaranteed, $10 million signing bonus.

If we only go by those numbers, an asking price of five years, $50 million and a $10 million signing bonus wouldn't be out of the question. Fortunately, a rich CB free agent market headed by names like Sean Smith, Charles Woodson, Aqib Talib and Derek Cox keeps Lewis' price down and allows us to surmise a contract possibly anywhere from $35 to $45 million. - http://www.footballsfuture.com/2013/fa/db.html

The recently increased salary cap for the upcoming season, which will add an extra $2.4 million per team taking it to $123 million, aids the Steelers in being able to work a deal with impending free agent.

Does this solidify the chances of signing Lewis, though. No. As Colbert stated after the season ended, all free agents would be allowed to test the waters. With Lewis gaining the attention he has, let's hope those waters don't flow out off the three rivers.

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Locker room schism? What locker room schism? Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took control of the situation Thursday and told us that no disunity exists with the team.

"For anybody to say there are locker room issues or leadership issues are completely off base. I believe that's the frustration. I believe that it's frustration of last year, I honestly do," the 31-year old QB said.

"Obviously, last year was frustrating for all of us, and when you're frustrated and the season doesn't go the way you want it to and things don't go the way you want them to, things are said. I know all too well, after the Dallas game I was frustrated and said some things."

He's correct there. Is this team in "total disarray" if they take care of business against the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns or the very Cowboys Big Ben mentioned? Take care of just two of those and they would've been a 10-6 team in the playoffs.

Big Ben continued, saying "The important thing to know is, there are no issues in our locker room. There are no issues with LaMarr. There are no issues on our team.

"The big thing for us is to move forward. Last year was last year, it was 8-8. We're not happy about it. There are frustrations, but you know what? We're done with it. We're moving forward and we're moving into this year...with whoever's here, we're looking to move forward. And we know Woodley's going to be here and we know Woodley's going to be ready to go as we all are going to be."

Ok, Ben, Sr. just proved himself the leader of this team. - http://tinyurl.com/avzmkj3

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TIDBITS: As a related point in the Keenan Lewis part of the discussion, the aforementioned William Gay was released from the Arizona Cardinals on Friday. and that release caused some to question whether the Steelers may bring him back to add depth behind Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Most likely not.

Gay was an unrestricted free agent last offseason and looked to greener pastures when he signed a two-year, $4.9 million contract with the Cardinals. Their defensive coordinator last season was former Steelers defensive backs coach Ray Horton, who is now the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.

Though anything is possible with him knowing the Steelers coaches and system, the more likely landing spot for Gay would be the Browns.

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As a non-related point to the Big Ben part of the discussion, quarterback Charlie Batch evidently doesn't listen to LL Cool J, because he said he wants to "come back."

"My plan is to come back, and I haven't heard anything differently from the organization," Uncle Charlie said. "And I think when you leave out of there at the end-of-the-year meetings, you know one way or the other. And they didn't tell me that they didn't want me back. So I think that's a good sign."

So James Todd was right, don't call it a comeback. You've been here for years. And since the Steelers only have two QBs under contract, Big Ben and recent signee John Parker Wilson, Uncle Charlie might just might be on the sidelines again as the QB coach-in-waiting.

Will the team bring Jerrod Johnson and Byron Leftwich back to camp to compete for spots also? They had four QBs last season before Johnson was finally let go. The same could happen this summer. Just which four, though?

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. 

I Knew Fans Could Be Clueless, But The Media???

Dear Internet and especially Social Media, Tim Tebow will not be breaking news of his own trade via Twitter. That is all.

Folks, Michael Lombardi got fooled by a fake Tim Tebow account. How does ESPN put it? C'mon, man! Seriously, main stream media, first Hines Ward to the Ratbirds, er uh, Ravens, the fake Eagles story and now this?

Tim Tebow was involved in a trade, though, where he basically was allowed to pick the team to which he wanted to go. He picked the Jets. Denver has agreed to trade Tim Tebow and a seventh-round pick to the Jets for the Jets' fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick.

Cue the "Mark Sanchez is so fragile, this is a bad message to send" articles. They just guaranteed him $20.5M. Play better & get tougher. Oops...sorry, David. ;-)

The Jets agreed to pay half of rhe $5 million in compensation back to Denver that was previously in dispute in the Tim Tebow. The details are here: http://t.co/rOjkHvxO

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Steelers president Art Rooney II released a statement via Steelers.com regarding the Bounty-gate sanctions brought down on the Saints. He expresses his agreement over Goodell's decisions.

Rooney: "I think the Commissioner wants to send a message that we are not going to stand for this kind of thing. So in general, I think it was the right approach. We don't need this in our game. I think the Commissioner is sending a very loud and clear message here. Hopefully, the effect is going to be that we will get these kinds of things out of the game."

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William Gay is going to make his decision soon about where he'll play next year. He tweeted on his Twitter account that the tour is over.

His tweet read this way: “@williamgay22: Pitt,Denver,Arizona, and Tennessee..Great places to play for but I can only chose one!!!! Blessing from GOD sure he will show me da way”

Gay has been a very good Nickel corner and knows LeBeau's system. I don't think he's a good starting NFL corner, but he is definitely valuable. I'd like to see him stay, but, as was pointed out in a previous blog post, he'd only be brought back on a veteran's minimum or qualifying contract. He's probably looking for a multi-year deal which he won't get in Pittsburgh.

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Showing how obvious his teaching abilities are, as he's mentored and taught his teammate wide receivers for years, Hines Ward was offered but turned down high school football head coaching job - http://t.co/5oqC6g4G

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Offensive tackle Jamon Meredith, who was on the Steelers' practice squad last year and originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2009, signed an offseason contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today via Steelers tight end Weslye Saunders' Twitter account.

Saunders tweeted, “@Wes_Saunders88: Dang..looks like I'm the only Gamecock on the Steelers roster again. But good luck to my boy Jamon with the Tampa Bay Bucs!”

Good fortunes, Meredith.

NFL Network's Rich Eisen was talking today with Vince Young about the Tim Tebow trade. At one point Young was asked what he thought about being a quarterback who might have been targeted in a bounty. Young replied, "Yeah, it's very disturbing to hear certain things like that. From seeing the playoff game and Brett Favre and the hits he took. I even got dunked on my head playing Pittsburgh. Rodney Harrison dunked me on my head. You don't want to think that these types of things are going on, but as the news is putting these things out there, these things are happening. They must stop, definitely, because we don't want anybody to get hurt. Definitely the nature of the game, when you put your shoulder pads on and helmet, you have a 50/50 chance of getting hurt. If these type of things are happening, it's very bad for the game."

Profound.

Well, it would be if it had been James Harrison and not Rodney Harrison. Oh, by the way, Vince, the Steelers PREFERRED you in the game. You suck, Kerry Collins was better than you and almost pulled off the comeback. Harrison, who was one of three players involved in that sack, was fined $5,000 for it. Obviously, though, the hit affected your memory...

Why Manning to Denver Doesn't Mean Steelers Could Lose Mike Wallace

Unless you've been living with those two guys from the Geico commercial, (i.e. under a rock), you should know by now that all is but a done deal between Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. And before the ink from the Mont Blanc is even dry, the speculation machine has started rearing it's ugly head (yes, I said "speculation" because right now that is all it is) that Mike Wallace will soon be joining him.

I, for one, do not believe so. It has been all over the Social Media networks that the Broncos should sign Wallace. Well, why would they? They have two very capable and speedy receivers on their staff as it is.

Jamie Dukes of NFL Network said it best, though: "The Broncos have other issues they need to address besides getting Manning a shiny new toy." The Broncos are giving Peyton a hefty contract that is supposed to be in the area of 5 years for $90 million, which could mean a cap hit of around $20 million.

Why then would they throw another big contract at basically a speedster when they already have that in Demaryius Thomas? He was the one that burned the Steelers secondary to beat them in the playoffs.

One thing also that's still not known is if Peyton is the Peyton of old or not. Yes, he can throw the ball around, but is he truly 100% healthy after four neck surgeries? Time will tell.

There are those, though, who think this is a good idea. That throwing money at Wallace to pry him away from the Steelers would be a good idea. Mike Mayock, for one, is adamant that the Broncos should do it.

“I would make an offer that Pittsburgh would have a lot of trouble matching for Mike Wallace,” Mayock said. “I’d be happy to give up my first-round pick, and I’d make that young man a rich, rich young man. And I’d have a vertical threat to go along with Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas — I might look at Dallas Clark. You’ve made a commitment to Peyton Manning. Now let’s go get him the weapons.” - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/signing-peyton-manning-makes-mike-wallace-a-possibility-in-denver/

While I can certainly see why Denver would be tempted, again, the Broncos have a promising playmaker in Demaryius Thomas, and they can always bring along a Manning favorite in tight end Dallas Clark. In fact, Mike Klis of the Denver Post said as much on his Twitter account. He said, "@MikeKlis: Expect the Broncos to sign TE Dallas Clark”

But looking at the other options, Eric Decker and Matt Willis, I can see the Broncos being tempted  to go after Wallace. I just don't see the actuality of them doing so. Wide receiver and return man Ted Ginn, jr. might make enough of an impact for them and would be much less expensive.

To be certain, the correct deal for Wallace to be signed away just went up a few million last week. The Broncos, on the other hand, need offensive line help as well as the tight end help mentioned before. Plus, who says Wallace would even sign offer sheet? Just because they may want him doesn't mean they'd get him.

The Broncos have a lot of questions on defense as well. Their secondary is suspect at best. Big Ben basically exposed it while on just one good leg, and Tom Brady shredded it not once, but twice. So, that makes me ask the question, "Why would you give up a first round pick and and another big contract for something that they do not need?"

After a closer look at the Broncos roster, it's clear that they have too many holes to fill to give up a first round pick AND commit $12 million of cap space to get Mike Wallace. Not going to happen.

Let's be real here, Peyton Manning made Austin Collie and Pierre Garçon household names in Indy. No one knew who they were until Peyton did what Peyton does. Peyton can surely do what Peyton does with Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Matt Willis too.

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Steelers unrestricted free agent cornerback William Gay visited the Arizona Cardinals on Monday. The Cardinals defensive coordinator is Ray Horton, who once coached the Steelers defensive backs.

Gay has said he wants to stay with the Steelers for next season and the Steelers have also left that option open. If Gay were to come back, he would probably do so on a one-year qualifying contract like he did last year. That contract paid him $685,000 in base salary with a $50,000 signing bonus. Expect a similar deal with the requisite percentage increase.

Gay will also be visiting Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, per Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean