Mike Wallace Likes Black and Gold, Loves Green

Despite the title of the article, this won't be a "doom and gloom" piece. I can only respect a man who is trying to get all he can from his abilities. Even in the form of money. Especially in the form of money. That having been said, I still think Mike Wallace stays in Pittsburgh and that a deal gets done by March 5th.

The Steelers restricted free agent Mike Wallace gave an interview today to Adam Schein and Jim Miller on Sirius XM NFL Radio and covered the main things on the minds of Steelers fans, most notably his pending free agency.

Mike Wallace, @Wallace17_daKid on Twitter, says his agent and the Steelers, basically, of course, Kevin Colbert and Omar Khan, have been working hard to get a deal done. Wallace says he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but has to think about his family.

Hm...has to think about his family? Yeahhh...I'm not going to delve too deeply into that right now, because worms can be really difficult to get back in the can. Suffice it to say, people making $40,000 a year are 'thinking about their families' too. So, if he goes elsewhere for, say, $32 million over 4 years after the Steelers offered him $28 million over 4 years, that's a difference of $8 million as opposed to $7 million per year. At that point you're not thinking of your family, you're thinking of your "boyz." Because the only really difference that would make would be the ability to have your name engraved in gold on your Escalade instead of just having it gold-plated. Moving on...

To expand this, Wallace was asked if he thinks about the possibility of actually leaving the Steelers and signing somewhere else. Wallace said, "Well, the position that I am in, I'm always going to think about it sometimes because I have never been in this position before. So, it's kind of hard to just not think about anything. So yeah, my mind wanders from time-to-time, but my heart is definitely in Pittsburgh. That's where I would like to be at, but we all know that it's a business and you have certain things that you have to handle. So if I have to go elsewhere, you know Pittsburgh will always be in my heart, but I have to do what I have to do.

Now, despite the poor grammar, I don't really have a problem with what he said there. That could be translated to, "I really like my girlfriend a lot, but I'm out the door if Halle Berry comes knockin." I ain't mad atcha, brotha. Not with the way you put it here, at least. Like Michael Corleone said, "It's just business, never personal."

So, Wallace then was asked if the San Francisco 49ers or the New England Patriots would be two teams he'd consider signing with and he replied, "Most definitely. Those are two playoff caliber teams, Super Bowl caliber teams, and I think the right piece to those guys would put them over the top. All they need is that one more piece to any one of those puzzles I think on both sides of those teams. So most definitely they're Super Bowl contending teams. So I would most definitely, if I were to go anywhere else, that would definitely be two teams because this is a situation of them being contenders. I wouldn't want to go anywhere and leave the situation where I am at that has a great quarterback, a great organization and go somewhere where I don't feel I can succeed.

When asked if a new deal is not done by the start of free agency, was his mentality one that he thought he would no longer be with the Steelers. Wallace said, "That's the mentality that you almost have to take and look at it, but I definitely don't want to look at it that way, because that is the team that drafted me, that's the team that took a chance on me. So I would love to be there."

Now, this I liked hearing. Because we want and love him, and it's always nice to know such feelings are reciprocated.

Then, further on he and his agent currently being in talks with the Steelers about a new deal, Wallace said, "Yeah, they're talking. But, I don't know how far they are going to get right now, because you know the situation. I know that they are working trying to get it taken care of and get me done. I know I talk to my coaches and I talk to everybody and I'm positive about the situation. It's just a situation that will have to play itself out. I know they're working hard trying to take care of it, but I don't know. We'll see."

An NFL.com article recently stated that league sources have told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that there is "real concern" within the Steelers' front office that they could lose Wallace. Ok, slow ya roll. Who are these sources? The only viable "source" in this situation is Kevin Colbert himself.

While Colbert did cite "serious cap issues" in an interview not too long ago. When the offseason began, the Steelers were about $23-$25 million over the salary cap, depending on who was reporting. Now that number is down to about $8 million over.

I'm no salary cap guru, but even I know that there are a few more restructures of players' contracts coming and player cuts coming that will get that number below the salary cap. The cutting of Jonathan Scott, Chris Kemoeatu and Will Allen alone brings the cap number to zero, and probably even puts into the black.

Then add in/take away the money saved by Aaron Smith's retirement, the money saved from the retirement, restructure or cutting of Hines Ward, and the restructure or cutting of James Farrior and Larry Foote, and you have a workable situation. Now there's money for Wallace. You then also know exactly what you have in order to bring back a couple of the aforementioned players at the veteran minimum.

All of that, though, hinges on whether a workable deal can be mutually agreed upon by March 5th.

That raises the question then, "What if a deal can't, though, get done by March 5th?"

That's when the Steelers look seriously at using the Franchise Tag on Mike Wallace. As was covered in a previous blog post, that would mean paying him approximately $13 million with a salary cap hit of $9.4 million. This would carry along with it a first round tender. If someone presents an offer sheet to which Wallace would agree to sign, we'd actually receive that team's first round pick, actually giving us two.

Add to that the, most likely, two seventh round compensatory picks they're sure to receive and there are 10 draft picks for Kevin Colbert and Mile Tomlin over which to salivate.

That, my friends, is your worst-case scenario.

Remember also, in which round was Mike Wallace drafted? For that matter, in which round was Antonio Brown drafted? So, take a step back from the ledge and look and see that the horizon isn't so cloudy after all. No need for "doom and gloom." We simply have to wait and see how much money Mike Wallace needs for his family...and whether or not he's opposed to gold-plating.

Big Ben and Haley Finally Meet - Is a Wedding Far Behind?

I just knew those two kids would work things out.

Society was against them. They said it wasn't even possible. But, in the end, it had to happen.

I know what you're thinking, but, no, Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush aren't back together. Oh, wait...they are? Well, I still don't mean them. I mean those two crazy kids Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley.

For the record, I could've said Kim Kardashian and (insert Black man's name...except mine) and I still would've been right. She's screwed more Black men than the Tuskegee Experiments. Every time she has a pap smear a gang-related shooting is solved. But, I digress...

Ed Bouchette reported this today via Twitter: "News many have waited for: Ben & #steelers new OC Todd Haley finally met, sat down and talked."

As David Todd, @hammerspeaks on Twitter said, "What will people talk about now?" You mean we aren't gonna explore the ramifications of this meeting? Was it over coffee? Could a football-ish little cherub be seen overhead throwing spirals at the two of them? Did Big Ben present Haley with a ring? (Ya know, the one he took from Haley in the last 2:30 of SB 43.)

So, as far as I'm concerned, there's lots to talk about. Where on Bourbon Street do we register? Should we book our reservations for New Orleans now? And, maybe most importantly, does Ashley see the writing on the wall?

Ok, maybe I'm going overboard here. Because the girlfriend and I speak to each other everyday, but often the words used are not very nice. Still, I'm a  sucker for a good love story...

AS THE BURGH TURNS (starring Haley, Big Ben, Mendenhall and Colon)

Or, "like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our black and gold lives." Starring Todd Haley, Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Colón. I thought about an "All My Children" opening, but Teresa Varley is nowhere nearly as hot Susan Lucci. (Yeah, I said it.)

Like my friend Lee, @phxsteeler on Twitter, asked me earlier, "When is this Ben vs. Haley soap opera going to end? LOL This can't be healthy start to that relationship."

I had to agree, it's not a great start.

When you're dealing with one successful and confident guy who is being stubborn and one successful and confident guy whom we know is arrogant, it isn't a great start at all. I do believe they both have phones. I know Ben does. How did he put it?

"I've received texts (first hint: you need a cell phone to receive a text message) from guys about him, good, bad and indifferent."

"I've talked to a lot of his former players (second hint: he obviously didn't talk to them all face-to-face) and just everybody and he does have a reputation that precedes him but I'm not going to jump to any conclusions until I have a chance to sit down and talk with him and see how the thing plays out."

There was also a report that Roethlisberger said he wanted to reach out to former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, who played under Haley, (third hint: he ain't talkin a Cam session on NFL Network) to get his thoughts.

I can't vouch for Haley's having a phone, so I'll simply say this: it's 2012 and the T-Mobile girl is so hot that I'd buy a phone despite their horrible service.

When Ben today said "he hasn't called yet", referring to Haley, one could make the leap that Ben has no intention of making the first move. But, with Ben being the leader of the offense, I do think it would go along way if he'd take the initiative and reach out to Haley first.

I will say this, though, as long as it happens by the time he and Haley are permitted to have their "mandatory" on Apr.16, per the CBA, schematically we'll be ok. The two should, though, still have informal talks before then.

The website ProFootballTalk.com produced this article on the Mexican Standoff, as well, just today: Roethlisberger still hasn't heard from Haley http://t.co/KT9AM4zU

What will or should the Steelers do if they don't have Mendenhall next season? While it's too early to assume we won't have him at all next year, we can safely assume he'll be on the Active PUP list to start training camp and, most likely the Reserve PUP list to start the season. The bottom line there is that we could see him as early as week seven or as late as week 13 because of how those rules work. So, that means there are a few options in front of the Steelers.

They could very easily stick with Redman, an exclusive rights free agent, maybe re-sign Mewelde Moore, keep a hopefully healthy and in-shape Jonathan Dwyer (I'm a fan of Dwyer when he has the ball in his hands. He just seems clueless otherwise), or also continue to see what John Clay has to offer. And we can't forget all the "wow"s that Baron Batch was showing in training camp last year before his injury. So, there are a lot of potential answers to that question.

Speaking of running backs, it was recently reported that Roethlisberger checked out of running plays "20% of the time last season. The Steelers, though, still ran 55% on 1st down for a 4.61 YPC average. Comparatively, the Patriots ran just 45% on 1st down and the Giants ran only 43% on 1st. Should we fire Arians again for that?

Willie Colon doesn't want to take a pay-cut. Good for him, I wouldn't either.

Colon is getting vilified from virtually everyone because of this report. If it's true, again, good for him. Because of the uncapped year of 2010, he missed out on a potential big payday. For that reason I have to side with him in this.

Now, those who know me know that my nickname for him is Willie Colon Cancer because of his many false starts and holds. But, in his defense, he still grades out pretty well.

With a minimum of 1,000 pass-blocking snaps over the last four seasons (2008-2011) there were 57 tackles that could be graded. The findings make good reading for those looking for some good football geek reading. (I have no life...) Four of the top 15 are hitting free agency. One of those four, even if he did miss all of 2010 and 2011, is Willie Colon.

With Colon missing the last two years, the Steelers were without a guy who, over the previous two years, had given up only 43 QB disruptions, and the team finished among the worst pass protection units in the league. By contrast, 2010 saw Flozell Adams give up 46 in 578 snaps in pass protection.

2011 was a more difficult year to gauge because Marcus Gilbert was just a rookie, but showed real signs of being very good...even if he will be protecting Big Ben's blindside from this point forward. Plus, he wasn't at right tackle the whole season. Jonathan Scott also...AARGH!!! Sorry...that tends to happen with the mention of his name. Regardless, I'm giving Marcus Gilbert a pass.

So, that means, a team who is in need of a sound pass protector on the right side, believe it or not, might do well to look to keep Colon. Injury wiped him from the memory of many twice now. Let's hope that no third is a charm.

It's Time To Address the Mike Wallace Situation.

Let's bottom-line this on the first line: I believe there's only a 20/80 chance that Mike Wallace leaves. Why a 20% chance? Why not a 10% chance, a 25% chance or even 50/50? I'll get into that.

First, let's look at the man in question. From what I've been told by those who've met him, he is a personable, endearing and humble young man. One person in particular by the name of Juan José Vera shared this experience with me:

"Two Springs ago the Steelers Youth Camp was held here in Mexico City, Mexico. The show/day was over, but my son (he has Williams Syndrome {Williams Syndrome: A genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music.} and was 10 yrs old) saw Mike coming from nowhere and asked him for a pic. (Mike) could've said, 'No, sorry, show is over. Bye' or anything, but he smiled and let my wife shoot a pic with him. That's humble (or "humility"). I can't find another word for him." Thank you for that, Juan.

 For more on Williams Syndrome and its effects, go to http://www.williams-syndrome.org/what-is-williams-syndrome

That's mama's home cookin' right there! THAT'S what we think of, at least what we want to think of, when we think of our Steelers players. It's the epitome of Steeler Nation and our Steeler family. (Sure, he comes off as supremely confident and borderline cocky in interviews, but, c'mon, have you seen him play? I'd be a little cocky too.)

So, for reasons like that, I believe that he'll decide to stay.

You could make the argument, I suppose, that 'this is from two years ago after his rookie season, and that fame and dollar signs hadn't filled his eyes yet.'

'Besides, you know these Divo WRs/young athletes, Mtv Cribs was a hit for a reason: these young cats want money NOW. They think they're too good for rings NOT to come. Dan Marino said he thought he was going to the Super Bowl every year after going so early in his career. Plus, your best players don't always go and/or win. Again, look at Marino and then remember Trent Dilfer and Chris Carter.'

'So, if he feels "insulted" by not getting as much as he thinks he's worth, the number that's currently in his head, I could see him signing elsewhere. Maybe even in the division to Baltimore or Cincinnati, two teams with salary cap space, therefore, lots of money to throw his way, and a need for his level of wide receiver.'

You certainly could make those arguments and throw them at the wall to see if they stick. You could, except that I've had similar experiences as the one I quoted before shared with me from just last year. I'm not, therefore, going to drink that Kool-Aid. He seems to be the same young man as he was a couple of years ago and, more importantly, WANTS to be a part of this Über-talented wide receiver corps. To essentially be the Don of the Young Money Crew.

No, the biggest part of why he may leave is a series of four other names: Vincent Jackson, DeSean Jackson, Wes Welker and Marcus Colston. Now, add Mike Wallace's name and you have the five big name wide receivers who are out there. In other words, it's a dog and pony show where Wallace isn't the only (one-trick) pony. Sorry, had to...

Wallace not being the only name is important because who's to say that a New England, a Baltimore, a San Francisco or a Cincinnati doesn't covet one of the Jacksons or Colston more so? Or that New England doesn't want to give up that extra first-round draft pick so that they can concentrate on Welker? They didn't give up their extra first-round draft pick in 2005 NFL Draft, did they? Oh, wait...they had no choice in that draft because of their contract with Kodak to film practices and walk-throughs. But, I digress...

The point is that, because there are other options, he isn't Tupac, so it's not all eyes on me, as it were. That is to the Steelers' advantage. Here's why.

During the several interviews last week, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert stated that the Steelers WILL protect their interests in Wallace, again a restricted free agent who will, by the way, receive a first round tender of around $2.74 million. That tender would allow the Steelers the ability to match whatever offer sheet is given by another team that wants to sign Wallace, or to receive a first-round draft pick from that team should they decide not to match it or if they can't match it.

Colbert also said that the Steelers have not ruled out the possibility of placing a franchise tag on Wallace, which for wide receivers this year is going to be about $9.4 million. If a team were to then try to sign Wallace away, it would cost them two first round draft picks instead of the one first round picks that the first round restricted tender provides.

The problem with this is that the difference in the amounts is that the Steelers would have to be able to fit that amount under the salary cap until hopefully a longer term deal can be reached with Wallace, thus lowering his 2012 cap hit. Which is why I believe that Omar Khan and Kevin Colbert are working on this as you read this. It makes more sense to fit everything else around this signing considering that we all know several cuts are coming. Until those cuts happen, it seems to be more of an issue than it may actually be.

As was written in another article in this Blog, ones like Ward and Smith could still retire, and Farrior, Foote, Will Allen, Kemoeatu and Jonathan Scott, could all be cut. (Do you think the saying of Jonathan Scott's name brings a blood-curdling scream from Big Ben like that of the saying of Frau Blücher's name brought a scared whinny from the horses in Young Frankenstein? I bet it does. Anyway...)

Granted, this isn't simple by any stretch of the imagination when we're anywhere from $11-$15 over the cap and to tag him would mean approximately another $9.4 million would also count against the cap taking it back up to $20-$24 million over the cap. So, that's why I said what I did: don't try to fit a square peg in a round hole. Get your numbers in line as to what you want to do and can do, and then trim the fat. You could do so and then cut the players accordingly. We know they're going to be cut anyway. It has to be done before March 13th to be in accord with the Rule of 51 and before free agency, but it can be done. I am looking at it realistically and believe it can be done. We've seen Omar Khan work his magic before, we need it again.

A Little Fan Story

Wanted to share a story with our followers out there.  This is Miss Maison, she is a little die-hard Steeler fan in training and huge "Big Ben" fan.   She even has a board with Ben drew on it.  When Maison was at school one day  , they were learning sign language.  When they did the symbol for "I love you "  the teacher asked if anyone knew what that symbol was.  Miss Maison raised her hand and said " Touchdown Steelers".  The teacher was curious so she asked Maison how she got that. She responded, "When the Steelers score that is what Ben does".  The teacher thought it was adorable and told her  Mom about it , because come to find out the teacher was also a Steelers fan.

Her Mom which is as die hard as they come , shared this story with a group of friends that get together and talk about football.  We all thought it was so cute.  I debated whether to share it but , when I was on my Facebook account , I seen this picture pop up on my home feed and several of my Steeler friends on there had liked the picture and commented on it.  That is when I decided to share her story with everyone.  With her Moms permission of course.  It was just to cute not to. 

It is amazing how the little mind works and can relate simple things like that .  When we think that the kids are not paying attention , they really are.  But when it is a Little Steeler fan that relates and pays attention to things, even better.  That is showing that the next generation of Steeler fans are just as numerous as us older ones. 

Little Maison related the "I love you symbol" to it being a touchdown.  All us Steeler fans know why Ben does it.  But to this little fan it means we have scored.  Gotta love that.  So that shows that her Mom is raising her the right way.  The Black and Gold way .  To me there is no better way to be raised.  I know that is how I was raised.

Another Gratuitous Ben vs. Eli Article

It seems they just can't escape one another.

No matter what they do, Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning are constantly compared to one another anymore. Is it a bad thing? Not when both are Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, I suppose. Because, let's be real, no one cares about comparing Dan Orlavsky to Tyler Palko. So, I'll take it as it is.

There is another quarterback who was drafted along with them by the name of Phillip Rivers. You remember him, right? No? He plays for the San Diego Chargers. Yes, San Diego still has a team. C'mon, they wear powder blue...oh, forget it. Moving on.

Getting back to the Battle Royale that is Ben vs. Eli, if we're going to compare the two it has to be done with the most important numbers and accomplishments. Wins cover so many ailments and both quarterbacks bring those to the table. Each one has his downfalls too, but the good outweighs the bad in each case.

For the record, my money is with Ben Roethlisberger. I respect Eli Manning and even wanted him coming out of Ole Miss. Manning has also taken the edge recently in fourth quarter comeback victories with 21, while Roethlisberger has 20. But, to this point Ben simply has the edge in my book.

Roethlisberger leads Manning in seven out of the ten most important categories. Roethlisberger has thrown fewer interceptions in the regular season (29 less) and has won 16 more games overall. But, Manning has thrown for 20 more touchdowns in the regular season and 10 fewer interceptions than Roethlisberger in the postseason. Ultimately, Roethlisberger and Manning are reasonably similar. While Ben and Eli compare well to each other, and despite Manning’s two Super Bowl MVP Awards, the slight edge has to go to Big Ben because of his consistency.

A quarterback’s primary responsibility is to win games, and Roethlisberger has shown consistently, since his first year in the league, that he is more than capable, even more so than Eli, with a .714 winning percentage. Also to be considered is that during Ben’s eight year career, he has posted a 92.1 quarterback rating, while Manning in that same eight year period has only even topped that mark twice.

Finally, when it comes to protecting the football in the regular season, Manning has accounted for 160 total turnovers, nearly five more turnovers per year than Roethlisberger.

The numbers, as I stated, lean in Big Ben's favor. It has resulted in one more Super Bowl appearance for Big Ben as well. What really needs to be remembered in this is that Ben might just be energized by these comparisons. Plus, don't underestimate Ben's passion for winning another Super Bowl. It wouldn't be surprising to see Big Ben with a resolve to be even better and to "tweak" his game so that he can coax as much as possible out of his young wide receivers and so that he isn't sacked as much. Would you want 300 lbs of man-meat falling on you? Unless you're Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken, I'm assuming your answer is no. Neither would I. Did I just cross a line?

Regardless, the wins, playoff wins and overall numbers point to Big Ben being the better quarterback. But, seriously, Phillip Rivers. He wears no. 17. He's been to the playoffs for goodness sake...!

The NFL Draft, Roethlisberger, Haley and Wallace.

To correct a recent blog post, the Steelers have until Mar 13th, not 1st to be Rule of 51 compliant with the highest contracts. So, considering this, it's time we address a few issues. One of which is the April 26-28 NFL Draft.

Mike Mayock was interviewed recently regarding the NFL Draft and the Steelers and he said that the 2012 draft is "very deep" at DT and is also a good one for interior OL. Mayock says this regarding the upcoming NFL Draft: "I think for the first three rounds you can get a lot of quality at center or guard."

That sets up well for the Steelers who need to seriously upgrade at one or both guard positions. A possible consideration for the position is Wisconsin's OL Peter Konz who has the ability to play both center and guard at the next level and gives the Steelers a real upgrade inside if picked at 24.

Mayock went on to say that he has 1st-round grades on 5-7 defensive tackles. PSU's Devon Still is among that group; Mayock says he could play DT or NT in NFL. Considering the Steelers' biggest needs going into the draft are OL, NT, ILB, S, WR and maybe RB, such a player fits right into what's needed.

Steelers need to address the safety position as well, as both starting safeties are aging, but, unfortunately, it is not a good draft for safeties.

Some guy named Ben did an interview this morning and spoke on not yet having spoken to new offensive coordinator, Todd Haley.

Ben did say, though, that he has a desire to be approached a certain way.

Ben said "The quarterback position is not one where you want to do a lot of screaming to, because he's kind of your leader and the guy that has to be clear-minded," Ben said. "So, I've been yelled at. It's not fun to be yelled at. I don't think anyone likes it. But you get as much if not more out of me if you just talk to me, whether I screw up or do good. Just talk to me so we can work through my reasoning instead of getting yelled at."

Roethlisberger did address Haley's vocal coaching style. "If he's as good of a coach as we've all heard, then I think he'll learn how to coach each guy individually and get the best out of each guy," he said.

Good. Because we've seen both approaches to Ben, and a mix of each might be needed to cajole the absolute best out of his game. Rooney II's saying that he'd like to see Ben's game "tweaked" just refers to his not taking as many unneeded hits. As he approaches 30, this is going to be essential.

Mike Wallace is a Pro Bowl player who hasn't yet reached his ultimate potential. His drop off in the second half of the season, where his numbers were literally cut in half, is a concern. This just may be where Haley is needed most.

From 1999 to 2000 Haley was the Jets' wide receivers coach, helping Keyshawn Johnson make his second Pro Bowl appearance.

In 2001, Haley joined the Chicago Bears as wide receivers coach and served in the position until 2003. In 2002, he helped Marty Booker become the first Bears Pro Bowl wide receiver since 1971.

From 2004 to 2006, Haley was the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Haley helped develop quarterback Tony Romo and the Cowboys' passing offense, which centered around wide receivers Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens.

Mike Wallace has the abilities that could propel him to be better than any wide receiver, save maybe Larry Fitzgerald, that Haley has ever coached. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders play into this as well, but I'm saving them for another blog.

I'm focusing on Wallace primarily because of his decline after the Arizona game this year. Let's face it, Wallace has "Oh, sh*t!" speed, but sometimes gets lost. It's almost as if he becomes disinterested if he isn't involved very early and often thereafter.

Haley will need to correct that tendency and make him realize just how good he can be. If Wallace can be more than a one-trick pony and develop his skills to match his world class speed, he'll have defenders saying "Oh, sh*t!" all the time.