Steelers Sign Dwyer and Foster, Addresses Tender and Need

Adam Schefter tweeted this Monday night, but I don't know if I'd refer to it as an upset. Some Pittsburgh Steelers fans might, but the Pittsburgh Steelers running back, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent on Tuesday, avoided any such issues and signed his one-year tender Monday night. Instead of being all about money like Mike Wallace, he decided to listen to Antonio Brown and prove he can be a team player. Well, that and he wasn't going to have many options. Realistically, the Steelers were probably his best option.

Dwyer took part in 13 games last season and made six starts along. He carried the ball 156 times for 623 yards and two touchdowns.

He wasn't the only signing of the day as Ramon Foster agreed Tuesday to a three-year contract with the Steelers. Foster, a better run blocker than pass blocker, could've become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday, but was cajoled into staying. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though it can probably be assumed that it's for around $6-7 million. Maybe $550,000-$700,000 this year with $2 million signing bonus.

This most likely spells doom for Willie Colon whose Salary Cap hit is $1.2 million. If they wait until June 1 they save roughly $5 million. The Steelers could designate Colon a June 1st cut now so that he could sign somewhere else, but no Cap advantage is gained.

David Todd of ESPN 970 tweeted from his personal Twitter (@DavidMTodd) account a salient point shortly after the news came through regarding the matter of waiting: "KEY POINT: #Steelers have created cap room. If put June 1 designation on Colon, pushes $4M of dead money into '14. Can't see that happening."

Neither can I. I'd be surprised if Colon isn't cut tomorrow. If the Steelers do release him now, that and the James Harrison release, subtracting these signings, should create about $4 million in Cap space.

Will the free agent tenders affect what further may be done? Like, for instance, the possible signing of free agent running back Steven Jackson. No, it won't because THEY WON'T SIGN HIM.

Jackson is on the wrong side of 30, he'll want a longer multi-year deal than the Steelers are prepared to give, and he'll want much more than they'll be able to offer. So don't ask.

Here, though, is a recap of the Steelers' restricted free agents:

RB Jonathan Dwyer: Original round - now signed
P Jeremy Kapinos: No tender
NT Steve McLendon: Right of first refusal (no compensation, which is surprising)
RB Isaac Redman: Right of first refusal (no compensation)
LB Stevenson Sylvester: No tender - letting him dangle and test free agency
WR Emmanuel Sanders: Original round (third round - mainly because foot issues slowed progress, will need to prove himself)

Steelers vs Giants Is Absolute 'Marquee Matchup'

On September 20, 1933 the Pittsburgh Steelers, then the Pirates, were born. They were manhandled in their inaugural game at Forbes Field by the New York Giants, 23-2. In what is the oldest rivalry the Steelers have via length of time, the two teams would go on to meet 77 more times (Giants leading 46-29-3) and again this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The game features possibly the best quarterback matchup the NFL will see this season: the Steelers Big Ben Roethlisberger and the Giants Eli Manning. Both quarterbacks are in their prime and look to give the fans what has been billed as "one of the marquee quarterback matchups ever." - http://tinyurl.com/bpp5dr3

There have only been six previous meetings ever between two quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl rings.

Even their teammates recognize the weight of this weekend's elite pairing.

"Maybe (Nos.) 1 and 2 quarterbacks in the league when it comes down to 4th quarter, two, three minutes left...two of the best in the business," said Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace.

He made sure to finish off his assessment by saying, "I'm gonna ride with my guy, No. 7, everyday."

Wallace, whom we'll highlight later, is right in having such confidence in his quarterback, but both QBs are capable of taking over the game.

Each future Hall of Fame quarterback boasts gaudy numbers with Big Ben having a 101.4 QB Rating and Eli manning (no pun intended) the NFL's 2nd-most prolific offense.

Each has talented wide receivers and tight ends.

Each has the ability to scare defenses with their ice-water-in-their-veins fourth-quarter prowess.

Each has an offensive line that is adequately protecting them this season. The Giants have only given up seven sacks, six against Eli, and the Steelers offensive line has given up 12, but only 11 against Big Ben with four being giveaways.

This Steelers team in particular, though, will go where Big Ben takes them. They don't have the dominant defense they've had in previous years, nor do they have the running game they've had in the past.

This team, Sunday and this season, lives and dies with its quarterback.

And that's just fine with Big Ben.

Ben has been open about wanting to be the best QB on the field each Sunday. Though he has great respect for Eli, he hasn't forgotten being passed over and being picked 11th-after Eli and Philip Rivers.

He hasn't forgotten either that he lost to both Mannings in the 2008 season. He doesn't want to repeat that.

Ben is definitely focused this season and it shows in his play. He's led the offense to 29 splash/explosive plays through the air so far this season and has thrown 14 touchdown passes in a pretty good "dink and dunk" offense. - http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Ben-Roethlishberger---1031/3b4ac1ee-69ec-42e6-8406-d5d868d7e328

Not only Big Ben, but others on the team have been commenting on how well the offense is starting to click.

"Right now, we're clicking on all cylinders and it looks really good," said Emmanuel Sanders.

Max Starks also said that he can tell that Todd Haley is getting increasingly comfortable with the Steelers personnel as the season goes forward.

It comes at a good time ,too, because the Steelers are facing a defense that's hurting.

The Steelers may be down a couple of running backs, neither Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) nor Jonathan Dwyer (quad) will play, but the Giants linebacker corps is hurting as well.

Chase Blackburn and Jacquian Williams are out, and Keith Rivers is doubtful for Sunday. That means Mark Herzlich now will get the start at middle linebacker for the Giants.

Isaac Redman will get the start Sunday, but don't discount the Steelers running game. Not only are the Giants hurting badly, but Todd Haley's "dumbing-down" of the run game has been a success and could continue to be Sunday. - http://t.co/ZrtdLiHA

Speaking of hurting badly, the Giants are also dealing with injuries to free safety Kenny Phillips (questionable) and strong safety Antrel Rolle (probable).

That might mean a lot of Big Nickel and/or Dime packages from the Giants to offset their ailments. Given that their cornerbacks have shown themselves to be very inconsistent, such an approach would be expected.

Prince Amukamara and Corey Webster both have been victimized lately. Amukamara was especially targeted against the Cowboys as Dallas was within a knuckle of beating the Giants last week.

As Mike Wallace pointed out earlier this week, "Yeah, they give up a lot of yards, but at the same time they have guys who take the ball away a lot."

He speaks the truth. The Giants are 24th in the NFL in yards allowed, 26th in passing yards, have given up approximately seven touchdowns of 25 yards or more and have allowed 35 pass plays of 20 yards or more.

Yet, their defense has 16 interceptions. By contrast, the Steelers have three.

A big part of that for the Giants is Stevie Brown, who has five interceptions and two fumble recoveries leading the league in takeaways. - http://t.co/SJgX0K6s

Wallace went on to reveal the main reason the Giants remain a formidable defensive opponent: "They have probably the best defensive front in football."

The Giants' front four is as good at getting to the quarterback as nearly anyone. They have 21 sacks on the season with 16.5 coming from the defensive linemen. Jason Pierre-Paul leads them with 5.5 sacks.

They are long, athletic and scary...and interchangeable. It isn't Justin Tuck or Osi Umenyiora who is second in sacks, but Linval Joseph with four.

Speaking of Justin Tuck and his one-sack season thus far, he made some comments claiming that the Steelers hold all the time. This is what he had to say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6jT3Q3gyvs

The Steelers will need to double-team, chip with a running back and Ben will need to get the ball out of his hands quicker via shorter drops in order to keep their pass rush at bay.

Like David Todd of ESPN 970 said on his personal Twitter (@DavidMTodd) account, "This, maybe more than any other week, is a week when people should be happy that Haley is #Steelers offensive coordinator. #checkdown"

Speaking back on Wallace and in his defense for a moment, Todd also brought up a very salient stat regarding the wide receiver.

Wallace has been receiving his share of flack for his drops this season, but Todd made pointed that the fans, If It Ain't Steel inclusive, have overreacted a bit.

"What does this group of WRs have in common? Decker, Megatron, B. Lloyd, Victor Cruz, A. Johnson, Jordy Nelson, Maclin, Dez Bryant? .... They all have a higher drop rate than Mike Wallace. #onebadgame #Steelers"

"One bad game" is right. Wallace had only one recorded drop prior to the three-drop performance against the Bengals. He also ahead of last season's pace for drops. He's getting better at catching with his hands instead of letting the ball hit his body first.

What else is that Wallace is on pace for a season of 80 receptions, 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. "Tha Kidd" has the speed threat that keeps defenses honest (read: "that scares defenses sh**less), and which is why there tends to be so much room underneath.

Defenses have to decide whether they want to chance letting Wallace get them deep, or to be 'dinked and dunked' by Heath Miller, Antonio Brown or Manny Sanders.

All-in-all, Wallace is adjusting nicely and "happily" in the new offense. - http://tinyurl.com/aevtsp4

Big Ben can accommodate either of those approaches, as he's basically been in a 'pick your poison' mode and Heath Miller in particular has benefited. The underrated tight end is finally seeing the end zone this season. - http://tinyurl.com/am4laqg

It wouldn't even be a stretch to say that Miller is probably the one player who absolutely doesn't miss Bruce Arians. Haley mentioned Miller as soon as he was introduced in the offseason and he has put his money where his mouth is. - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Coordinators-Corner-Haley--LeBeau/6120243b-71f5-4c11-adcd-2e10d661e905

The other quarterback on the field Sunday has a plethora of weapons as well and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised him accordingly. - http://tinyurl.com/ajkpyfj

Eli ranks among the league leaders in accuracy and splash/explosive plays, as the Giants also have 29 such plays. Eli loves the deep ball and Victor Cruz is a big part of that.

Cruz has 52 catches for 650 yards and seven touchdowns. Hakeem Nicks hasn't been quite as effective, but is still dangerous.

In their base offense, the Giants will use the fullback, Henry Hynoski, and try to establish the run to make use of the play-action, but can just as easily go three-wide.

When in a three wide receiver set, expect to see Cruz in the slot and Nicks and Domenik Hixon on the outside. The coverage should show Ike Taylor on Cruz most of the game, even in the slot, and Keenan Lewis on Nicks.

The key to keeping Eli from gashing them and to keep Cruz from doing the Salsa too much, is a pass rush. That means Dick Lebeau has to have his unit ready and trusting one another in order to increase their 12 sacks so far this season. - http://tinyurl.com/ccl9eoh

This isn't something the Steelers have shown the ability to do. In fact, as seen in the Coordinator's Corner video link above, LeBeau realizes that splash plays are important and have been missing. For instance, 77 of the 234 points that the Giants have scored this season have come off of turnovers. In contrast, the Steelers have just 18 points off of turnovers this year.

It's a bit of a cliche, but turnovers and sacks can be the difference in this game. With the quarterbacks, offenses and defenses being fairly even (though, the Steelers' D is better statistically), it may just come down to such splash plays. Force them into turnovers and limit your own. - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8581118&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

In years to come we may be able to look at this game and appreciate this game as something more than it was. For now, though, all either team is truly concerned with is getting out of the Meadowlands with a victory and moving themselves closer toward gelling and peaking at the right time in order to be ready for that all-important playoff birth.

Also, can the Steelers road win become a trend? The Giants aren't exactly the best team at home over the last few years (2007-2011) with only a 24-16 home record. It could be the salve the Steelers need.

Regardless of all considered, this marquee quarterback matchup may be a precursor to something later down the line, or it may just be a great Sunday afternoon game. Either way, the one who has the ball in his hands lastly just may be the one walking out of MetLife with that victory.

Exclusive Interview With Ben's Ankle As We Debunk Roethlisberger/Haley Fued

"Ben's ankle has local media all aTwitter. Breaking News! Does anybody REALLY think it keeps him out of Sunday's game at Cincy? Me neither." - Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola on Twitter)

Ben Roethlisberger injured his right ankle Thursday and left practice early. He claimed to be fine afterward, but was later seen with it wrapped and was walking with a slight limp. According to Ben, he stepped on someone's foot and "rolled my ankle a lil bit."

But, Steel City Insider columnist Jim Wexell said: "I watched Roethlisberger drop back. His plant foot slipped. No other player around him. He fell, limped a little bit, left 30 mins later.

So, while it's obvious that Big Ben turned his right ankle and that it was wrapped later on, how did it actually happen. Did he step on someone? Did someone step on his foot? Did someone not replace a divot?

To get the full story, I had to virtually break into the training facility. Once inside, I was able to get a few minutes with Big Ben's ankle before leaving the South Side.

If It Ain't Steel: Thanks for giving me a few minutes. I know you'd like to get off of your...well, relax as soon as you can. What should I call you? "Big Ben's Ankle?" "Thing 1?" "Little Ben?"

Thing 1: Ahh! I like the Dr. Seuss reference! Let's go with that, because people might misunderstand "little Ben", if you know what I mean.

IIAS: Ok, then. "Thing 1" it is. So, to start off, how are you feeling right now?

Thing 1: Other than feeling like Kobe Bryant just broke me when driving to the hoop, I guess I'm a'ight.

IIAS: *chuckles* That's right, you and Ben used to play point guard. I would've thought you'd have said 'LeBron James' instead since he's from Akron and played for Clev...

Thing 1: If you mention that name again this interview is over.

IIAS: Understood. Sorry. Well, let's get to the actual injury: what happened out there?

Thing 1: Well, when the big guy dropped back, I thought it was understood that it was a 5-step, but he tried to set Thing 2 and I after three. I took the worst of it. I'm big enough to admit I screamed. It hurt!

IIAS: So, no one stepped on you?

Thing 1: Admittedly, I thought Marcus Gilbert had. I mean, who hasn't he hurt, right? I started callin' him "Suggs" for a minute there. Ironic in a way, huh? Me calling Gilbert that. Ya know, because of Suggs' injur...never mind. It didn't go over well with him either. Anyway...then I remembered that he wasn't on the field because of his own injury. So, I realized that I just buckled because of trying to take the extra steps when the big guy wanted to stop. Just got attacked by the Turf Monster, I guess.

IIAS: Ok. So, Jim Wexell was correct. You didn't roll over anyone, just kind of got shuffled.

Thing 1: Yeah, unfortunately.

IIAS: Let me address something else while I have you here. Thursday, Ian Rapoport stated fairly openly that the relationship between Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley and Big Ben here is bad. His exact words were that it's "not great." Any thoughts on that?

Thing 1: What?! Are you serious? That's ridiculous. Where did you hear that?

IIAS: He wrote it in his NFL blog.

Thing 1: Who was his source? Bruce Arians?! Let me see it.

IIAS: I have the link. Um...here it is. David Todd of ESPN tweeted it. Personally, I think it is much ado about nothing myself, but I had to ask. Here you go: http://t.co/5a1AMnc4

Thing 1: Ian Rapoport? Really? Did he "report" that we tore an ACL too? Ridiculous.

Look, I admit that he and the big guy may not be passing love notes in class, but this is going overboard. Ask those close to the situation, I mean besides me. I think Mark Kaboly has even written that he hasn't seen any friction between the two. Not a noogie, not an eye gauge, not even an "Oh! Wise guy, eh? Nyuck-nyuck!" Not even one round-the-world snap from either diva. This is blown out of proportion.

Hey, we have to get out of here, but I'll finish by saying that, if Ben practices Friday, he'll play Sunday. Pretty much that simple. But if he's sore enough to stay off of me as a precaution, I may not have as much mobility come Sunday.

IIAS: Ok, got it. Appreciate your time. I'll be looking for both of you tomorrow.

~

The low down on Big Ben's ankle: http://t.co/1dFAlzzO

Steelers In Flux Again As They Waive David Johnson; Antonio Brown vs. Ike Taylor

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: When exactly did David Johnson become this amazing blocker? Average at best as a lead blocker; below average at end-of-the-line blocking."

From your lips to the football god's ears. That was the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review beat writer's query and assessment of the Pittsburgh Steelers injured tight end/fullback/H-back. 

We at If It Ain't Steel have been honest about DJ's blocking as well, specifically his average-at-best blocking in the Super Bowl. One blocking faux pas in particular that led to a turnover.

That said, he's a versatile player who head coach Mike Tomlin likes. Tomlin likes those types who have "position flexibility." So, it was no surprise when it was announced that the Steelers added tight end Justin Peelle to take his place on the 90-man roster.

Peelle has played for the San Diego Chargers, the Miami Dolphins, the Atlanta Falcons and last season Peelle played with the San Francisco 49ers. He is listed at 6'4" 250 pounds and also has experience as a fullback. Position flexibility. -http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/13/steelers-add-veteran-tight-end-justin-peele/

Another reason it wasn't a surprise is because West Virginia product Will Johnson is the only fullback on the roster. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote about this recently. -http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/will-johnson-finds-way-to-play-at-friends-expense-648625/ 

Johnson will likely be placed on the Steelers injured reserve list after he clears waivers. He signed a one-year, $1.26 million restricted tender this offseason, and then promptly tore both his ACL and MCL against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first preseason game.

Per Bouchette, Kaboly, and ESPN's David Todd, ones who'd actually know what they're talking about, the move allows the Steelers to bring a body into Training Camp, Peelle, right now instead of having to wait until September 3rd. He was going to be an unrestricted free agent next year anyway. Now they can immediately fill his roster spot. So, the bottom line is that this is not a bad thing for DJ, his injury settlement will be the full amount of his salary, $1.26 million. 

All of this being said, how does it affect the team and other parts of the offense? Believe it or not, it affects three elements of the offense. Obviously the fullback and tight end positions, but also the offensive line. 

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said recently that Ramon Foster and Trai Essex were having great Training Camps. Well, that will be put to the test, and will be more on display, in the final three preseason games. With Mike Adams and Max Starks injured, the mettle of Foster and Essex will be tested. Especially in a new offense where offensive line coach Sean Kugler and offensive coordinator Todd Haley were going to focus on improving the running game and protecting Big Ben. 

With that goal in mind, Kugler went with his "best five" in practice the last couple of days with Adams out, which was Marcus Gilbert at left tackle, Willie Colon at left guard, Maurkice Pouncey at center, DeCastro at right guard and Foster at right tackle. 

DeCastro is your plug-and-play starter at right guard and Colon is ready to maul people at left guard (by the way, Colon was not moved to left guard because of short arms-he has 34" arms), but Foster is a guy who can play both guards and is now being thrown out there with the first team at right tackle. He may not end up as a starter, but he's invaluable to this offensive line. 

Essex has also seen time at tackle, both left as well as right tackle, in drills. Essex is the ultimate jack of all trades...and master of none. He's played all five positions on the line at some point in his career with the Steelers, but doesn't excel at any of them. Along with that, the weight lost by Essex over the summer doesn't instill confidence that he could considered a starter at any position. 

So, with all the information we have on the offensive line and again with Adams out for another week and a half and Max Starks predicting he wouldn't be able to play before "the end of August," that creates a need when using particular packages. 

For instance, when using 13-personnel and 22-personnel packages, the tight ends are extra linemen. So, when you're already down linemen, tight ends and a fullback you're going to have to do different things to compensate. To exemplify this, against the Eagles last week DJ was used six times in 15 plays on the opening Steelers drive. His loss absolutely needed to be addressed. 

I touched on some of this in the following interview with Lance Williams of SteelCurtainRadio.com and @SteelRadio on Twitter. -http://steelcurtainradio.com/?p=241 DJ may not be the second coming of Larry Brown, who played tight end and right tackle for the Steelers Super Bowl teams of the '70s, but he is serviceable enough to be missed this season. I'm sure Will Johnson and Peelle have heard by now that the standard is the standard. Here's to hoping that one of them exceeds it.

~

And in this corner...

Ok, so it's now seven Steelers fights in 13 practices. To the point where Ike Taylor and Antonio Brown went a few rounds. My response? Punching a helmet isn't bright. Outside of that, like Mike Tomlin said, it's just emotional men playing an emotional game. 

It's neither a lack of discipline issue, nor is it a lack of leadership issue. If you're a man with brothers or simply know how men/brothers are, the players are personifying that very thing. We piss each other off, yell at each other, throw a couple of punches and an hour later are buying each other a drink or two. Don't believe me? Listen to Ike and AB, then.

On their personal Twitter accounts, both Ike and AB apologized to Steeler Nation for the fisticuffs. Ike wrote: "@Ike_SwagginU: Me and @AntonioBrown84 we GOOD sometimes FAMILY members get into it
We got it off our chest SHOOK hands AFTER
NOW WE AT BREAKFAST
SWURVE!"

AB, just honest, wrote: "@AntonioBrown84: Please forgive me and my brother @Ike_SwagginU for the frustration in camp we love each other sincerely! Meet us on Carson at Cafe Davio"

Look, the fights are a non-story. Period. Yes, there have been a high number, but this is nothing new. The only reason we know about them and are able to track them in the first place is that double-edged sword known as social media. That's it, that's the list, as Mr. Tony would say. How many of you would've been calling for Ernie Holmes' head had you known he virtually threatened Dwight White in Holmes' first Training Camp and had been shooting at police helicopters?

Besides, I like the fire. Also, according to Ken Laird, Casey Hampton (a veteran leader) instigated part of it. Plus, If it was an actual problem with 'lack of leadership' the true leaders, Tomlin or the Rooneys as Bill said, would step in and quash it. Tomlin has them practicing in the heat of the day and players are battling for position or to get better-tempers are GOING to flare. 

So, just enjoy the few remaining days of Camp and remember: keep your chin tucked low and your gloves up high.

James Harrison, Ben Roethlisberger Nursing Injuries At Training Camp

We at If It Ain't Steel have recently written more about James Harrison, specifically his back issues the potential of him being in black and gold next year. Well, news came out of Training Camp this morning that may deal with one of those issues.

David Todd, of ESPN and the website The Hammer Speaks, shot this across the bough this morning via his Twitter account: "@hammerspeaks: Breaking: I talked w #Steelers LB coach Keith Butler asked him when Harrison would be back: 'I'm hoping a couple weeks, but I don't know.'"

Potential bad situation or team coaches and trainers being overly cautious of their star outside linebacker? Hard to say at present and I refuse to speculate more than common sense suggests. Todd did make a salient point in his next tweets.  

"@hammerspeaks: That is certainly longer than I expected on Harrison. [Jason] Worilds he hopes to have back before last preseason game. Again longer." Adding Worilds to that isn't good considering Worilds was assessed at "two to four weeks" last week. Like Todd said, "longer."

He went further: "@hammerspeaks: Butler wasn't trying to play doc/trainer & caveated his comment, but clearly he didn't say day-to-day or next week."

I'm not a doctor, but I play one on my blog. In a previous article I personally wrote that all the twisting, torquing and pounding involved in an NFL season will eventually take it's toll. If he isn't able to go, then his backup must be ready. The standard is the standard after all. That backup, though, is Worilds.

With Chris Carter and Adrian Robinson making heads turn so far at camp, there's no reason for panic. There are other viable solutions. Nonetheless, Harrison is bona fide. He's Deebo. He's The Silverback. He's the one who lives in the Boogeyman's closet and who lives under monsters' beds. A healthy Harrison means a lethal defense.

Let's wait out the two weeks before kicking him off of the roster, though. As I suggested in that initial question, it could also be a situation where the coaches and trainers are erring on the side of caution for Harrison and the upcoming season. We'll see.

~

Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette posted an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been downplaying a "little rotator cuff tear" in his right arm. - http://t.co/aANrLZpS

We all know Big Ben's toughness, so we know he'd play it down anyway. But, he did admit that this injury could be felt as far back as last November. 

“I’m good. It’s ok, just sore. I have a little torn rotator cuff. That doesn’t heal. We just have to hope it doesn’t tear the rest of the way. It actually feels great. I don’t have any pains anymore. Let’s just hope it doesn’t get any worse.”

Big Ben did just get his degree this past April, but it wasn't in kinesiology or anatomy & physiology. Nonetheless, it's something to watch. That said, the new offense Todd Haley is instituting, which emphasizes getting the ball out of the quarterback's hands quickly, is ideal for Big Ben at this point. He's been beat up a lot over the years and needs such an offense to elongate his health and career. 

One thing noticed at Camp has been that Big Ben no longer throws during walk-throughs. Though, Mark Kaboly noticed Big Ben's activity later on and offered this: "For a guy who has a slightly torn rotator cuff, [Roethlisberger] sure is taking a lot of reps AFTER practice."

Kaboly asked coach Mike Tomlin, though, if Big Ben has been limited at all in practice. Kaboly said that Tomlin replied with an emphatic "None."
  
Hardly much ado about nothing, but Big Ben is known for his John Wayne routine after all. As long as it's from Rio Bravo and not The Shootist.

~

TIDBITS: Big Ben says he talks often with Mike Wallace. Thinks he will rejoin team "soon," per Ed Bouchette.

The Todd Haley and Big Ben  relationship is growing. No. 7 says he likes new offense. Great news!

~

Courtesy of David Todd: Casey getting stretched out. Trainer reportedly tells Big Snack is "moving better than [he] thought [he] would. - http://t.co/pvvpnLLj

~

Offensive line coach Sean Kugler to rookie offensive guard David DeCastro: "These guys in this league are (expletive). They are 350. They are Ta'amu with explosiveness," per Mark Kaboly. 

~

"I feel right on schedule. Mentally it hasn't been difficult at all. It's really just getting your leg back to normal." - Rashard Mendenhall on his knee rehabilitation.

~

Steelers rookie David DeCastro: "I think linemen in general, you've got to be nasty when you play. It's important." I like him already. 

~

Safety Da'mon Cromartie-Smith passed his physical and was able to come off of the PUP list and returned to practice Wednesday. 

Training Camp Practices Heat Up - Football Is Back

I love the smell of steel in the morning. Smells like...victory. 

The intensity is picking up in Latrobe. There had already been a minor scuffle with Willie Colon on Saturday, a good sign as far as I'm concerned. A little fire never hurt. Colon started a tussle as he blocked Timmons up the field. When asked what Colon was upset about, head coach Mike Tomlin responded, "Life."

All-in-all, Tomlin didn't seem to mind either. "I like the energy and enthusaism. We'll continue to clean up some of the professionalism...that's all part of it."

Well, that fire was stoked Sunday and the energy and enthusiasm picked up as Kelvin Beachum and Cameron Heyward got into a scuffle. Supposedly, it was fairly tame, but it's exciting and encouraging nonetheless. Football is back!

Before I go any further, I have to give a thankful shout out to Steelers beat reporters and other Steelers media members Ed Bouchette, Ken Laird, Mark Kaboly, Bob Labriola, David Todd (@hammerspeaks) Chris Adamski (@BuzzsawPGH) and Chuck Finder (@CBSSportsNFLPIT) for being on top of the goings on in Camp. They keep us bloggers happy!

Getting back to the hits, collisions and fights... Timmons apparently blasted Johnson at fullback and then blew up the play. Corbin Bryant also destroyed DeCastro on a play-welcome to the NFL, David. David Todd remarked that "Woodley [is] an absolute beast. Just dominated DJ 3 times in a row. So strong & quick." Though I love reading that, it is David Johnson after all. Even so, it may be a good sign for Woodley. 

Even former Steeler nose tackle Chris Hoke recognized the heightened levels of intensity as he indicated somewhat ebulliently on his Twitter page: “@hokiebro76: First time I watched backs on backers one on one drill... Great collisions!! Redman looked good and so did Sly Stevenson (Stevenson Sylvester)!” 

He wasn't the only one to recognize Redman. Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said that Redzone is taking leadership role seriously. He said that Redman makes Chris Rainey do a drill over again if he sees that Rainey's just going through the motions. 

One player who really impressed was Chris Carter. His name was mentioned a lot and he even got "huge props from Tomlin & defense for huge hit," according to David Todd. 

He later said of him that he was the "most impressive player from what I saw today. Impossible to see everything." As I pointed out in a previous blog, he has to step up this year and prove his worth. With Jason Worilds out for two to four weeks recovering from his wrist surgery, he'll have his chance early. After Sunday's showing, as well as bulking up to approximately 246 pounds in the offseason, he seems to be taking that chance seriously. 

Bob Labriola also chimed in with his own assessment saying, "TEs vs LBs: looking good were LBs Chris Carter and rookie Adrian Robinson; Woodley dominated; TE Jamie McCoy held his own for the offense."

I know it's only the third day of Training Camp, but it's been six months without football. I have the right to be excited. 

~

TIDBITS: Emmanuel Sanders didn't practice Sunday. Mike Tomlin said it was precautionary. The workout was on a turf field due to heavy rains recently. He's fine.

With Heath Miller out with an ankle injury, Wes Saunders was "by far best TE in the live TE-LB drill," per both Kaboly and Alan Robinson (@arobinson_Trib). 

Kaboly pointed out that Jonathan Dwyer "looks good" when asked about his conditioning. 

Cornerback Keenan Lewis was out with a right shoulder injury, "an AC-joint sprain during Sunday's practice. No specific prognosis yet, but he could miss some days," per Bob Labriola. 

The Steelers' Chris Rainey: Speed Kills

With all the thunderstorms the Pittsburgh and Latrobe areas have been getting lately, another loud "boom" wouldn't seem to be welcomed. This wasn't loud thunder, though. It was the sonic boom created by Chris Rainey's sound barrier-breaking speed. 

Rainey, the running back/return man/slot receiver out of Florida, is flat-out fast! As was put by ESPN's David Todd on his personal Twitter account: "@hammerspeaks: Rainey takes a handoff and buzzes around right end. Lots of "Whoas"." Fast. 

Rainey is so fast that he was disappointed at being clocked at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at the 2012 NFL Combine.- http://t.co/Z05Z6NuX

You see, his personal best in the 40 is rumored to be 4.24. At the University of Florida's training facility, they have their own Combine-like drills and competitions. His best official time there was the time stated above. Not only that, but he believes he can do even better than that. Rainey’s goal before the Combine? A sub-4.2 in the 40. 

As has been well publicized by now, Rainey had a connection to the Steelers before he was ever drafted. Rainey and Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey know each other very well, as Rainey lived with Maurkice and his twin brother Mike, who plays center for the Miami Dolphins, during high school. They all moved to Gainesville and played together at Florida. Now, Rainey is on his "dream team."

“I always watch [the NFL Draft] with [Maurkice],” Rainey said in the post-Draft teleconference with Pittsburgh reporters. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. This is my dream team.…They are Super Bowl contenders, they win games, and they are good in every phase of the game, special teams, defense, offense, everything.”

Rainey said he can play running back, slot and special teams. “Wherever they want me, because I’m a playmaker all around.” His speed and quickness led him to 2,464 rushing yards with a 6.22 average and 13 touchdowns, and caught 69 passes for 795 yards and six touchdowns in college.

The only drawback the "Ferrari" has is his smallish size. He's listed at 5'8" and ain't a bit more than 180 pounds soakin' wet and carryin' a brick. His being undersized shows when he tries to pass protect too.

Mike Tomlin pulls him out of the pass protection drills. "I'm not gonna pull my boat with a Ferrari, you know what I mean?" Tomlin recognizes that Rainey would need to cut block in those situations, but it isn't allowed in practice and Tomlin naturally wouldn't want him doing that to teammate anyway.

There will be a lot that Chris Rainey will be able to do on the field. His skills are undeniable and bring to mind the abilities of such players as Lionel "Little Train" James and Darren Sproles. He's lightning quick and has scary speed. And you know that old saying about speed (may Winston Churchill forgive me): Speed kills. Absolute speed kills absolutely. 

Terrell Suggs - Fall So Hard: Torn Achilles May Sideline Him For Season

Vinny Cerrato, via the Twitter account @1057TheFan, reported Thursday, May 2nd, that the Baltimore Ravens best linebacker and arguably best defensive player, Terrell Suggs, had torn his achilles, and was likely out for the 2012 season.

I couldn't be happier...or more upset.

Suggs being out for season for is a massive blow to the Ravens. - http://t.co/YKxzVPpc

As David Todd of thehammerspeaks.com says, "Suggs is more important to the Ravens defense than any single player to the Steelers defense. Troy, Silverback, Ike... Huge loss. Rookie Upshaw steps right in."

He's right. That one player will greatly affect the way the Ravens line up, the way they scheme and how much they blitz. Last year they were ninth in the league in blitzing, doing so over 36%. I expect that to increase. - http://t.co/GkqUUqAE

Last year Suggs had 70 tackles, 14 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions, gaining him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. So like I said, I couldn't be happier.

Suggs is expected to undergo surgery on his torn achilles next week. In this blogger's opinion, he is likely out for the 2012 season.

I have a torn achilles and know first-hand the pain and extensive rehabilitation involved. Terrell Suggs tore his achilles in a conditioning test Thursday, but expects to be back by October. - http://t.co/Zd7Q1rIR

Wishful thinking. Suggs turns 30 years old also in October. Even if he is able to return then, It's safe to wonder if he'll ever be able to produce at the same level again.

As I said earlier, I have an achilles tear. I've done my research on recovery and rehabilitation. The average timeframe for an everyday person, depending on severity, is nine to 15 months. Allowing for another three to nine months before you're playing a pick-up game with your buddies again.

On the other hand, the average return time for an NFL player from a torn achilles tendon, with the best surgeons, therapists and facilities available, is around 11 months according to a 2006 study.

October? In order to face the Steelers the next month? In other words, five months? Um...no. Again, wishful thinking. The absolute last person to listen to regarding a prognosis on an injury is the injured player. Realistically, Suggs simply won't see the field this year. Even if he were to make, he'd be largely ineffective.

I suppose the Ravens could take full advantage of the PUP list, as I've explained in a previous blog regarding Rashard Mendenhall, and make a decision on playing him or putting him on injured reserve at that point. Even then it's a stretch.

That, though, touches on why I couldn't be more upset. Playing the Ravens without Suggs is like the Ravens playing the Steelers without Ben Roethlisberger. He's that important. Were he to be able, though, to rehab and make it back by the November 18th Sunday night game, we'd know we wouldn't be facing the Suggs we all love to hate.

As alluded to before, the Ravens defense will not be the same without Suggs. Not at all. He isn't the massive presence that is Haloti Ngata, nor is he the emotional leader that is Ray Lewis. But the Ravens defense doesn't completely scare without Suggs.

As The Ravens Insider surmised, "What can the Ravens do without Suggs? Could go with Paul Kruger at rush LB and start rookie Courtney Upshaw at SAM or vice versa." (The strongside linebacker {SLB} is often nicknamed "SAM" for purposes of calling a blitz.)

That might be the lone bright spot for Baltimore in this: Courtney Upshaw, the Ravens 1st-round pick, played Terrell Suggs' spot on defense at Alabama.

It still won't be the same. Not without Mush Mouth.

They certainly can't depend upon Ray Ray who lost a step two years ago and compounded that by losing another step last year. Arriving to the point of attack late and simply piling on top of the actual tacklers hardly says "lean on me."

The Ravens have tossed around the idea of going after Osi Umenyiora a few occasions in the past. Even as recently as last year. Suggs' injury may cause them to look his way again. They could certainly use the help.

Whatever they do as a team is going to be of real interest because of the loss Suggs represents. I personally would love to see him argue with Skip Bayless again, or to see his face like this once again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCfYxY_pLiE&feature=youtube_gdata_player 

I'm afraid it just won't happen this year.

Mike Wallace Won't Sign Tender, Will Sit Out...And Pout

What an offseason...

Steelers have lost five veteran leaders this spring to retirement, release or greener pastures in Hines Ward, James Farrior, Aaron Smith, William Gay and Chris Hoke. Now they are also facing something that maybe should have been expected: Mike Wallace is threatening a "holdout".

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the free agent waters...

Oh, and there's a new offensive coordinator (replacing someone else who "retired") to boot. Welcome aboard Todd Haley and good luck - you're gonna need it. Seriously, getting an easy early schedule was never more important than this year.

Honestly, I swear I blogged about this before, 30+ days ago, but I need to say it again: Mike Wallace will be the number one wide receiver come opening day. Period.

There’s no sign that another team is going to offer Mike Wallace a contract before the deadline. In fact, though the deadline is April 20th, if nothing is offered by the 14th, there WILL BE NO OFFER.

Unfortunately, that isn’t moving Wallace any closer to signing his tender from the Steelers, either.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on NFL Live Wednesday that Wallace has no plans to sign his tender, which would pay him $2.74 million, and will sit out the team’s offseason training activities (OTAs) if he doesn’t get a new deal. He reported that the Steelers and Wallace's representatives have had a hard time coming to an equal footing on a new contract.

There's one problem with this: Wallace needs this year to become an unrestricted free agent after next season. So, again, he will play!

What are Wallace's options (assuming the two sides can't hammer out a long-term deal)? To sit out and pout throughout OTAs and then tuck tail as he goes into camp to sign the tender. That's it. That's the list. So, whoever is giving him this bad advice *coughBusCookcough* needs to stop it.

Let me reiterate: there is NO chance Wallace sits out the season.

Like I've said before, he's a divo wide receiver who wants to be paid. He won't be paid sitting out. Like David Todd said on Twitter, "@hammerspeaks: He may think he's worth a lot more than $2.74M, but he ain't walkin away from it." Real talk!

Ken Laird, Steelers beat writer, pointed out that he only needs six games accrued this season to become an unrestricted free agent.

Yeah...the Rooneys would love that: come back just in time for the playoffs like everything is honky dorey? Uh-huh...ok.

As I've said before, back away from the ledge, Wallace WILL play this year. After that...Wes Lyons is 6'8", right?

Steelers Enter Free Agency, Sign Cotchery And Pope

The Steelers are known for not diving too deeply into the free agency pool. Often they simply dip their toes in the shallow end to test the waters to see if they want to swim or not. Aside from the cannonball in the form of Jerome Bettis, their moves have been calculated and generally close to the vest.

This year has been no different.

Manish Mehta tweeted today, Wednesday, that Steelers own free agent was the splash being made: "@TheJetsStream: WR Jerricho Cotchery has agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers, per source. #nyj"

David Todd of TheHammerSpeaks.com speculated that the contract could be around $3 million. That would make sense: approximate $1 million signing bonus and structure the deal so that the second year salary cap hit is minimal; therefore most of the money is received in the first year.

This signing is also very key to the Steelers wide receiver corps on the whole. The young Steelers receivers can only benefit from his veteran presence. This blog has even referred to Cotchery in the past as "a younger & faster Hines Ward" and that the Steelers absolutely needed to re-sign him.

The veteran wide receiver essentially slid into Hines Ward’s role toward the end of last year. Cotchery is now back to fill that role again. Hopefully, also, to build an even better rapport with Big Ben.

Cotchery only caught 16 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games, but that was because he was hampered a good portion of the early part of the season because of a hamstring injury.

The Cotchery signing is also important because of his red zone prowess. Of the 20 touchdowns he's scored in his NFL career, 11 have come inside the 20-yard line.

I know he doesn't have any Sweat Hogs, but... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVS3WNt7yRU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Only other splashing sound you may hear would be a jack knife off the diving board in the form of a long-term deal to keep Mike Wallace from swimming away.

~

Speaking of the red zone...

Tuesday the Steelers signed tight end Leonard Pope. Pope was a draft pivk of the Arizona Cardinals in 2006. He is 6'8" 264 lbs and is a big target in the red zone.

Pope has been with Steelers new offensive coordinator Todd Haley both in Arizona and in Kansas City, so it isn't a huge surprise. The Steelers certainly had a need for another pass catching tight end, especially with Weslye Saunders gone for the first four games of next season. The timing was a bit surprising, but not the signing itself. We could be looking at Todd Haley's first finger prints on the organization as I'm sure he had a say in it.

Does this spell the end for Saunders or David "DJ" Johnson? No, not Saunders. He has too much talent. I'm not sure how/if DJ fits, though, because of two things: the offense Haley will run isn't yet known, and the Steelers have practice squad players and offseason signings Jamie McCoy and Will Johnson nipping at DJ's ankles as well.

Will this amount to a good tight end signing, one who'll contribute to the team? Or is Pope another John Gilmore or Kevan Barlow? Time will tell.

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

~

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."

~

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.

~

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

~

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...

Out With The Old, In With The New

To borrow from steelcurtainradio.com and the movie Cooley High, it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday. But, that's what Steeler Nation is having to do again today.
The Real Man of Steel yesterday and The Unsung Hero today, including Juicy and, soon to come, Potsie. Yes, Hines Ward and Aaron Smith have been released in successive days as the Steelers remind fans that this is a business. Chris Kemoeatu has been cut also, and very possibly, James Farrior is soon to come. (Am I able to lobby for Jonathan Scott also being cut? Please?)

This blog has spoken at length about the respect for Hines Ward. There are several posts on how strongly he's regarded. He is, quite frankly, loved. Still, this is a business. For details on him and his situation, refer to one of several previous blogs.

Regarding Smith, his release was expected and also predicted by this blog as far back as January. He’s been injured in four of the past five years and himself had pondered retirement, yet had to be cut nonetheless. His missing 33 of the Steelers' last 48 regular-season games should've been enough of a wake-up call to simply take his shoes off on the mat.

I say that with the utmost respect as I have referred to him as "The Unsung Hero" for many years. Because, as a fourth-round pick out of Division II Northern Colorado in the 1999 NFL Draft, Smith only played in one Pro Bowl, but the Steelers always considered him one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league. He finally did get recognition outside of Pittsburgh and Steeler Nation when Peter King named him to his All-Decade Team.

I only want him remembered for his play and his being a gentleman off the field and a gentle giant on the field. Known for being unmovable against the run, Smith is also 10th on the Steelers' all-time sacks list with 46. He's simply a great presence in the locker room and on the field. But, few see that. Unsung Hero.

Peter Schaffer, Aaron Smith's agent said regarding his release, ″No one ever wants to see this day come but we're not focused on that. We're focusing on the last 14 years. Aaron's got nothing but the highest respect for (the Steelers). He bleeds black and gold.″ Gentleman to the end.

On the business side of it, though, by cutting Smith, who's now 35, the Steelers will save around $2.1 million off of the salary cap. He was set to make around $2.9 in actual salary. The Steelers saved around $3 million Wednesday when they released Hines Ward.

That brings us to Chris Kemoeatu and his release. I can't see how this wasn't expected. I don't mean that from a talent standpoint, because he might just be the most talented lineman the Steelers have behind Maurkice Pouncey. But, if that's the case, he may also be, as David Todd said, the dumbest.

As I've stated in previous blogs, WHEN HIS HEAD IS IN THE GAME, Kemoeatu might just be the best pulling guard in the league. The problem is that it seems his head was seemingly rarely in the game. Pre-snap penalties and post-snap penalties and holding calls...oh, my! Tell me if this sounds familiar: "Dammit, Kemo!"

I still think Kemoeatu can be a solid player when not battling injuries. He just, thus far, has never was able to get mental part of it all down well enough. At least at his current price, which is over $4 million and about $3.6 against the cap, less his replacement on top 51 salaries. That, coupled with his playing, as Mike Tomlin once put it, "illegally", made this a somewhat easy decision for the Steelers.

David Todd may have said it perfectly when he said via his Twitter account, @hammerspeaks, "I'll be interested to see what kind of interest Kemo generates in free agent market. Much more likely than Hines to get signed IMO #Steelers." Exactly, "talented, but a head case" still gets looks.

James Farrior's situation differs a little in that he hasn't officially been released yet, though, it's expected that he will be.

Farrior's loss coupled with Smith's affects the Steelers in more ways than just bodies. There is a maturity and leadership loss also. The play calling and experience that they bring to the table is irreplaceable. Farrior is the unquestioned leader of the defense in the locker room and in the huddle. No matter how softly he speaks, his voice speaks volumes. He may be a victim of the money issues surrounding the salary cap, but you can't put a price on what he brings overall.

Would it be jumping the shark to make a Happy Days joke regarding Potsie and...meh, never mind. (I actually had time to erase this, but left it in anyway...sad...please don't stop reading.)

At this point, if they do release Farrior and don't then bring him back at the veteran minimum or at a substantially lower rate, they definitely keep Foote one more year keep and start him. That gives Sylvester the opportunity to see much needed field time on defense. Still, expect to see the Steelers address all of these needs in the draft.

Counting all the numbers mentioned regarding the players mentioned above, the Steelers purged about $41 million in salaries and cleared about $34.1 million in cap space, if my numbers are correct.

It's not a rebuild, either. They're reloading and retooling. This is a business. It's also a youth movement with the Steelers.

Speaking of youth, or draft, considerations, the Steelers have certain basic needs that can be handled in late April. The most glaring needs are nose tackle, offensive line, inside linebacker, safety, wide receiver, and maybe running back. So, I'll discuss a few potential members of a Steelers youth movement, focusing on what I feel are the three most important needs: nose tackle, offensive guard and inside linebacker.

DONTARI POE: Despite being just under 350 lbs, defensive tackle/nose tackle Dontari Poe ran a 4.98 in the 40 time. That was nearly a full second faster than Terrance Cody’s 5.71 two years ago, and just a touch quicker than the 5.03 run by Ndamukong Suh, who worked out at 307 lbs and was drafted No. 2 overall that same year.

To the very fast 40, Poe added a 1.70 in his 10-yard split, showing the short-distance explosion more common to a linebacker than to a nose tackle. But Poe did more: he also pumped off a Combine-best 44 reps of 225 lbs on the bench press, leaped an eye-popping 29.5-inch vertical leap and broad jumped an 8’9”. *whew* I can bench 225 lbs too, it'll just be four reps, not 44, so he is officially Mr. Poe. And I want him in Black and Gold...though, I don't think he'll last to the 24th pick.

DAVID DECASTRO: Offensive guard David DeCastro is 6'4 7/8" and 315 lbs, but with a relatively short wing-span. He is definitely a guard at the NFL level, but could be a very good one. He ran unofficial 40 times of 5.34 and 5.47 and broad jumped 8'2". He started 39 games and was a 1st-Team All-American last year.

Mike Mayock of NFL Network said of him, "Stanford guard David DeCastro isn't particularly long or fast from a Combine measurable perspective, but word out of Indianapolis is that he turned heads when performing more football-related activities on the field. From what I was told, he was highly impressive in on-field drills." I liked the "when performing more football-related activities" part. That's of greater import, especially as his Combine numbers actually somewhat adversely affected his draft status. He could slide to the Steelers.

DONT'A HIGHTOWER: Hightower, 6'2" 265 lbs, didn’t do all the athletic tests at the Combine, but he did run the 40 and clocked an official 4.68. He also clocked an unofficial 4.62, which is impressive at 265 lbs. The 40 time and the reported 1.65 10-yard split are indicators that he has the quick twitch burst necessary to allow him to play inside or outside in a 3-4 defense. Does Hightower have the coverage ability necessary to be a long-term 3 down inside linebacker in a 3-4? That is a question to be considered, but based on the Alabama games I saw and what I hear, I lean toward a yes as an answer. He certainly had impeccable leadership ability enough to be the captain of the defense, and was trusted by Saban to be the playcaller of his defense as well. The same might eventually happen under Tomlin.

We in Steeler Nation tend to hold on exceptionally strong to our favorite players, even regard them almost like family at times. But, much like the circle of life, we must accept that we eventually have to part with those advanced in years and welcome in those young ones who will bring us joy in years to come. Still, it still is hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

By Cutting Hines Ward Steelers Prove Their Main Goal Is Winning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Again, thank you, Hines Ward.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~

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

Good...what's that?

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

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