Chuck Noll - The Immaculate Coach

updated 6/14/14
Never has Friday the 13th had such significance or weighed so heavily, for a member of the family has died. 

"I could not have had a better coach as a young beat guy covering the #Steelers than Chuck Noll. I learned football & much more from him." - @EdBouchette via Twitter

"If you're picking the greatest coach/manager in Pittsburgh sports history, Chuck Noll should be at the top of the list." - Alan Robinson (@arobinson_Trib) via Twitter

It was announced Friday night that the architect of the 1970's dynasty, Charles Henry Noll has passed away. He was 82.

Chuck Noll won more Super Bowls than any other head coach in NFL history, winning four titles in six years (1974-1980). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. 

Noll is not as highly recognized a sports figure as many because of his humility. He deflected attention and praise, giving his players platforms instead. In actuality, he made good players great and great players iconic. 

He is on the Mt. Rushmore of coaches and should be readily mentioned with George Halas, Don Shula, and Vince Lombardi. - http://t.co/9eCWM9HXQB/s/fB2r

Chuck Noll took over a team that had played in one playoff game by their 40th year and turned them into a juggernaut that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s, barely missing out on a fifth. He is, in fact, the first and only coach to win four Super Bowls. 

From 0 and 40 (years) to 4 and 0 in championships. 

The story I remember most about Coach Noll was when he was hired to turn the team around. He assembled all of the players from the team (1968 roster) on Friday and told them he was going to go over all of their game film and get back to them on Monday as to what was wrong. 

When they re-assembled after the weekend, he revealed the problem: "Half of you just can't play football."

Noll began to remedy that immediately. He was hired on January 27th, 1969 and drafted "Mean" Joe Greene on January 28th.

The cornerstone had been laid. The next year, 1970, brought Terry Bradshaw and Mel Blount. Then 1971 brought Gerry Mullins, Larry Brown, Mike Wagner, Ernie Holmes, Dwight White and Jack Ham - maybe the second greatest draft in NFL history. Franco Harris then arrived in 1972, but it was 1974 that solidified the dynasty. 

And solidified his legacy. 

Not only did he draft well, but he taught the game. He was a great coach, yes, but he was a great teacher as well. One that many feel was incredibly under-recognized.

In fact, as the Tribune Review's Alan Robinson again states, "There was not one subject you could ask Chuck Noll about and he wouldn't have some knowledge. Brilliantly smart."

Even coaches from other sports greatly respect the man. 

"Although I never met Chuck Noll," Indian Hoosiers head coach Tom Crea (@TomCrean) tweeted, "he set a standard for all coaches at teaching technique and the details of fundamentals. The total teacher."

Noll had great players and made them even better. He helped transform the Steelers from dead to deadly, from a travesty to a dreadnought. 

Maybe the late broadcasting icon Myron Cope was right when dubbing him "The Emperor." But, for a certainty, Hamlet's words ring appropriate and true regarding Coach Noll. 

"He was a man. Take him for all and all. I shall not look upon his like again." - Hamlet, Act 1, scene 2

Maurkice Pouncey Leads List Of Steelers Signings - Was It The Right Move?

Contracts are being signed on the South Side. 

On Monday, June 9, fourth-round draft pick Martavis Bryant signed his rookie contract - a four-year deal worth $2,659,220, with a signing bonus of $109,805. 

The 6'4", 211-pound Clemson product "appeared in 37 games with 13 starts" in college, "registering 61 receptions for 1,354 yards with 13 receiving touchdowns. Bryant’s career 22.2 yards per reception average is an NCAA FBS record, an ACC record and a school record, and his 13 receiving touchdowns are the 10th-best total in school history." - http://tinyurl.com/ln44ry2

ESPN's Field Yates has now also reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed 3rd-round running back Dri Archer, though terms have yet to be disclosed. At the time of writing this, Stephon Tuitt remains the only draft pick left unsigned. 

But the news that has social media buzzing is the signing of former All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey. 

Per Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette, Pouncey's new deal, a 5-year, $44 million extension at its base, is a "6-yr, $48 M deal" that "includes total bonuses of $20.25 M, $13 M for signing..."

At the Steelers press conference announcing the extension, Pouncey said "It seems like five years all over again...I'm excited for this new adventure."

As mentioned, the deal pays Pouncey a signing bonus of $13 million. That’s more than the signing bonus paid last week to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The guaranteed money is about half of what Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (5 years, $42, $26M reportedly guaranteed) received, but the new money he’s receiving makes him the highest paid center at $8.8 million per year (Mack is at $8.4M). - http://t.co/XFb0Acn2ZI/s/j4lm 

The real money in the contract is three years and a total of $26.5 million. Pouncey will also get $17.75M next year and $23M in 2016 per whatever provisos are set forth in the terms. 

Bouchette also said that the Salary Cap hit would be $3.6M, but OverTheCap.com has it at $5.514M. If Over The Cap is correct, the Steelers sit at $6.36M under their Cap with regard to the Rule of 51 numbers. 

Regardless of the particulars, Pouncey is very happy with his new deal. He said that free agency was "never on my mind." Especially after his injury last season, walking was his main priority. - http://tinyurl.com/oys5nyw

"It's really unbelievable. I'm so thankful for this moment right now," said a Pouncey when speaking on the loyalty the organization showed him after being injured again last season. "I am so thankful for this moment right now. It's really awesome....I'm just glad to be a Pittsburgh Steeler."

Loyalty that is well deserved. 

Despite what I may have said on social media Thursday morning, or how I may have been misconstrued, the signing of Pouncey was a must. It was the right move. Once I saw the real numbers also, after having flashes of LaMarr Woodley go through my head, I was completely in agreement with the contract. 

If you just go by statistics and listen to the "he's always injured" crowd, it could be easy to knock Pouncey. The truth is that Pouncey was on the field more than any other offensive lineman. 

Per a stat offered up by the Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib), "Pouncey played in 86% Steelers snaps first 3 yrs (not counting freak injury last yr). To compare, next highest OL is Foster at 77% over 4 yrs."

Pouncey is just 24-years old and was an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in his first three NFL seasons. Though he has never been higher than 12th in Pro Football Focus' center grades, the game isn't played on paper. 

Pouncey is strong and very athletic for his size. Though he has been handled at times by a couple of the behemoth-like nose tackles in the league, he still holds his in that instance. But, to be blunt, he would be pretty damn good in the outside zone and the other things OLine coach Mike Munchak has in store. 

Feisty, mobile and respected, he's a true leader to his peers - his teammates named him an offensive captain at just 24 years old. 

Respected by teammates as well as ownership. A teary-eyed Pouncey hugged Dan Rooney after the brief press conference.

"There's a lot of love here." 

~

TIDBITS: Steelers using Ryan Shazier all over the field - http://t.co/y1Z2yasXVz/s/8icA 

~

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: #Steelers' Will Johnson is working at fullback and at tight end. Tomlin said he is goes to both RB & TE meetings" - #WVU

~

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: #Steelers fans are going to have to get used to a lot of inside handoffs to Dri Archer from the shotgun in the red zone."

Steelers Sign Shazier, Now Must Sign Roethlisberger Sooner Rather Than Later

by Jason Robinson and Jayden Matthews

"Shazier's 4-year contract with #Steelers is for $9.5 million, $9 million guaranteed including $5.23 M signing bonus" - Ed Bouchette via Twitter (@EdBouchette)

On Thursday, the former Ohio State standout became the sixth of nine Pittsburgh Steelers draft picks to sign a rookie contract, and the first to be signed with the new cap room money freed up from LaMarr Woodley's release. 

The versatile linebacker with blazing speed, or as one scout put it, "He's a blur," can play any of the four linebacker positions in the 3-4 defense and could likely make an immediate impact for the Steelers.

In college, Shazier played in 39 games at weak-side outside linebacker as well as inside. He totaled 316 tackles, including 101 tackles in 2013 when he was a first-team All-American, 14 sacks, 44 1/2 tackles for a loss, nine quarterback pressures and nine forced fumbles. 

Considering those numbers and his skill set, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly from his Twitter (@MarkKaboly_Trib) account, "The Steelers are going to use Ryan Shazier in sub packages to rush from the outside. Not exclusively, but there will be a package for that."

Speaking of prodigious numbers and skill sets, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger brings his gaudy career numbers back to OTAs with an, as was put by the NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala, "awfully instructive" and an excited demeanor, but without a contract extension. - http://on.nfl.com/1j4bpWH 

The news that Big Ben has risen to a new level of leadership is the best news to come out of OTAs. Shouldn't that be rewarded or at least acknowledged by the front office? 

Big Ben has said many times that he doesn't get involved with the business side of things, that he just wants to worry about football. But that doesn't mean he isn't aware of what's going on around him. 

In the midst of those post-OTA interview questions, he congratulated San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick on his six-year, $126 million contract. The real numbers, however, being just a two years for $28 million and "only $13M guaranteed." After year, however, it starts to turn in Kaepernick's favor. - http://overthecap.com/looking-closer-colin-kaepernick-contract-extension/

Some believe Big Ben is headed for a franchise tag that will earn him in excess of $19 million. His Salary Cap hit is set to be $18.895 million this season and $18.395 million in 2015. The Steelers should want to avoid this Cap hit and make sure Big Ben ends his career in Black and Gold. 

It's a process which only gets harder the longer they wait. Not only because of Kaepernick's deal, but because of what's to come. -  http://tinyurl.com/l2gvhz9

“Word around NFL is that when Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson get new deals next year, they will come in between $24-$25 million per year.” - Adam Schefter via Twitter (@AdamSchefter)

There is definitely a way to avoid this, however. If It Ain't Steel has actually covered it before, and it came hard upon the New England Patriot's Tom Brady's contract extension. 

"Rip up his current contract and redo it overall, which in effect turns his old agreement into a new one, and of course extend him....The New England Patriots did that very thing with Tom Brady, doing away with his old contract and its liabilities and most of his salary was paid as a bonus which doesn't count against the Cap. - http://tinyurl.com/k72gq7m

"In doing this the Steelers would not only save money but it would also allow them two years to clear up other money issues, freeing up money under the cap allowing them to re-sign their free agents and possibly sign other players....He is all about the team and will do what is needed to help the team. - http://tinyurl.com/ljeju3q

"The only drawback is the possibility of a per year salary being around $20 million." At the same time, though, the Cap numbers would be lower, which is the main objective here after all. 

That and to keep one of the best QBs in the NFL "excited." 

~

TIDBITS: Antonio Brown's 1,499 yards receiving in 2013 were by far the most in NFL history for a sixth-round draft pick.

~

OLB Jason Worilds has missed five of the first six OTA practices because of a calf injury. He has been running and riding the stationary bike.

~

“@jimwexell: Don't buy this nonsense about the #Steelers' no-huddle looking like all that. It was awful Wednesday, as it should in June.”

~

Sean Spence participating in Steelers offseason workouts http://t.co/wIP17r8pkV 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~

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

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

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

~

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

Steelers Extend Miller, Polamalu; Cut Foote In Salary Cap Moves

Everyone just stay calm. What you smell from the South Side is just the smoke coming from the pens of Omar Khan and GM Kevin Colbert as the Pittsburgh Steelers cut costs.

The biggest two names involved in the process are strong safety Troy Polamalu and tight end Heath Miller as each signed three-year extensions, first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rappaport and the National Football Post's Len Pasquarelli and since confirmed by Steelers.com.

Miller, who's negotiations were first announced Tuesday, is now to receive base salaries of $1.02 million in 2015, and $4 million in both of the subsequent years. Though, from what I've gathered, there is no guaranteed money in 2015 and 2016.

More immediately important is that his Salary Cap number down to $6,133,166 for this year. That is an approximate $3.4 million Cap savings from the previous $9.5 million Cap hit the Steelers were due to take.

The normally sure-handed Miller is essentially set up to retire a Steeler now. He is considered by many, most of whom tend to say "yinz" a lot, to be the best all-around tight end in the game. Something that one of his former coaches still touts. - http://tinyurl.com/kgck3c9

Polamalu, currently 32 years old, signed a similar extension. His was a three-year extension that lowers his 2014 Cap number by $4.5 million (it was $10.887M).

Per The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette from his Twitter (@EdBouchette) account, "Polamalu gets no new money to extend his deal by 2 years. #Steelers converted $6.75M of his $8.2 M '14 salary into bonus. Gets $1.5 M base."

Entering the final year of his four-year, $36.5 million contract, the guy with the hair, who had been very erroneously rumored to be cut. The City of Bridges would have seen jumps from some and burnings of others if the Steelers had made that move.

But, the man who is tied for seventh all-time on the Steelers interception list and who was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 5 safety in the league last season will retire a Steeler.

As for the other moves, it was announced first thing Wednesday morning that free safety Will Allen re-signed with the team, according to he and his agent Blake Baratz.

In just 12 games last season after returning to the team from Dallas, Allen, 32 in June, had 35 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass defense. His solid, veteran play and leadership will be needed again as the Steelers look to get younger in their secondary.

Speaking of getting younger, the Steelers announced the release of veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote. After signing a three-year extension last season, If It Ain't Steel said that he would likely only see one year of that deal. One year later...

He was set to earn $1.5 million this season. This gives the Steelers a Cap savings of $833,333 minus the $666,667 still owed him (dead money).

His ruptured biceps injury, and the steadily improved play of 2013 sixth-round NFL Draft choice Vince Williams, made his departure a sure thing.

The 11-year Steeler will be 34 in June and may hang up his cleats. He leaves with 621 tackles, 21 sacks, 19 PDs, nine FFs, seven FRs, three INTs and a safety for his career.

Offensive lineman Levi Brown was released as expected. The 2013 mid-season acquisition from the Arizona Cardinals never played for the Steelers and will clear $6.25 million from the Cap.

Curtis Brown, third-round Texas product from the 2011 Draft, never really panned out and was cut. His release frees up $645,000.

Injuries played into his exit as well. NFL writer and reporter Brian McIntyre reported via his Twitter (@brian_mcintyre) account that the "Steelers released Levi Brown and Curtis Brown with "Failed Physical" designations."

Add the money saved from the extensions, which essentially just moves money forward, to the contract cuts and the Steelers shaved approximately $15,628,333 million from the Cap and are very close to being compliant.

Next up are the contract situations with cornerback Ike Taylor, outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley, the re-signing of wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and people keep suggesting another extension, one for someone named Ben...

Art Rooney II: State of the Steelers - Offense And The Need To Sign Roethlisberger

Golf legend Tiger Woods has been known to say that "you don't win a tournament with one round (on Thursday), but you can lose it with one round." Your typical PGA Tour tournament begins on Thursday and ends on Sunday. Four days of rounds where, if you stumble out of the gate, you can put yourself too far behind the clubhouse leader to be able to comeback and win.

That's exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers did in the 2013 season. When they lost their first four games, they dug themselves too deep of a hole and missed the playoffs by a foot - literally and figuratively.

But it was the surge in the second half of the season that has team president Art Rooney II optimistic.

"I certainly liked the way we finished," said Art II in his season-ending interview. "Unfortunately, we got off to a slow start. I liked the way we finished....You want a team that's playing its best at the end. I think for the most part that's what we did, and that leaves me excited for next season already. We're looking forward to getting started on preparing for next year."

The finish he's referring to is a 6-2 record, a 28 points-per-game average, a +7 in turnover ratio and, maybe most importantly, No. 7 was only sacked seven times in the final seven games.

"There's no question, Ben, like the team, got better as the season went on," said Art II. "You have to like the fact he stayed relatively clean the second half of the season. There's no doubt that's what we'd like to see. We'd like to see him last another five, six or seven years, whatever it is. In order to do that, we have to protect him, and he has to protect himself."

In order for him to "last another five, six or seven years", he has to be under contract also, though. The Steelers generally sign their quarterbacks, as well as other players, with two years remaining on their deal. Well, Ben Roethlisberger has two years remaining on his deal.

However, Art II seemed to indicate that the head brass wouldn't necessarily do that.

Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette Art II said that Big Ben knows “our intention is we want him here beyond this contact.” He even said he would want Big Ben to "retire" a Steeler.

"We've got to have Ben retire as a Steeler," Art II said. "There's no doubt about that."

But Art II added that the team possibly won’t extend the current contract in 2014 or 2015. He said that’s “not set in stone . . . it’s not something that’s automatic.” - http://tinyurl.com/lkeu9tp

That may not be the best choice. There's already enough dead money owed which hurts the Cap, plus Big Ben's Cap restrictions.

As was brought out in an article by Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review brought out, “That kills every team, if they’ve got dead money, the cap is against them — on a very flat cap (a cap that doesn’t go up much from season to season). When you pay your quarterback a lot of money like they pay Big Ben, and you look around the league right now, every team that’s paying a quarterback $20 million or thereabouts, none of their defenses are top 10 defenses." - http://tinyurl.com/l97wt3f

So striking while the iron is hot and freeing up money would seem to be the best bet - for Big Ben and for the Steelers - as Steel City Blitz's Marc Uhlmann also points out.

"My suggestion...get a new deal done for Roethlisberger now rather than later....The longer the two sides sit without a new deal, the worse things will get. Keep in mind both sides had to deal with the report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport that the Steelers and Roethlisberger were ready to part ways at this season’s end." - http://tinyurl.com/ma72wcv

Maybe the Steelers will just ask him to do one more, if you will, "minor" restructure for now. That would convert a portion of his $12.1 million salary to an offseason signing bonus, with half of the amount counting against this year’s Salary Cap and the other half against next year's.

I hope not. Either way, though, something has to be done sooner than later.

~

TIDBITS: Running Backs - Who will be the backup to Le'Veon Bell next season? As for who the primary backup will be? Jonathan Dwyer, Felix Jones, and LaRod Stephens-Howling are all free agents.
Likely, two of them come back on a veteran minimum or qualifying contract.

Jonathan Dwyer is my choice and the only one I could see making it through Training Camp. Being that he’s still only 24 years old and has had some good games, he unfortunately could get interest elsewhere also.

Felix Jones was the first one off the bench late in the season, so I think Jones probably makes the team in some fashion being that the Steelers do need a regular kick returner. However, OC Todd Haley likes small-ish backs who are elusive and can catch passes out of the backfield. At 5'10 and 215 LBs, Jones doesn't exactly fit that mold. That brings us to...

LASH at least gets a Camp invite. He's still recovering from his knee injury, but if the versatile back is healthy enough to practice he'll be able to compete at and for a couple of different roles.

The Steelers Aged Defense - Legacy or Lethargy? Pt. 1

by Jason and Jayden

The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn. - David Russell

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroad. Their future and whether or not they will end up as better than a .500 ball club, largely will be determined by the decisions they make this off season.

Do they extend quarterback Ben Roethlisberger this off season or next? For how long and for how much will they extend him? A topic we've discussed already earlier this season. - http://tinyurl.com/mrcyaue

But several others, whether because of age, contract restraints or performance happen to be in similar straits. And all of whom are on defense.

Point blank, it's time to make some hard decisions and maybe even just rip the band aid off. Some difficult choices may have to be made, but, like the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette wrote, "the Steelers defense needs a face-lift." - http://tinyurl.com/lv25wvq

The men we're talking about in particular are outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley, safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark, cornerback Ike Taylor and defensive end Brett Keisel. 

All of them beg the question of whether to cross that bridge or to burn it. Of whether to a allow them to add to a legacy or to keep them and risk another defense mired in lethargy. And if it is the latter, they'd assuredly be burned in effigy.

If It Ain't Steel has dealt with the LaMarr Woodley situation already, and how fellow outside linebacker Jason Worilds plays into it. We pointed out that "over the course of the last three years, Woodley has seen his play and time on the field diminish. He has played in only 34 games, has missed 14 games as well as being unable to finish several others due to injury and has recorded just 18 sacks."

But it would be difficult, as well as potentially premature, to summarily dismiss Woodley based on these facts alone. The business side of things says that "Woodley is scheduled to earn $8 million in 2014 and to count $13.59 million against the Salary Cap. If the Steelers release him before June 1st, though, he will be a $14.17 million dead money hit against the 2014 cap...."

"However, if the Steelers designate Woodley a June 1st release, they'd carry his full $13.59 million cap hit until then. That would save them his $8 million base salary, again against the Cap....But, they would still suffer a $8.58 million 2015 dead money hit because of the prorated money from bonuses and restructures still on the books." - http://tinyurl.com/k3jbzol

That could prevent the Steelers from signing Worilds if they wanted to go that route instead. Worilds, who is an unrestricted free agent after the season, has likely played himself into a contract worth tens of millions of dollars.

Though there will be salary/contract cuts (such as those of Plaxico Burress and Levi Brown), the Steelers could find doing such a deal difficult. They could and probably would designate him as their franchise player, at a cost of about $9 million, giving them the time needed to then work out a long-term deal.

However they do it, it won't be easy because of having painted themselves in a proverbial corner. But Worilds is a definite priority and at least the fan base has somewhat soured on Woodley. Not the same can be said about a certain someone else.

Although he is no longer in the discussion as the NFL's best strong safety, Troy Polamalu had a resurgence this season and once again was voted to the Pro Bowl - this time deservedly so.

Polamalu started all 16 games this season and played the highest percentage of snaps run from the box (as a hybrid linebacker) among safeties (79.8%), per Pro Football Focus. He accounted for 50 tackles, 11 passes defended, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, two sacks two interceptions and one touchdown.

The problem, though, is that he will have the NFL's highest cap number among safeties in 2014 at almost $10.9 million. He is in the final year of a three-year, $29.6 million contract extension, and the Steelers would clear up $8.25 million of cap room if he is let go. And for a soon-to-be 33-year old safety who has become a liability in coverage, that might be too much.

Unlike Woodley, however, there is no depth behind Polamalu. So that levels the playing field slightly. Additionally, even in the twilight of his career, Polamalu is still one of the better strong safeties in the league, and could still provide the needed tutelage for young Shamarko Thomas. So, a short-term extension (a la Larry Foote) could reduce his cap number and keep him in a Steelers uniform for another year, two at the most.

Beyond that is the great likelihood that he will be the only one playing the role of Mentor for the aforementioned Thomas as Ryan Clark is unlikely to be re-signed.

“I’m playing,” RC25 said after the Steelers defeated the Browns at Heinz Field to end the season. “Where that’s going to be I’m not sure."

Neither are we.

RC25 is a favorite of ours around here, but we know that nothing lasts forever - like his ability to tackle. Despite registering 104 tackles this season and despite what head coach Mike Tomlin would contend, RC25 was terrible in his tackling all season. Terrible in that his angles were often bad or in his missing ones he should have had.

The only way, in fact, that the Steelers would even consider bringing him back is for the veteran minimum for a player with at least 10 years, which is $955,000. Does that work for him, though?

"I think I’m worth more than that, and if they decide that I’m not, then you have to understand that and you have to move on. I respect the business."

Simply put, the season home finale was likely a homecoming for RC25. A fact of which he is well aware.

"They've got Hall of Famers that have finished in different jerseys," said RC25, "so I know I am going to be no different, and that's ok with me." - http://tinyurl.com/n6cb82m

That's three of the main five in question. Two remain at the crossroad, and we'll discuss which road will be less travelled by in part two.

Tomlin Shakes Up Steelers Lineup, Makes Good On Promise

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

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

A lifeless 0-4 start will do that.

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

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

True to his word, players were benched. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~

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

~

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

Steelers Sign Center, Bring Back Dwyer - Is It Enough?

The news came through early Monday morning from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette. His simple tweet read, "#Steelers will re-sign RB Jonathan Dwyer." A move expected by many. A move that was to be followed by two more later on in the day. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers also brought in veteran kicker Shayne Graham to kick in place of Shaun Suisham who suffered a hamstring injury before the game and possibly hurt his toe with a misstep (resultant of the hamstring?) on the opening kickoff Sunday. Sushi is out 2-3 weeks. 

The move, though, that is of greatest interest deal with their offensive line. Veteran center/guard Fernando Velasco was signed to replace center Maurkice Pouncey who was placed on IR along with linebacker Larry Foote and running back LaRod Stephens-Howling. 

Velasco agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Steelers. He started 16 games last season for the Tennessee Titans, and graded out as the 11th ranked center last year by Pro Football Focus. A solid player who is likely going to step right in and be the Steelers starting center if he can make the calls. Definitely a solid move for the Steelers. 

Steel City Insider's Jim Wexell tweeted that he "watched new Steelers OL Fernando Velasco this preseason and (was) surprised he was available. Strong, some mobility. Quality pick-up."

Good. Because this team needs help on the offensive line, especially in pass blocking. The prime years of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could be wasted if matters aren't rectified quickly. The signing of Velasco aids that.

As for the OLine woes in general, this is a problem that has been going in for years now. Yes, this is a young line that is still gelling as a unit, but their learning curve must be shortened greatly if the season, and Big Ben's career, can be salvaged. 

Big Ben actually looked good at timed, despite five sacks. Like Bouchette said in a column on Monday, though, it isn't a trend the team needs to see develop.

"That absolutely cannot continue. If they have to chuck the whole zone blocking scheme and re-sign Max Starks, something’s got to be done before this thing really goes into the dumpster." - http://tinyurl.com/no24t9t

The Steelers offensive line woes in the last few years have become almost as legendary as the offensive line dominance that the team had since Ray Mansfield anchored the "big uglies." 

For decades the Steelers OLine punished defensive lines opening holes for the likes of Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Barry Foster and Jerome Bettis. Even during the years of lesser known running backs like Ernest Jackson, Walter Abercrombie, Frank Pollard, Merril Hoge and something called a Rich Erenberg, there was room to run. And run they did- the Steelers still lead the NFL in rushing yards gained since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger.

Those Steelers lines also provided time for the quarterbacks to throw the ball. They threw it proficiently, even dynamically. Simply put, the Steelers OLine was stout for the better part of 35 years.

Lately, though, the line is less Achilles and more achilles heel. Yes, the Steelers did go to three Super Bowls in six years, winning two of them. But it could be argued that the OLines that went to and won those Super Bowls were the worst to ever do so. It seems they have done just enough, along with having a tough-as-nails quarterback to absorb some of the blows, to consistently win.

To repeat Bouchette, "that absolutely cannot continue."

The only lanes the running backs see opened up to them on a regular basis are those they see when the team plane touches down in opposing team's cities. For Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall to be 1,000-yard rushers behind those OLines was nothing short of amazing.

The Steelers mentality under GM Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin has seemingly been to simply develop lower-round offensive linemen, yet not to go after bigger names in the NFL Draft. Granted, that changed recently with the drafting of four OLinemen in the first or second rounds in the last three NFL Drafts. But, is it too little, too late for Big Ben? If so, might that signify being the same for those in charge of the draft also?

At a post-draft press conference in 2008, a question was posed to Colbert and Tomlin regarding the Steelers issues on the offensive line. Tomlin provided a seemingly acceptable answer by saying that 'one way to aid the passing game and the getting of the ball out of the quarterback's hand quicker is to provide him multiple targets', or words to that effect. 

Ok, that seemed fair enough at the time - a team does need to be versatile and even explosive. But, what have those weapons reaped recently? 

As Terry Silver told Danny LaRusso in The Karate Kid III, "A man can't stand, he can't fight." Well, if Ben can't stay upright, he can't fight to get his receivers the ball. It isn't just Big Ben, either. 

There are few holes through which the running backs can even run. And when there are no holes, when the pocket breaks down before it even forms, when there is immediate penetration from the defense, the weapons simply don't matter. 

The aforementioned Steelers running back and current ESPN analyst Merril Hoge, when speaking of the 2011 Steelers-Colts Sunday Night Football game, said, "Penetration is the number-one killer of a running game: it neutralizes the point of attack, it deters your instincts as a runner, it dictates where you're going to go and it destroys you as a runner." 

Few running backs can thrive in that environment. It has also affected Big Ben. Look at Tom Brady Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. He had clean pockets all day. They scored 24 points. Aaron Rodgers? Under some duress, but it was manageable. They lost, but scored 28 points. Peyton Manning? Yeah... 

At the risk of going to the well once too often, "that absolutely cannot continue."

Steelers 2013 Training Camp: 10 Days, 10 Takeaways (Defense)

Without a doubt, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the best franchise in all of American football over the last 40+ years. Since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970, they have made the playoffs 26 times for a total of 33 wins - more than any other team.

There’s no argument about whether or not the Steelers and their fans have reason to be proud of their accomplishments. Since the merger, they’ve competed for an NFL title nearly 20% of the time, having gone to the final game an average of once every five years in that time span.

In all, the Steelers lead or are tied for the lead in all of the most important categories: total wins (437), season wins (404), All-Pros (67), playoff wins (33), playoff berths (26), division titles (20), winning seasons (31), Super Bowl berths (8) and Super Bowl wins (6).

It is, therefore, that very success that makes last season's results that much less bearable. It was a team loaded with potential, potential never achieved. Now it is a team that goes into the 2013 Training Camp and season loaded with questions. Though a team of veterans, rookies and yet-unproven players will play a big part into how this season turns out.

The Steelers are resting and relaxing following some of the toughest Training Camp practices seen in ages. Practices that included tackling, live 11-on-11 drills and a little bit of history with live tackling in a non-goal line drill. According to inside linebacker Larry Foote, "First time we ever did that."

(photo courtesy of Jennifer L. Westbrooks)
As the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette examined recently, this "is old-old-school," but it has been needed with the Steelers being "young in a lot of areas, particularly in the lines," head coach Mike Tomlin said in explaining the increased hitting.

In that case, now is a good time to review everything that has been disseminated over the course of the first 10 days of practice. We'll look at the things and players seen so far that are worthy of continued attention and that could have an impact on the season.

LaMarr Woodley: Woodley came into Camp looking great, really responding, though he won't admit to it, to the prods from his position coach prior to last year. One of the things we've suggested since the departure of James Harrison, though, is that, especially since Jason Worilds has played so much better of the left, that maybe Woodley might be moved to the weak side. But linebackers coach Keith Butler addressed the issue and gave the reasoning for his decision.

“Sure, for a little bit,” Butler responded when asked if he had considered doing so. But he left Woodley on the strong side because, as he put it, "You want a big-bodied guy over there on the left side because offenses are notoriously right-handed. Most people run to the right, some people try to run to the left, but most run to the right, and we want a big body over there.”

Um...no. Not true. In actuality, the numbers indicate that teams run to the left, opposite Woodley's side, about 15% more than they run to the right. Which means teams will be running primarily away from Woodley.

Curtis Brown: I have Brown as a high roster possibility for a while, and did nothing in Camp to cause one to go against that. However, with Mark Kaboly reporting that Brown went down when defending on a play and Steel City Insider's Jim Wexell reporting that he is on crutches after practice, his chances would seem to be damaged. But the Steelers are already down starter Cortez Allen (knee), who needed minor surgery last Friday, DeMarcus Van Dyke (who also needs all the help he can get) and Terry Hawthorne, all being sidelined for an unknown amount of time with training camp injuries. That, then, re-edifies Brown's chances of maintaining a roster spot.

Al Woods: Last year, Woods made the roster as the sixth defensive lineman and should make it again this year. But defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and the Steelers are trying to make the defensive linemen more versatile by upping the pressure on the quarterback.

"We definitely need to get more pressure up front," said Brett Keisel, who led the Steelers last season with 40 quarterback pressures. "There's been an emphasis more on [ends] getting on the edge rather than just pushing the pocket, getting on the edge and trying to make something happen."

As the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review explains, when the defensive tackle or end "pushes a guard or tackle back, forcing the quarterback to scramble out of the pocket, they will earn a 'pressure' from their coaches."

For Woods, considering the pass-rush ability he showed when on the (limited time on the) field in both Pittsburgh and New Orleans, that would mean working him at nose tackle in addition to defensive end to increase his value and versatility up front, making him a viable candidate once again for a roster spot.

Cameron Heyward: “I think it’s not more of assignment things anymore, its more of now I can read and dissect the offense, so I can see tendencies and see what they’re favoring and formations,” Heyward said.

Along with reading and dissecting the offense, Heyward brought the body to be able to bring the hammer when he arrives at the play.

"He’s heavier than he’s been, but his body fat is down,” said Tomlin. “So you’re talking about lean muscle mass....He’s probably up three or four pounds, but his body-fat percentage is down, so he’s doing the right thing.”

Marshall McFadden: McFadden is making it as hard as possible to cut him, and is turning heads after the first half of Training Camp. The Steelers will be keeping either four or five inside players, so his making the roster depends on the play of sixth-round draft pick Vince Williams and Stevenson Sylvester. Unless something drastic changes what we've seen thus far, expect McFadden to make the team.

~

TIDBITS: Remember the name "Alan Baxter."

~

New Steelers starting cornerback Cortez Allen feels he should be in good shape and ready to go when the Steelers line up to face the Tennessee Titans, despite having surgery last week on his knee. Tez said he is getting better, but will stay off the practice field until at least the end of Training Camp nears.

“I’m just trying to be smart about it. I can’t really give a timetable on it, but I just have to follow the instructions of the training staff," Tez told the Tribune-Review. Of course it’s disappointing when you can’t do what you love. I pride myself on staying in good spirits. I’m doing my best to get back on the field."

~

The Steelers signed veteran offensive tackle D'Anthony Batiste and Nik Embernate cleared waivers and is now on the Steelers Injured Reserve list.

Batiste ranked second worst out of 80 graded tackles on Pro Football Focus. Pray that someone else steps up and/or that Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams stay healthy...for Ben's sake.

~

Alameda Ta'amu released from PUP list. He will participate in the Steelers' Camp for the first time this season, after sitting out the first half of it with a hamstring injury.

~

Maurkice Pouncey said he is at a natural 300 pounds. Up from 285 previous years.

Shamarko Thomas' Mentors - Safety In Numbers

Mentor. We hear the word used all the time, be it in youth, at school or in the workplace. It refers to someone we can look up to for guidance and advice.

If we look deeper into the origin of the word, though, we'll find an interesting parallel to the subject of the article today.

In the epic ancient Greek poem The Odyssey (the sequel to The Iliad), Homer chronicles the adventurous journeys of Greek hero Odysseus. When Odysseus left for the Trojan War, he placed his son Telemachus in the charge of his foster-brother Eumaeus and his friend - Mentor.

Now, 2,800 years later, we have a bit of life imitating art as Shamarko Thomas, the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2013 fourth-round draft pick, has also been brought under the charge of two men who are virtually brothers as well as friends. They are also Pro Bowlers, All-Pros (Polamalu) and Super Bowl winners. Few other safeties could be considered as qualified to mentor the young man.

Not many aging veterans are so willing to help teach those who are brought in to replace them. But, once again, the nature of the Steelers' family-like organization shined through, and from the very beginning.

“It all started the same day I got drafted,” Thomas said. “Troy and Ryan called me and left a message and told me they were going to teach me everything they’ve learned. I came in here ready to learn. They’ve made me comfortable.” - http://tinyurl.com/ljjkolk

Class. It shows how special Clark and Polamalu are, not only as players, but as people. It's also what many simply know as the "Steeler way."

As the article from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review went on to highlight, it's an especially "unselfish act on Clark's part knowing that he's in the final year of a four-year, $14 million contract that he signed in 2010." The same goes for Polamalu "who has two years left on the four-year, $36.5 million deal that he signed in 2011."

Clark has made it clear that he wishes to play beyond the 2013 season. He wants to retire a Steeler. The question, naturally, is whether or not the Steelers consider it a wise decision to sign him beyond 2013. They could extend a deal to him in the framework of the one signed by Steelers linebacker Larry Foote.

Foote signed a three-year deal worth $5.5 million. He received a $1 million signing bonus and $2.5 million is guaranteed. But after the 2013 season, Foote could be released with the Steelers only taking an a $666,666 dead money hit in 2014, according to SportTrac.com.

Knowing that he would never see the end of such a contract, as Foote won't, could Clark sign something similar?

There is no doubt that Clark has been an integral part of the Steelers top-ranked defenses. He shows no signs of slowing down, either, as he was finally named to the Pro Bowl after the 2011 season and followed that up with a career-high 102 tackles, seven pass defenses, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2012.

So it is possible, though it's hard to say at present how probable it is. Because it's possible that the development of Thomas will make Clark expendable next year. But Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette recently touched on the flip side of that coin.

"Even with Shamarko Thomas, the Steelers are not prepared to lose both Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark in 2014, although plenty can happen between now and then. Clark has had some of his best seasons lately and it’s reasonable to think that he could play at a good level another few years." - http://t.co/mTrlRD0gzF

The chemistry Clark has with strong safety Polamalu can't be denied. As Bouchette stated, the Steelers aren't prepared to part ways with both. Plus, the uncanny connection Clark has with Polamalu frees him to take many of the gambles and accomplish many of the big plays Polamalu has become known for making.

It is that chemistry, that level of comfort with the feel of the game, that the two of them will look to instill within Thomas. Can that be done in one year?

Clark is a very football smart player who rarely gets caught out of position, while Polamalu's instincts are the stuff of legend. But, how much money does general manager Kevin Colbert want to sink into two safeties on the wrong side of 30 whose hard-hitting styles mean that their next could end someone's season? Specifically theirs.

Regardless, both mentors want to dispense their wisdom "when it is a guy who truly wants to be a sponge." Thomas' determination to learn is just what was needed and comes at the right time.

“Troy and I have asked for years for a guy to mentor,” Clark said. “Some players feel like they can play forever. We understand it is not going to be that way. We want to see somebody take it over and do well.”

Thomas is 5'9", 213 pounds, ran a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash and jumped 40.5" at the NFL Combine, so he has the physical skills. He possesses both speed and athleticism, and has excellent coverage skills. He has the flexibility to line up in the slot or outside, and has the football aptitude to be able to be indoctrinated by one of the NFL's better safety combinations.

Two true mentors.