Run Down Of Steelers Transition Tag; Worilds Accepts Tag

UPDATE:
Poor Jason La Canfora...

Jason Worilds has accepted the $9.754 million Transition Tag the Pittsburgh Steelers placed on him on Monday. It completely takes him off of the free agent market and the Steelers are now working on a longterm deal with him that would pare his Cap number down from the aforementioned amount.

If It Ain't Steel posted the article below that explained what this all meant for Worilds and for the Steelers. Then this came down the pike Tuesday morning from the same person who had not long before that stated that he'd be gone:

"@JasonLaCanfora; Jason Worilds has signed his transition tag w/PIT worth $9.75M. No offer sheets can come now."

Per Ed Bouchette from his Twitter (@EdBouchette), the Steelers are working on making it so that Worilds stays in the Steel City for years to come. As usual, they've taken care of home, of their own free agents, first.

Below is the article that covers all of the particulars surrounding the contract situation before Worilds' accepting (nothing was actually "signed") of the tag.

~

“@BobLabriola: The @Steelers designate OLB Jason Worilds a transition player. Tender is average of top 10 salaries; @steelers can match any offer”

That was the information that came down Monday morning from within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization shortly after it was announced that the Washington Redskins had put their Franchise Tag on outside linebacker Brian Orakpo.

Facts - The Transition Tag, as referenced by Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola in the above quote, costs the Steelers $9.754 million which puts them approximately $10 million over the NFL Salary Cap, per the Rule of 51, at the printing of this piece including the $1.35 million carry over from last season's Cap (and before adding dead money owed). - http://tinyurl.com/oegxr29

The Steelers announced the move less than an hour before the 4 p.m. EST NFL deadline to make the move. They now, as with every other team, must be under the Salary Cap by March 11th.

Possible Moves - Cutting Levi Brown will erase $6.25 million.

Restructuring contracts such as Antonio Brown and Lawrence Timmons would cut another approximate $7 million off of the books.

Troy Polamalu, who turns 33 years old in April, is likely to be asked to take a pay cut, as his 2014 Cap number is $10,887,500 million. But it could be done in such a way so as to work such a reduction into an extension that lowers his Cap number and still allow him to retire a Steeler.

Ike Taylor, 34 in May, will count $11,942,404 million against the Cap and has a non-guaranteed base salary of $7 million. He could be cut or asked to take a (significant) pay cut.

Moves - Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported early Monday morning that the Steelers are in negotiations with tight end Heath Miller to restructure his deal. Being that he is in the final year of said deal, it would have to actually be either an extension of his contract or a pay cut. I and all whom I trust believe that the Steelers will extend his contract and use a signing bonus to reduce his $9.5 million Cap number this year.

What It Means - The Transition Tag allows the Steelers some control as Worilds assuredly tests the market. The team, though, has right of first refusal and can match any deal he may get. It essentially forces Worilds' agent to go and find a deal.

A risk is taken nonetheless. Worilds has said that he wants to stay in Pittsburgh and simply asked, if they truly wanted him, that he be named the starter. One big way to do that is to pay starter money.

By putting the tag on him, the Steelers gave their answer in the affirmative.

The nearly $10 million Worilds would potentially be owed is a figure that would be paid out in 17 game checks. Both Worilds and the Steelers would prefer that number turned into a multi-year contract - it provides security for the player and then this year's number comes down to $5-$6 million which helps the team.

In other words, a potential good situation for the Steelers and for Worilds. He can still test the market and leverage his number up. He's guaranteed $10 million and, if the bottom falls out, can be a FA again next year.

The Steelers can match what he may look to accept as a longterm deal. If he stays, the Steelers have the makings of another set of OLBs set to wreak havoc if Jarvis Jones picks up where he left off in the final game of 2013.

Drawbacks - There is no compensation if they don’t match an offer Worilds accepts.

Nothing can be done with LaMarr Woodley until the situation with Worilds is finalized. If he is to be cut, it can't be done before June 1st.

With Free Agency Looming, The Worilds His Oyster

Pittsburgh Steelers free agent outside linebacker Jason Worilds would like to stay in the the Steel City. The Steelers would like Worilds to stay. Done deal, right?

"If the circumstances are right, for sure," Worilds told ESPN approximately a month ago. "They haven't been right for me in the past."

Ok, well what circumstances?

"I wouldn't want to fall back into (not starting) again. I've just been patient and (am waiting to) see how the Steelers view me," Worilds further said.

In that case, let's just lay this one out there: assure Worilds his starting spot and re-sign him. This needs to be GM Kevin Colbert's main priority

Worilds says he is open to re-signing with the team before the start of free agency on March 11th, as long as he is a starter. This is by no means an outlandish request, either.

He is after all a former second-round draft pick who is entering his fifth season. He sat behind James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley his first three years, and also endured some (hamstring and wrist) injuries that kept him out of starting opportunities as well (opportunities inauspiciously filled by Lawrence Timmons and Chris Carter). So his wanting a sense of security is completely expected.

Once Worilds had enough playing time to finally prove himself and gain invaluable experience, he made the left outside linebacker spot his own.

So much so that when Woodley came back from yet another injury, he was moved to the right side. Then when Jarvis Jones was subbed into the game, Woodley came off the field instead of Worilds.

Worilds' second-half performance this past season was no fluke, either. Some players just need a little extra time to have it all click. Something along the lines of Keenan Lewis the year before. Success builds confidence. He had put up similar numbers in even less time on the field, and is now increasing his repoitore of moves. 

Worilds finished the season with eight sacks - seven of which coming in his final eight games of the year. He also had 16 of his 21 quarterback hurries, and 20 of his league-leading 21 quarterback hits in that same span. He also recorded 63 tackles and two forced fumbles in his 15 games and 11 starts. Very good numbers for a 3-4 outside linebacker.

The future is now, and his is a brighter one than Woodley's at this point. Worilds is just 25 years old and should only get better.

The problem is that other know all of this as well

Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net wrote Monday morning that "at least a dozen teams" are interested in Worilds. He says that signing Worilds is a near impossibility because of the problems with Woodley's contract.

"LaMarr Woodley’s contract (is) likely to make re-signing Jason Worilds very difficult if not impossible. I’m told at least at least a dozen teams here at the combine have expressed great interest in Worilds if he hits free agency." - http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=9449

Woodley, who will be 30 in early November, suffers from chronic, repetitive soft tissue injuries. Injuries that, in the name of business and for the sake of the team, all but require him to be cut. Unless he takes a pay cut (not likely), he is likely to be cut.

Doing so after June 1st would be a savings of $8 million over the next two years each. But, per Ed Bouchette, cutting him now would be "a significant cap savings -- a total of $25.5 million (his salaries) in both real money and cap savings over three seasons with none of it counting after this one. - http://t.co/Gl54s0WLLJ

But, once again, what has to be remembered is that Worilds wants to stay. So, if someone does make him a bigger offer, would he want to uproot and re-learn?

Possibly not per Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola. He responded to a similar question a couple of weeks ago on his Twitter (@BobLabriola) account by saying, "Not so sure Worilds even wants to leave. A competitive offer can get it done. It doesn't have to be the most $$$."

Now that the NFL Salary Cap has been projected even higher at $132 million, with the definitive word coming as of the owner's meetings in March, the Steelers now have more room to make something happen.

Plus, the Steelers have approximately $1.35 million left over from 2013 that they can use. So the Steelers' adjusted Cap at this point, assuming these projections are accurate, is $133.35 million. That puts them almost even as far as the Rule of 51 is concerned, being only about $2 million over at that point minus dead monies.

Though Colbert has stated that the Steelers won't be using them, the Franchise Tag, which would be around $10M, might be to their advantage as it would give them time to get a long-term deal done and then remove the tag. This would be done ONLY as a last resort, though. They've done it before, both with the Transition and Franchise Tags, and could do it again here.

If not, if he's allowed to test the free agent waters, one of those 12 teams who've expressed interest in him will definitely overpay (as someone always does) an amount the Steelers match, and then the Worilds would be Jason's oyster.

NFL Salary Cap Increase Greatly Benefits Steelers

As Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has said in his media tour this week as prepares for the NFL Combine, the Pittsburgh Steelers have tough "decisions to make" to be able to comply with NFL Salary Cap rules.

“We have some decisions to make,” Colbert said. “We have some cap issues, but it’s not overwhelming. We have got to go through the whole process and make the best decisions we can. There are so many moving parts. This will continue up to the free agency March 11 deadline and beyond."

That sound you hear is the collective sigh of relief from countless on the South Side as the things just got a little easier Thursday. 

 

Per league sources, the "NFL will raise its Salary Cap to about $130 million." - http://tinyurl.com/py8mk3t

The news of the NFL's increase in its Cap greatly benefits the Steelers, along with a handful of other teams that have moves to make by the start of the new NFL year on March 11.

When I spoke with Capologist Ian Whetstone of Steel City Insider and IanWhetstone.com a little over a month ago on Twitter about the Steelers Cap situation, he let me know where the team stands as far as their Salary Cap, with respect to the Rule of 51 and dead money, is concerned.

@IanWhetstone: @SteelerJsun I have them at $135,572,583 in top 51 contracts plus $4,552,933 in dead money. Here's a breakdown: https://pitt.box.com/s/q75myyihriwumrcgk5ry

That now means that the Steelers are less than $6 million over the Cap as far as the Rule of 51 (top 51 current contracts) is concerned. Add the dead money in and they have roughly $10.1 million to trim. A lot better than the approximate $13.5 million thought to be needed to shave when the Cap was expected to be around $126.6 million.

One swipe and Levi Brown, acquired from the Arizona Cardinals for a conditional 2014 draft choice in Week 5 this season (which was nullified by the fact he didn't suit up for any games, thus allowing the Steelers to keep their draft pick) will be cut creating $6.25 million of cap room. 

Immediate Cap compliance. 

Then the Steelers could restructure the contracts of a couple of player, say wide receiver Antonio Brown and maybe inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons. That will free up over $7 million in cap space combined (i.e. converting most of their 2014 salaries, except for their league minimums, into signing bonuses).

Cap compliant, plus at least a couple of million.

Then, add to that the other inevitable releases (Brett Keisel), an extension or two (Ben Roethlisberger and/or Troy Polamalu), and a possible pay cut (Ike Taylor), as well as the small amount not used last season that will carry over, and the Steelers suddenly have quite a bit to spend. Then, once they decide what to do with LaMarr Woodley, that amount could change yet again. Stay tuned.

Steelers Get Purple Hearts As They Notch 2nd Straight Win

courtesy of Billy Hartford

"What I'm most proud of is it was a team win. All three phases did something to contribute positively today. How it has to be." - Brett Keisel

The veteran defensive end was correct as the Pittsburgh Steelers had their first complete game of the season en route to a 19-16 over the hated Baltimore Ravens.

Le'Veon Bell, Lawrence Timmons and finally Shaun Suisham ran, tackled and kicked the Steelers to something Steelers' fans haven't seen yet this season - a winning streak.

Break up the Steelers!

They're actually looking now like the team we expected from the beginning of the season. The running game is finally looking like something worthy of the team that leads the entire NFL since the 1970 merger. The Steelers ran for 141 yards, which was the first time they went over 100 yards as a team since November 18, 2012 - against the Ravens.

Bell himself shown great patience and vision in running for 93 yards on just 19 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. With doing so against the seventh-ranked run defense going into the game, Bell was assuredly pleased with his performance. Right?

"I'll go to a C-," Bell said laughingly, referencing the "D" he gave himself last week. - http://tinyurl.com/kv6xwte

The humble young running back received slightly higher praise from his teammates and coach.

"He did a great job! You know, he was patient when he needed to be, physical when he needed to be. He used his speed...I thought that he did a great job today," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "He's got that patience, he's a good runner and he knows his surroundings.” - http://tinyurl.com/kns6p9l

Head coach Mike Tomlin looked a bit miffed that neither of the first two questions at his post-game press conference were about his running back.

"Any questions about Le'Veon Bell today? No?" Tomlin quipped. - http://tinyurl.com/lwxpxvn

Bell was who Tomlin wanted out of college and was practically glowing when talking about him back in April. Tomlin even went to Bell's defense during his weekly press conference last week after the running back came under criticism. Bell has finally now shown what Tomlin, and those few of us who had knowledge of him in college, knew he could do.

In averaging 4.9 YPC, 12 of Bell's 19 carries today went for four yards or more. Only two carries went for zero yards or less. Also, 62 of Bell's 93 yards came on first down.

The Steelers much-maligned offensive line opened holes and got push for the Steelers and Bell, but also in protecting Big Ben who played a turnover-free game and directed the game-winning drive. Point blank, the Steelers were simply the more physical team Sunday. Both on offense and defense.

The blitzes, the multiple looks, the push from the interior of the defensive line, Troy Polamalu lining up everywhere, LaMarr Woodley, who recorded another sack, and Jason Worilds bringing pressure on Joe Flacco and stuffing running backs, Cortez Allen being brought off of the slot on a run blitz throughout the game, William Gay providing good coverage...this was swarming Steelers defense.

But the one who should receive the most praise was inside  linebacker Lawrence Timmons who had a career-high tying 17 tackles. Not bringing any undue attention to himself, he summed up the overall performance succinctly, ultimately giving credit to the coaches.

"It's the Baltimore Ravens," he said. It's a defensive player's type of game....They're passing more because Flacco throws a great deep ball. The run-and-gun coaches prepped us well."

But, even with all provided by the aforementioned players, it came down to kicker Shaun Suisham.

Big Ben marched the Steelers downfield, after Emmanuel Sanders was one heel away from taking a kickoff all the way, to get into Sushi's range. As always, Sushi was as cool as a Canadian autumn as split the uprights for the last-second win.

Are the Steelers enjoying this? Are they exhaling?

"{No.} We're still a 2-4 football team," Sanders said, "{but} we're pointed in right direction."


Several quotes from Ken Laird of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

~

TIDBITS: The only significant injury was Marcus Gilbert's deep quadriceps bruise. Brett Keisel's ribs were of the "minor bumps and bruises" category. 

~

Ben Roethlisberger is 10-4 in his career vs. the Ravens (including playoffs), and ties Peyton Manning for most wins vs Ravens by starting quarterback.

~

John Harbaugh on the onside kick: "We were struggling to get possessions and get our offense on the field. We needed a TD either way to tie or win."

"A guy offsides when we do a surprise onside kick...that's the part that ticks me off more than anything"

Harbaugh on Dumervil's face-mask of Big Ben: "You can't grab it but Ben ducks all the time. Biggest, strongest QB in the NFL. Have to wrap strong."

Harbaugh on the Steelers run offense: "Credit to them. Good job of scheming. The wildcat...extra OLinemen...give them credit."

~

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: David DeCastro is quickly turning into one of the best guards in the AFC."

~

Sunday was the fourth consecutive Steelers-Ravens game that was decided by three points.

Steelers Get Much Needed Win, Now Must Get Back To Work

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao-tzu

The Pittsburgh Steelers did something they hadn't done in the previous eight games - they won.

Now the work begins.

After an ignominious start - left tackle Levi Brown tore his triceps muscle in pre-game warmups (I don't know, don't ask), and Kelvin Beachum's game looked as if it had been also - the defense kept the team in the game until the offense settled down. They expiated for a listless performance in the London loss to the Vikings where they missed 17 tackles. 

In doing so, they improved defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's record against rookie quarterbacks to 16-2.

They also allowed the team as a whole to do things that led to the win.  Things that they can use to build momentum. Like head coach Mike Tomlin said in his post-game conference, "hopefully, it's a spring board of things to come." - http://tinyurl.com/kkno8cp

• Shaun Suisham's 48-yard field goal with :45 to go in the 1st half marked the largest lead the Steelers have had this season - Sushi is 42 of his last 43 inside 50 yards.

• After leading 9-6 at half and the offensive line actually giving Ben Roethlisberger some semblance of a pocket, Emmanuel Sanders victimized (as we said could happen with the receivers) cornerback Antonio Cromartie for a 55-yard touchdown pass from Big Ben - the longest of Manny's career.

• What did If It Ain't Steel say would happen if they could sustain a lead? With just under eight minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the Steelers finally got a takeaway when safety Ryan Clark intercepted rookie QB Geno Smith at the 1-yard line - one of two on the day, the second by Lawrence Timmons.

• The win made the Steelers the first AFC team and only the fourth team in NFL history to reach 600 franchise wins (including the postseason).

• The win took the Steelers to an NFL best 146-2-1 (since 1992) when posting a lead of 11 or more points.

• On a more personal note, wide receiver Antonio Brown tied the club record receptions over a three-game stretch with 30 (he tied someone named after the stadium I think. "Heinz Ward" or something like that. Anyone know the guy?).

• Coach Tomlin improved to 18-6 in the month of October.

But...all this is now in the past. The Steelers still have MUCH work to do.

There are still OLine issues, especially now when considering Levi Brown's injury. They are really limited now when it comes to protecting Big Ben's blind side.

Though the effort and the blocking were there, the running game is still limited. That, however, was somewhat expected considering the Jets went into the game only allowing 76 yards per game. Still, the more efficient the running game, the better the passing game will be.

Speaking of which, Big Ben had a great game going 23-30 for 264 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he had no turnovers.

The entire offense finally stopped being so charitable and, on top of that, the defense finally got greedy. More of each is needed. A lot more.

It's good to get the win, and they should enjoy that win. Today. Tomorrow is the next step in the journey back to respectability. A step that begins against the Baltimore Ravens. 'Nuff said.


Stats provided by Bob Labriola of Steelers Digest and Steelers PR guy Burt Lauten

The 5 Key Players To Returning Dominance To Steelers Defense

The late Al Davis famously once said about his defense, "Don’t adjust. Just dominate."

The 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers were once again tops in total defense, in yards per game and in passing yards. They were the No. 2 rushing defense, including being top three in allowing fewest runs of 20 yards or more (and even one of those was a fake punt). The problem was that they neither 'dominated,' nor did they get to the quarterback enough.

To help quantify the 'lack of dominance factor' and how numbers can be deceiving, consider this: the Steelers defense, when compared to the rest of the NFL's top five defenses, faced the fewest scrimmage plays with only 951. That's 70 fewer, essentially equivalent to a full game, than the team with the most in the top five, the Denver Broncos, at 1,021. Conversely, though, the Steelers allowed more points per game (1.5 more) than any defense in the top five at 19.6 PPG.

The defense didn't take the ball away enough, either, though. Only 20 turnovers were recorded, which was the eighth fewest in the NFL. That included only 10 interceptions. To put that in perspective, according to Steelers Digest, the Steelers picked an historic-low nine passes in the 11-game 1940 season. Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount himself had 11 in the 1975 season alone. Get the picture?

If the Steelers truly expect to get back into the playoffs next season, those are the two things that have to be reversed. Like the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Dejan Kovacevic recently wrote, "let's face this, too: The NFL's No. 1-ranked defense could be better, mathematically daunting as that sounds....And if you ask me, nothing will mean more to the Steelers than resetting some snarl to that defense, than regaining their intimidating identity." - http://tinyurl.com/l2uyw5l

To that end, there are five defensive players who are key to this and to potential success of the team:

1) STEVE MCLENDON - While some may argue that the most important aspect of the 3-4 defense is being able to get the outside linebackers to pressure the quarterback, we contend that it is a nose tackle who is as hard to move as Excalibur. Therefore, the core of a successful Steelers defense is its defensive line with Steve McLendon being the cornerstone. The Steelers expect to use him in at least 60% of the snaps this season, but McLendon expects even more.

“I am going towards greatness and there is only one way to get there," said the 6'4", 320-pound McLendon, "through hard work and dedication....It's all about discipline." - http://tinyurl.com/n9xvm8j

McLendon is backing up those words by working hard to fill the gargantuan shoes of Casey Hampton who had held down the position since 2001. But even Hampton has given him his stamp of approval, at one point calling McLendon a "beast" and saying he is ready to take the position as his own.

2) ZIGGY HOOD - In a defensive scheme where the linemen are asked to play a two-gap style in which they engage the guard or tackle and keep blockers off the linebackers, Ziggy Hood has not exactly been stellar. He hasn't been a washout, either, though. In fact, he has suited up for every game since being drafted, made 39 starts, including 30 in a row, is the strongest player on the team and is very durable.

The problem is that, with all his strength, Hood plays with more finesse than power. Add to that, he has erratic technique and footwork. He may need to use his strength to develop a bull-rush move to overpower tackles. Nevertheless, both are things that he is working on. And rightly so, because the clock is ticking. - http://tinyurl.com/meokwww

Hood won't just be playing for a big contract next season, but a contract, period. To that end, Hood is once again also working with Outer Limits Athletic Performance in Pittsburgh. He has been working on multi-directional training for practical use on the field. Because jumping 50" from a seated position is very impressive, but...when would he need to do that during a game? - http://youtu.be/P_Iz40cqCJE

3) LAMARR WOODLEY - Anonymous teammates criticized LaMarr Woodley's weight and work ethic earlier this offseason. His response?

“It doesn’t bother me at all. They’re coming at the wrong person when they try coming at me. I don’t listen to nothing,” Woodley said.

To ask Woodley, it wasn't his weight at all, rather his injuries (hamstring and ankle) that kept him from performing. Injuries, in particular his ankle, which he says are healing fine.

But, while Woodley may be distancing himself from the anonymous pyroclastic comments for now, he will need a strong year to make them go away completely. He began process by training in Arizona at Performance Enhancement Professionals at the urging of his teammate Ryan Clark, who has himself been training there for years. Woodley won't say how much he weighs, but his position coach, Keith Butler, approves.

"Whatever he did, it appears to be right," Butler said. "The biggest thing is we've got to (do is) keep him on the field....He's working on it."

On the field and upright...save when he is laying on top of QBs. Sacks are important, but not just sacks alone, it's also when you get them. You have to put teams in bad down-and-distances early (1st & 2nd downs) consistently to get sacks. Those sacks then lead to mistakes and turnovers. Speaking of which...

4) CORTEZ ALLEN - "I think I've shown an ability to make plays in the defensive system," Cortez Allen said.

Ya think???

Tez Allen was a turnover machine at right cornerback when he replaced the injured Ike Taylor late last year. In the final two games, Tez had two interceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, making him a breakout player to watch next season. - http://tinyurl.com/nxwfxhp

That kind of play from him is going to be paramount to a Steelers defense that simply hasn't been getting turnovers like they had in the past. Especially with a still very capable but aging Taylor on the other side. He and the other youth in the Steelers defensive backfield know this all too well, though, as the coaches had them working on it feverishly at OTAs and minicamp.

"We're working on it everyday, doing more ball drills, more emphasis on attacking the ball so we can do better in that category," Tez said.

5) TROY POLAMALU - The Tasmanian Devil. The Flyin' Hawaiian. The Elder Statesman. For several years now Troy Polamalu has been the face, well, maybe the hair, of the Steelers organization. When he is healthy and his body is in perfect union with his instincts, he has no equal.

So often over the years, where he went is where the Steelers defense went. We could easily throw out the stats that show the win-loss record when he isn't available, the statistical drop-off that occurs when he isn't in the lineup, etc... But we've already done that several times. The bottom line is that a healthy Polamalu means a greater chance at W's for the Steelers.

In order to assure he is healthy and can help generate those W's, he added a new physical therapist aimed at working out the scar tissue in his often-injured calf, the one that caused him so much trouble in the 2012 season. He feels good now, but he wants that to continue. - http://tinyurl.com/mj9wfgf

We're coming upon the twilight of Polamalu's career and it won't be long before he takes his Head & Shoulders and gets the follicle outta Dodge. But if one more healthy season can be squeezed out of out beloved Polamalu, he just might help take the Steelers somewhere they haven't been lately - January.

~

TIDBITS: There are two whom we felt, for one reason or another, reasons which we will illuminate, didn't quite fit into this particular mold. Those receive honorable mention, and they are:

Cameron Heyward - As the third-year defensive end continues progressing, many feel he is doing so more slowly than he should. Heyward had similar stats to fellow DE Ziggy Hood in getting 1.5 sacks and five QB hurries - but he did it in 1/3 the snaps (only 267). So while Hood will be playing for a contract, Heyward will still be trying to establish for the first time that he is an every-down player. That said, and as Ralph Paulk of the Trib points out, Heyward "finds himself in the unenviable position of being labeled a bust if he doesn't improve on the rather pedestrian numbers he put up the past two seasons." - http://tinyurl.com/mm2r2pc

Lawrence Timmons - For the exact opposite reasons, Timmons is among the honorable mentions: he's a straight up BEAST. Arguably among the top three inside linebackers in the NFL. We expect him to wreak havoc. So he has to there regardless. Whether he was in coverage, stuffing the run or rushing the QB, "Juan" is coming off a very strong season of 106 tackles, six sacks and three interceptions. Timmons is poised to become a cornerstone of the team and, as just as the team expects, he expects to be a "game-changer." - http://tinyurl.com/lvmfvbd

Steelers Restructure Lawrence Timmons To Help Get Under Salary Cap, Roethlisberger Next

That was the tweet that Albert Breer of NFL Network sent out Tuesday morning. Lawrence Timmons' contract was the first to be restructured as Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers work to get under the 2013 NFL Salary Cap. Per Breer: "The move will free up approximately $5 million in salary-cap space for the Steelers" of the six-year, $50 million deal Timmons signed in 2011. - http://tinyurl.com/aclwuvj

Breer and others have pointed out that it was Timmons' roster bonus and another $4 million of his base salary that were combined and turned into a signing bonus in order to add up to the $5 million in Salary Cap savings. His, therefore was easy and, for lack of a better word, safe. The same may not necessarily be said for Ben Roethlisberger's deal.

Big Ben's base salary this seaaon is $11.6 million. The Steelers could convert over $10.6 million into a guarantee which would create $7.1 million in Salary Cap space reduction. But, as Pro Football Talk establishes, it may mortgage the future because "with a base salary of $12.1 million due in 2014, it converts to a minimum cap number of $18.325 million next year." - http://tinyurl.com/anptys7

With no extension, this wouldn't seem like a good thing when looking at the bigger picture. It would seem like more Salary Cap hell yet again next season. But, again as Breer speculates, that's just what the Steelers may look to do with their franchise quarterback.

"The Steelers' precedent has been to extend quarterbacks with two years left on their contracts," Breer commented, "and that would mean Roethlisberger could get a new deal next offseason."

That would be much easier on the Steelers and their needs to sign needed players, and it aids Big Ben in that he gets a really big check now (which is basically all a restructure is) and assures his future as a Steeler.

Maybe of even greater note Tuesday, though, was Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette reporting that the team met with James Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, at the NFL combine. Harrison, who will count $10.035 million against the Cap in 2013, so the meeting would seem to have been about that and a possible restructure.

The only viable way, however, to keep him is to ask him to take a pay cut. Parise had previously said that Harrison wouldn't take a reduction, but that the option wasn't discussed and the sides plan to meet again.

One can only hope that something gives, because there will be a degree of instability at the position next season with no real successor being groomed.

The 2012 Steelers - All The King's Horses..., pt. 2: Defense

They had a great fall...
It was week six against the Tennessee Titans game, and an eight-minute stretch in the fourth quarter played out as a microcosm of Pittsburgh Steelers' season on defense:

A crossfire blitz that couldn't get to quarterback Matt Hasselbeck...
A dropped interception by cornerback Keenan Lewis that could have ended the touchdown-tying drive...
And minutes later on the next drive, James Harrison is beaten on a shallow-cross drag route by tight end Jared Cook for 25 yards to set up the game-winning field goal.

A macrocosm analysis of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2012 roster and season reveals more missed plays than playmakers, more wallowing in the shallow end than big splash plays and ultimately more questions than answers.

The 2012 Steelers defense was ranked No. 1 again, but, similar to 2011, it was a bit misleading. It was a very good defense to be sure, but it lacked the playmakers, youthful savagery and dominance of recent years.

Playmakers:
As mentioned in a previous post, for the second straight year, the Steelers defense hobbled their way to the quarterback, taking down the opposing passer only 37 times.

As Lance Williams of Steel Curtain Radio further explains, "the real issue is not just sacks alone, it's when you get sacks. I've learned that you have to put teams in bad down-and-distances consistently to get sacks. That means you have to play good defense on first down. Look at the Steelers sack woes over the years, third and long was the killer."

Very accurate. Also, along with the lack of pressure, they paralleled that by only forcing 20 turnovers, with their 10 interceptions being a tie for the second fewest in the team's 80-year history, and that just does not cut it.

As points of comparison, the Cincinnati Bengals' defense was ranked sixth in 2012 and had 46 sacks and recorded 26 turnovers. They made the playoffs. The Baltimore Ravens, AFC North winners and AFC Champions, forced 33 turnovers. The need for playmakers who'll bring about the much-needed splash and explosive plays is obvious.

Two of the Steelers playmakers usually responsible for those types of plays spoke after the season ended about their absence.

“That‘s what was hard for me - I wasn't healthy all year....What‘s nice about it is I‘ll go into the offseason on the rise and continue to get better, get in better shape and be more prepared for next year," Troy Polamalu said.

“It took a little while to get my knee back to where it needed to be, and it‘s still not there,” Harrison said. “But now I‘ll have the time to rehab it properly and get it back to 100 percent and get back to training the way I‘m used to training.” - http://tinyurl.com/bj4snca

While it's good to know that Polamalu and Harrison are healthier and set for a productive offseason, next season isn't assured. Their comments, though, are reflective of other problems the Steelers defense had this season.

The Rusty Curtain:
Polamalu, who turns 32 in April, missed nine games in 2012 with a calf injury. Harrison, who had knee surgery last summer after being hindered by back problems prior to that, turns 35 in May. Those aren't the only ones, either.

Nose tackle Casey Hampton will be 36 at the start of next season, Brett Keisel will be 35, and Larry Foote, Ryan Clark and Ike Taylor will be 33.

The Steelers defensive is now in a state of flux and it isn't known who will stay and who will seek greener (monetarily speaking) pastures. The first element of that to consider is the defensive line, which is, or at least should be, the core of any defense. And as Alan Robinson of Trib Total Media pointed out, with a 3-4 defensive alignment, that's especially so. - http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/3246072-74/season-steelers-hampton#axzz2J7P3BOTy

As Robinson made clear, the Steelers "use their defensive line to clog the middle, slow the run and create rush lanes for their outside linebackers," but age and inconsistent play from all of the front seven prevented that from happening and from delivering results when absolutely needing it.

As alluded to earlier, the defensive line will undergo a transition this offseason. Hampton most likely leaves and Steve McLendon would replace him. We've made enough noise regarding McLendon this season - from draft day all throughout the season. Whether in actual blog articles or in Twitter and Facebook posts, we've called for McLendon to take a big bite out of Big Snack's playing time. So we'll allow SteelBlitz.com make the case for him this time: http://steelblitz.com/steelers-a-case-for-steve-mclendon-to-start-in-2013/2471/2013/01/17

If Keisel stays, he could probably have another strong season at right end, but what of his successor? Cameron Heyward, as Robinson showed in his article, looks ready to step in once Da Beard gets the follicle outta town. But Ziggy Hood, on the other hand, is an 'enigma.' He just has not lived up to the expectations that come with being a No. 1 draft pick. Yes, he's strong, but not consistent. We spoke specifically about this before the season, but received the same lackluster results. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/04/ziggy-hood-is-it-all-good-in-hood.html

To draw from the Robinson piece again, though Heyward's and Hood's stats were similar, Hood "was on the field for more than three times as many snaps (833) as Heyward (267). In fact, "Hood was, by far, the league’s worst-rated pass-rushing defensive end."

Outside linebackers Harrison and LaMarr Woodley combined for only 10 sacks this season - at least half of what they normally provide. Injury issues slowed one and injury and weight issues slowed the other for much of the season. As a result, the Steelers failed to generate a consistent pass rush.

Lawrence Timmons and Foote stepped up their play and had good-to-very-good seasons. Timmons had 106 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions (one for a touchdown) and two forced fumbles. Four of those sacks and one of the forced fumbles, though, came in the last two games.

Foote led the team in tackles with 113 and had four sacks and two forced fumbles. Both failed, however, to be consistent throughout the entirety of the season.

As for the secondary, it was the strength of the defense, being No. 1 against the pass. Few interceptions were still a concern, though, and the late-season absence of Ike Taylor hurt them. They do have youth in their ranks and should continue to get better.

However, the safeties are a different story. Clark had 102 tackles and was again a reliable player. But age is age, and he and Polamalu are elder statesmen in this league. Will Allen stepped up and played adequately, but Ryan Mundy is the only other safety with any experience. Change must come.

That said, with no viable or proven backups beyond the players cited, the Kevin Colbert must find the youth and talent necessary to be the immovable objects and depth the Steelers sorely need.

Dominance:
To help quantify the lack of dominance factor and how numbers can be deceiving, consider this: the Steelers defense, when compared to the rest of the NFL's top five defenses, faced the fewest scrimmage plays with only 951. That's 70 fewer than the team with the most in the top five, the Denver Broncos, at 1,021.

Conversely, though, the Steelers allowed more points per game (1.5 more) than any defense in the top five at 19.6 PPG. It had been suggested by some this season, including If It Ain't Steel, that the Steelers defense was aided by the third down conversion proficiency and time of possession by the offense, especially in the first two-thirds of the season. This seemingly is evidence to that possibly being true.

Consider this also: Remember the goal-line stand in the 2008 game against the New York Giants? Big running back Brandon Jacobs was stymied for no gain and the Giants had to settle for a field goal. A truly strong defensive line and defense in general provided a stop when needed. It's the type of play head coach Mike Tomlin means when he refers to "situational football."

Was their any consistent feeling or belief that this defense had the ability to duplicate that this season?

We've mentioned players who could help provide the playmaking ability, youth and savagery needed to get back to where they once were. Ziggy Ansah is on the short list of such players. There are others who might fill in at needed positions via free agency, like a Rey Maualuga or a Darrelle Revis. Not to mention the players the Steelers will get back from Injured Reserve, as in inside linebacker Sean Spence.

But this no quick fix. It may not even be a one-season turnaround. There are more questions than answers, to say the least. Questions that one can only hope is answered adequately enough to allow all the king's men to put the Steelers back together in time for a playoff-certain 2013 campaign.

Do Kevin Colbert's Comments Give Insight Into Steelers Draft Plans?

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert met with a handful of writers last Wednesday and spoke candidly about the 2012 team. He provided a very honest assessment of where the fault lies for the team's overall performance and lack of success, changes coming to the roster and draft problems that saw two players, Alameda Ta'amu and Chris Rainey, get into trouble with the Law.

"I know Art (Rooney II) used the term 'frustrated.' I'm going with 'disappointed.' I'm disappointed in myself, that those 61 (players) were 8-8. Like I said, I'm at the head of the class." - http://tinyurl.com/aypcbrt

As all good leaders should do, Colbert rightly accepted responsibility. "The buck stops here," as a former U.S. president once made his motto. That doesn't mean, though, that's where it starts. We all know what rolls downhill, and in this case it rolls right down onto the field of play.

In further comments, Colbert made it sound as though change is coming to the roster. In fact, he wasn't even subtle about it. The draft, and possibly free agency, will affect major change for next season. The "best available player" will come in many forms this April 25-27.

"We won't close the door on any position in any round. We can't....Once we get into free agency and the draft, I don't see any position that's off limits," Colbert stated.

"When you're 12-4 and a playoff team, sometimes you get mesmerized by your success and you get a little reluctant to change...If we don't change 8-8, if we don't change the roster that produced 8-8," he also said, "we'd be silly to expect a better result if we have the same group of guys. We're not married to any of these guys."

How did Albert Einstein define "insanity?"

But, before we address any players or positions that he mentioned or that have a greater chance of getting special attention, let us be clear about one thing: despite what Colbert said about not ruling out drafting "any position in any round," It won't be a quarterback on the first two days of the draft. Ok? We clear? Good, let's move on now.

Regarding the Salary Cap dilemma, Jim Wexell of steelcityinsider.net said that their Cap-ologist Ian Whetstone, whom we've used as a source several times before, said the Steelers being $12 million over the Cap is doable.

By 'cutting James Harrison they'd save $5.1 million,' and "a Ben {Roethlisberger} restructure could save $7.2M max. {Lawrence} Timmons another target at $5.4M max."

"Cutting {Willie} Colon," he said further, "would save only $1.2M. Don't see any other realistic possibilities (aside from aforementioned Harrison)....But need the cap cuts {and to be Rule of 51 compliant} by March 12. If you keep Colon past March 12, you may as well keep him another year."

He finished his mini Twitter dissertation by saying the "team could restructure {LaMarr} Woodley for max savings of $6.2M. I'm optimistic, but that's risky." (brackets ours)

Since Colbert said that they don't have "too many franchise players" and that compliance "will include terminations, possible extensions and reconstructions," any or all of that is feasible.

Earlier this month, we talked specifically about the need to fill defensive holes early in the 2013 NFL Draft. Not the entire draft, not the first two days...just early. With Harrison's contract ripe for 'termination,' as mentioned above, an outside linebacker is a great possibility.

One whom we've mentioned before and whom Mel Kiper even has the Steelers taking in his 2013 NFL mock draft is BYU's Ziggy Ansah. Is he a defensive end or an outside linebacker? As his position coach said, he's both. Behind The Steel Curtain says it's the former, we say it's either. The link provided includes a video to help you decide. - http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/1/16/3883850/mel-kiper-2013-nfl-mock-draft-steelers-ezekiel-ansah

But, let's say, because of Rashard Mendenhall ("Any time a player doesn't show up for a game, that's unacceptable"), Mike Wallace (franchise tag: "Very doubtful") and Chris Rainey ("lost the trust of the organization" http://tinyurl.com/backbnk) all having character issues of some sort, might they look only toward choir boys? Um...no. - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Trying-to-meet-both-standards/4bda2c71-f51e-48f9-b70b-4015797490f3

Since the aforementioned players are very likely all leaving the team this offseason, the "best available player" may be on offense - of questionable background or not. That said, is a wide receiver or multi-skilled player like West Virginia's Tavon Austin, a possibility? Scoring is essential in today's NFL, and Austin can help generate it.

Listed at 5'9", 175 lbs., with a 4.38/40 and nicknamed Tavon "Awesome," he was WVU's electric star of That 70's Show. Austin lined up at wide receiver, in the slot, as a returner and as a running back and "shows a surprising amount of patience, even as an inside runner."

Such a player could stretch the field or do any and all of the things Rainey should have done. But, don't take our word for it, read the brilliantly detailed breakdown of him and his best collegiate game by rotoworld.com: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/42156/321/tavon-awesome

"Where we were in running game last year was indicative in the talent at the position," Colbert said of the Steelers' second-worst rushing offense since 1978. "That group of players didn't produce the way we anticipated they would."

Was that actually the running backs or was it issues, injury-related and otherwise, with the offensive line? Let's assume it was the running backs as a whole. If so, neither Jonathan Dwyer nor Isaac Redman should feel too secure about starting in 2013: Dwyer's vision and decision making keep him from being a true No. 1 back, and Redman has lost five fumbles in three years. - http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-sunday-spotlight-running-back-help-wanted-671249/

If it was more a product of the continued offensive line issues, there is no shortage of guard prospects in this draft, as there are 73 underclassmen who've declared themselves eligible for the draft. - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/19/nfl-draft-early-entries/

The guards of note include Jonathan Cooper of North Carolina, Alabama’s Barrett Jones or Chance Warmack. Warmack is a viable option at the 17th pick. - http://tinyurl.com/bmkdtkw

Regardless, in looking over what is in front on the Steelers, the Salary Cap issues that affect decisions, the age on defense and the vacancies needing filled on offense, their needs are simply their needs.

So, while the interview with Colbert didn't give direct insight into what the Steelers will do in the upcoming draft, rest assured that the "best available player" will come in many forms in this April's NFL Draft.

~

TIDBITS: Points off turnovers were the difference in six of the eight losses. Much bigger problem than the fan-driven tension between Big Ben and Todd Haley. He says a lot of that was "anticipation." He liked offense in 1st half of the season. - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Takeaway-total-is-trending-down/eee51537-2fcc-41ff-8641-28b097bf105a

~

Omar Khan, one of the finalists for Jets' GM job, was eventually passed over. According to Colbert, "He's earned it. We think he's ready." Fortunately, he's still here. (That sound you hear is a collective sigh from Steeler Nation.)

~

Despite no minority coaches hired this offseason, Rooney says the "Rooney Rule" is still 'workable with some tweaking.' - http://tinyurl.com/ag549xv

Yet, one source says the proposed coordinator expansion wouldn't apply to new head coaches: http://tinyurl.com/a4mfnq7

Steelers Begin Offseason On "Positive Note"; Adrian Peterson Never Close To Record

There was talk all week about the firing of a coach after Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. It turns out to be true.

That talk, however, was amongst Steelers fans who want heads on a platter. The real head to be served up will be the head coach of the Browns as they will reportedly will fire Pat Shurmur as well as general manager Tom Heckert, come Black Monday. http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/62223/video-many-firings-expected-monday

As for the Steelers, there are definite uncertainties as the offseason is now upon us. Questions abound regarding who'll stay and who'll be gone when the 2013 version of the Steelers steps on the field. - http://tinyurl.com/an7wmy4

The Steelers 24-10 win, preventing their first losing season since 2003, was led by linebacker Lawrence Timmons' two sacks, cornerback Cortez Allen's two forced turnovers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's three touchdown passes. - http://tinyurl.com/ayzntg2

Allen's forced fumbles, against Josh Gordon and Travis Benjamin, set up two of Big Ben's three touchdown passes. The first being a 1-yarder to Leonard Pope and the second being a 12-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress. Timmons' two sacks sealed the game and earned him the Steelers Digest Player of the Week honors. - http://tinyurl.com/a4n9cpg

Speaking of Burress, Plax is one of the ones who could be back next season. When Mike Wallace leaves there will be need of another receiver for the Steelers anyway, principally one who stretches the field. They'll also do well to have a true veteran presence. Could that be Plax? "We'll see how it goes. I'm pretty sure I'll sit down with Kevin [Colbert] and Coach [Tomlin], and we'll see what happens," he said. "I'm going to keep working hard and preparing as if I'll be back." - http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/aa5497ff-eb9c-4fd1-9183-76c05fd5fe86/?source=twitter

The other star of the game, though, was linebacker James Harrison. The Silverback had 11 tackles, one sack and a Roughing the Passer penalty. Sounds like the old Deebo. The problem is that it may have been his last performance in Black and Gold.

There has been talk, including from If It Ain't Steel before the season started, that Deebo might be knockin' fools the fu** out somewhere else next season. Because of his knee and back issues, he wasn't the same player for most of the season, and he'll be 35 next season. Those two things don't add up.

Then there is the fact that he is due to make $6.57 million next season and will count just over $10 million against the salary cap. The Steelers don't put money into an aging player whose best years may be past him. See Gregg Lloyd, Jason Gildon and Joey Porter (though he had good years left) for references.

If this is the end, all in Steeler Nation owe a lot of thanks for great memories, especially ones in/against Cleveland, the Silverback has provided.

Another defensive player who may not be back is defensive end Brett Keisel. He spoke to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Ken Laird about upcoming changes in the roster saying, "There's always changes....We'll have a new team next year. Who knows if I'll even be here."

Other current Steelers who may not be back with the team next season will be discussed in future articles. However, two more men, Casey Hampton and Larry Foote, spoke to Laird also that possibility. - http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/b3b45df2-53ea-4f9d-8263-6030c665ebac/?source=twitter

With all of this in front of the team, head coach Mike Tomlin said that for some individuals, hopefully this game is something on which to build, saying it's good to finish on "positive note." - http://tinyurl.com/bg5aeoj

As a friend of the site, Marc Uhlmann (@SteelDad on Twitter) said, every team has ifs and buts after an incomplete season. These are the Steelers', many if which will be tackled soon enough: http://www.steelcityblitz.com/2012/12/31/steelers-season-of-what-ifs-comes-to-an-end/

It may have ended on a "positive note," but it still ended sooner than many expected and that many more would have liked. So much of Sunday's game could be considered a microcosm of the Steelers this season, other parts of could be bullet points for other topics and reasons.

Bottom line: the Steelers underachieved and missed the playoffs - an actual three-year rotation of not making the playoffs since 2000 (2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012). Steelers fans must now suffer the 'what ifs' of a playoffs where they aren't represented. Then? The April NFL Draft have the Steelers will be picking at No. 17 where they'll select...

UPDATE: Pat Shurmur was indeed fired Monday.
~

"Just want to say that Adrian [Peterson] is a Great player & if my record had to fall. I would like it to go to a player like AP!" - Eric Dickerson from his personal Twitter (@EricDickerson) account.

Adrian Peterson came within nine yards of the "NFL all-time rushing record" held by Eric Dickerson. There's one problem: it isn't really the record. Hear me out.

When the 2,000 yard mark was originally crossed in 1973, the NFL schedule was 14 games. That means that Simpson's 2,003 mark was accomplished by his rushing for 143 yards (143.071429 yards to be exact) per game. That being the case, the record wasn't truly broken back in 1984.

For the record to actually have been broken, Dickerson, and anyone else who had designs on the record in a 16-game season, would have to have gained 2,004 yards by the 14th game or 2,289 yards by season's end.

And don't come back with the same old tired 'O.J.'s more concerned with his criminal record' jokes. This is purely about when he was "The Juice."

So, as much as we love ALL DAY, all that he accomplished, especially after a coming back from devastating knee injury, and believe he should be the 2012 NFL MVP (though, The Sheriff will have a say in that and/or the Comeback Player of the Year award), AP wasn't even close to the true record.

~

TIDBITS: The full NFL playoff schedule is now set. Pro Football Talk has it right here: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/30/nfl-announces-playoff-schedule/

~

As initially reported by Bob Labriola, Kelvin Beachum was evaluated for symptoms of a concussion caused by a blindside hit from DT Phil Taylor. A play that raised the ire of a former Steelers player.

Chris Hoke tweeted from his personal Twitter (@hokiebro76) account how he felt about it: "I have never seen a cheaper hit than the one Phil Taylor just put on Kelvin Beachum. Fine him a game check. #nfl #nflcommissioner"

Are you listening, Roger?

~

Ryan Clark let us know after the game that he's down for a while. From his personal Twitter (@RealRClark25) account he tweeted this: "Figures [I'd] put myself in the hospital after the last game! Poor @WriteHereYONKee (his wife) but she rides with me!”

He then followed that up and posted a photo for us: "Told y'all!! My outfit game stays on point! http://instagram.com/p/T4OG9vvWAb/"

Reports from the Tomlin season-endind press conference was that it was a deep-thigh bruise. Feel better soon, brotha. #SteelerFam

Steelers' Pride Will Prevent Them From "Tanking It" vs. Browns

"Thankfully, perseverance is a good substitute for talent." - Steve Martin

That may be the Pittsburgh Steelers season in a nutshell. The lack of talent behind the starters, as well as the underachieving, has been evident. To a man, however, the Steelers are persevering and intend to go out on Sunday and win.

Ben Roethlisberger said that Sunday's game is important for the 7-8 Steelers because "one of my goals coming in was to never be below .500." - http://tinyurl.com/bsne9pl

Honorable. Let's be real about this, Ben wants to play entire game Sunday. He should. He should want to lead his team to victory and avoid a losing record, something has never experienced as a professional. Neither he nor the rest of the rest of the Steelers care about draft positioning right, just a win Sunday against their longtime rivals, the Cleveland Browns. - http://blog.steelers.com/2012/12/27/steelers-playing-for-pride/

I've read various media articles and a smattering of posts and comments on social media that have suggested the Steelers should tank the last game for a better draft pick. Things like "#TankForTeo" and other such posts and suggestions are prevalent, but unnecessary.

Sure, this is the time when there are concerns about Pro Bowl snubs -- Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Clark (who were selected as alternates) and Larry Foote all had seasons that could be considered Pro Bowl-esque -- as well as concerns about futures. - http://tinyurl.com/bsv98by - http://tinyurl.com/bur8f62

For the moment, though, these are men who are solely concerned about one thing, beating the Browns and salvaging their season.

Additionally, per Tom Bradley, @TomScrapBradley on Twitter, Steelers Broadcast Network and Clear Channel radio analyst, the "Steelers have not lost four at home since 2003, have not lost four in a row since 2009 and have not been swept by the Browns since 1988."

Those are not records the team wants to match or break this Sunday. According to Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley, also, they look to even use it as a "springboard."

"I think a win in the last game or the last two games," Haley said, "whatever opportunity you have has a springboard effect for you. That's what we need to do, get this going in a positive direction to finish the season." - http://blog.steelers.com/2012/12/27/coordinators-corner-haley-lebeau-7/

To do that, the Steelers will want to prevent some other things from being matched as well. In the last three games against the Browns, the Steelers have scored just 41 points (14, 13 and 14).

A feat that will be even more difficult now that both wide receiver Mike Wallace and tight end and team MVP Heath Miller have been placed on Injured Reserve. Fans will likely see a version of the Steelers offense on Sunday that will be seen again at the start of next season.

If the Steelers offense does stall again on Sunday, they'll have to hope their defense is able to offer a rude welcome to the Browns starting quarterback...um...wait...sorry, ladies and gentlemen, I have to check...oh, here it is, Thaddeus Lewis.

A rude awakening from a defense that unfortunately has blown six 4th-quarter leads this season, four of them resulting in losses. A fact of which defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is well aware.

"Well, the truth of the matter is we didn't get off to a really good start on defense," LeBeau said. "I don't think it was ever quite as bad as it was perceived to be but we weren't playing the way we wanted to play."

Part of the reason for this is that splash plays were at a minimum all season. Safety Ryan Clark said that was one thing that was absent all year. The making of key plays to turn the tide.

"If you look at our years when we went 12-4 and went to Super Bowls, we didn't blow people out," said Clark. "But, in these types of games, we find ways to make plays in the fourth quarter. That was the story all year. We find a way, defensively, offensively, or on special teams not to make a play."

That being the case, it might not be a bad idea to play more of the younger talent that ones were so high on. Talent that for some reason only saw limited action.

To be specific, Cameron Heyward who only saw approximately 200 snaps on defense and Steve McLendon who saw even fewer. To listen to John Mitchell, regarding McLendon at least, you would've thought that they should've had more than that. It isn't troubling McLendon, though, as he believes his time will come. - http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/00e5ac6c-e93d-4d49-8f13-08b20c0f3acb/?source=twitter

Let's hope that time is now. Through pride and perseverance, let's go out winning and let other issues work themselves out in April.

~

TIDBITS: INJURY/PRACTICE Report: Steelers - OUT: T Mike Adams (ankle/IR), CB Curtis Brown (ankle/IR), LB Marshall McFadden (abdomen), WR Mike Wallace (hip/IR)
PROBABLE: G David DeCastro (hamstring), CB Keenan Lewis (knee), S Troy Polamalu

~

Oh, Norman... Mark Kaboly says Boomer Esiason is way out of line with these comments about Ben Roethlisberger: http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/66eb06e0-4bd8-48ff-b5df-0cfc48d8dc73/?source=twitter

~

Steelers signed wide receiver David Gilreath and nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu from the practice squad, placed Mike Wallace, Curtis Brown and Mike Adams on IR.

Steelers Ben Roethlisberger Injured, Overshadows Victory

"The armies separated; and, it is said, Pyrrhus replied to one that gave him joy of his victory that one more such victory would utterly undo him. For he had lost a great part of the forces he brought with him...." - Plutarch

Do you know what a Pyrrhic victory is? A Pyrrhic victory is a victory with such a devastating cost that the heavy toll negates any sense of gain or profit.

Both Ben Roethlisberger and Ryan Clark, the Steelers offensive and defensive MVPs in the first half of the season, went down with injuries in the Steelers 16-13 overtime win on Monday Night Football.

Ryan Clark seems to have a concussion. He may miss the Ravens game next Sunday night. Big Ben may be more serious.

Big Ben left the game in the third quarter after being sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defenders Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. He was taken to the locker room and then to hospital for further evaluation.

Adam Schefter tweeted from his Twitter (@AdamSchefter) account that the "Steelers officials have not been told anything about Ben Roethlisberger having a separated shoulder. They have been told it is sprained."

"Ben Roethlisberger at hospital. Maybe shoulder will turn out to be separated. But all Steelers have been told so far is it is sprained."

Tomlin confirmed that Big Ben left the stadium and was evaluated at a nearby hospital, but didn't speculate on Big Ben until more is known. He said he doesn't "live in the hypothetical world." He simply said they did enough to win. - http://tinyurl.com/a2ucy7f

There is no official word at present, however there is speculation that Big Ben suffered a shoulder sprain. No word as to what grade it is or whether it's an acromioclavicular joint sprain or sternoclavicular sprain.

Cliff notes version is that in Grades I or II sprains, the injury is treated with what we in the industry (I've revealed in previous blogs that I studied and worked in E.M.S. and Massage Therapy) PRICE: Pressure, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin amongst others) are used. This is a two to three week situation.

If it's a Grade III sprain, where major tearing of the connective tissue is involved, surgery may be required. But, either way, IF this is the situation, no Big Ben for the Ravens games. - http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8625787/ben-roethlisberger-pittsburgh-steelers-leaves-game-injury

With Big Ben missing most of the second half with a right shoulder injury, overtime was needed and Lawrence Timmons’ interception on the second play of the 5th period set up Shaun Suisham’s 23-yard field goal to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 16-13 in overtime over on Monday night.

In danger of losing to a team that hadn’t led in regulation all season, receiving their first lead Monday night, the Steelers were able to pull out the victory. A victory that many, including yours truly, said should've been easy.

“We made it hard on ourselves,” linebacker Larry Foote said. “We never make it easy.”

Though, again, the Steelers haven't yet revealed the severity of Big Ben's injury or how long he'll be out. The players are naturally concerned over their leader. Some didn't at all hold back their feelings on the matter.

“It scares you,” said offensive lineman Willie Colon. “Hopefully it’s not as bad as they’re saying.” - http://tinyurl.com/as7w7oy

Hopefully, Willie. Hopefully.

Without Big Ben, the Steelers turned to Byron Leftwich for their fourth straight victory.

Leftwich hadn't played in almost two years. It showed as he was very rusty at first, before hitting Emmanuel Sanders on a 31-yard pass that set up one of Sushi's three field goals.

Whether or not Big Ben had played the entire game, the Steelers didn't look ready for this game from the beginning. It isn't unusual for the defense this season to start slowly, but the offense usually generates early points.

Steelers offensive players said all week that they wanted to win this one for Haley. They did. Barely.

The normally on-point Steelers quarterback was just average in the first half. He was just 9-18 for 84 yards and a touchdown when he left the game.

The defense picked it up and kept the Chiefs scoreless most of the second half after being gashed early on the ground, but the offense never did come around.

Jamaal Charles put the Chiefs up, 7-0, with a 12-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and an Isaac Redman fumble gave the ball back to the Chiefs at the Steelers’ 10-yard line, but they weren’t able to punch it in and had to settle for a 22-yard Ryan Succop field goal to take a 10-0 lead.

A Sushi field goal gave the Steelers three points before Mike Wallace made a circus catch off of a Roethlisberger seven-yard pass in the end zone to even the game at 10-10 late in the second quarter. Wallace somehow kept the ball off the turf by holding it between his knees and securing it before rolling out of bounds.

Many of the details of the second half are all a blur for most Steelers fans as the only thing that really matters is that the Steelers mid-season defensive MVP and franchise quarterback are down and their status is uncertain at present.

If the injuries end up being relatively minor, we'll look back at a game that should have been won by a lot more than three points.

If the injuries are as feared, the victory could be a meaningless one. A Pyrrhic victory.

Rashard Mendenhall's Return Keys Steelers 16-14 Victory

I said in a recent blog regarding the Battle for the Keystone State that if the Steelers ran for what the Eagles defense was giving up on average, 91 yards per game at 3.8 yards per carry (YPC), that I'd go back to bed thinking that I was dreaming.

Now that I'm awake again, did I miss anything significant? (Congrats, Drew Brees on number 48.)

The running game, boosted by the return of starter Rashard Mendenhall, ran the ball for a total of 136 yards on 31 carries, an average of 4.38 YPC.

Welcome back, Mendy! He ran the ball 14 times for 81 yards himself and said he felt good about his performance and the win. - http://tinyurl.com/8bfmsyx http://tinyurl.com/9ztk7fj

In the previously mentioned blog post, I'd said that the Steelers could exploit the middle of the Eagles Wide 9 line. I said "don't expect them to run it up the gut 30 times," but that "they must attack the middle."

According to ESPN's statistics Twitter feed, @ESPNStatsInfo, the "Steelers ran for 99 yards inside the tackles in Rashard Mendenhall's return."

You're welcome.

In the game, Mendy gained 101 total yards from scrimmage. More importantly, he made defenders miss and ran hard throughout the game. Mendy picked up a lot of yardage that wasn't initially there.

When it can down to it, however, Big Ben Roethlisberger overcame a 1st-and-20 start to drive the Steelers down field, setting up the game-winning field goal by Shaun Suisham with three seconds left. - http://tinyurl.com/9jcbgnr

It ended up being a tight game after a 10-0 halftime lead for the Steelers as they and the Philadelphia Eagles took all 60 minutes to figure out who'd get the chicken dinner.

With this win, the Steelers are now 100-60-1 all time against the NFC. They've also won 27 out of the last 33 vs NFC, including eight straight at Heinz Field. They are only 27-46-3 with this win, though, against the Eagles during the regular season, including 18-18-1 at home.

It almost didn't happen, however, because the Steelers seemingly went to sleep for a while in the second half. The defense allowed the Eagles to run 28 plays in the second half - 25 of them being for scoring drives. It continues a trend of letting teams back into games late.

The Eagles drove, despite what one may think of the officiating, right over the Steelers to take a 14-13 lead. The Steelers took over after that touchdown with 6:33 remaining and used every second to take a 16-14 lead and victory with Suisham putting a cap on the 14-play, 64-yard drive. - http://tinyurl.com/8uvz6ow http://tinyurl.com/8oxqnpb

The 4th quarter comeback led by Big Ben was the 21st of his career. He was 21-37 for 207 yards and no touchdowns, no interceptions and suffered no sacks. It was also the 27th game-winning drive orchestrated by the two-time Super Bowl winner. - http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Ben-Roethlisberger-Post-game---vs-Eagles/9d1a639e-07a8-46bf-a2e4-2c28d86c0319

It was only the 2nd game-winning drive in last 21 games, though, for the nine-year veteran. But a win is a win, and the Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recognizes that they weren't as sharp as they could've been coming off of the bye. - http://tinyurl.com/8epalrc

Neither side of the ball was completely sharp on Sunday. The Steelers yet again hurt themselves with penalties. They saw so much yellow laundry that it looked like fans were throwing their Terrible Towels on the field.

They were flagged nine times in all, with Willie Colon Cancer hitting a grand slam as he saw four of them. Two more were personal fouls where their safeties were flagged for illegal hits.

Probably the biggest news of the game, though, was the injuries sustained by the defense. Troy Polamalu re-injured his calf and linebacker LaMarr Woodley tweaked his hamstring. Both left the game and did not return.

With the Steelers having a short week, it is doubtful that they will be on active status as the week progresses toward Thursday's game.

Despite those losses they still played a fairly good defensive game. Actually executing the game plan meant they weren't hurt by big plays. DeSean Jackson had one big catch of 24 yards and Brandon Boykins had one big punt return of 25 yards.

They also kept Michael Vick contained. They confused, pressured and hit him all day, resulting in two lost 2 fumbles. Part of which being aided by the return of James Harrison, who was supposed to split time with fellow linebacker Chris Carter.

That didn't happen as Deebo amazingly played almost every down.

The Steelers put the Silverback in positions that allowed him to be effective. He was used on X-stunts, in coverage, on blitzes...they moved him around to make people have to be accountable for him. He alone had three hits and the Steelers had three sacks all told to go along with the turnovers.

Lawrence Timmons, the Steelers Digest Player of the Week, was all over the field also. He had 10 tackles, three QB pressures, one QB hit and one forced fumble.

The defense had its questionable moments, but as a whole got back to Steelers football. LeSean McCoy was just a shadow of his normal self as he was held to only 53 yards on the day, averaging only 3.3 YPC.

Instead it was Mendy, not Shady, who led his team to victory on Sunday.

Fall Is Time For Steelers LaMarr Woodley to Rise

Ahh...Fall is here. Smell the autumn leaves burn, feel its heat as the lazy smoke from it rises up over the West Virginia mountain top...and see LaMarr Woodley finally start to show up in football games.

Woodley, for whatever reason, is a notoriously slow starter to this point in his career. We're seeing it again this season as he only has two sacks, one of which was a miscue where it could easily have been Larry Foote who got to Carson Palmer.

Granted, Woodley has been chipped and double-teamed with the absence of James Harrison on the other side. But he should be doing more to warrant the major money thrown his way by the Rooneys.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler also believes he can do/be more.

“Wood has to decide if he wants to be a great player,” Butler said, via Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review back in August. “When he decides that, he is going to be a bear.”

The numbers seem to prove that to be a fair assessment when you break it down. Look at how each year as a starter has gone.
2008:

First 4 games - 3.5 sacks

Last 12 games - 8 sacks

2009:

First 4 games- 0 sacks

Last 12 games- 13.5 sacks

2010:

First 4 games - 2 sacks

Last 12 games - 8 sacks

2011:

First 4 games - 1.5 sacks

Next 4 games before injury - 7.5 sacks

Not counting this year or his non-starting rookie season (4 sacks), Woodley has seven sacks in the season's first four games during his career as a starter (16 total). That is less than a half of a sack per game. In the final 12 games of the season in his career as a starter, which totals 41 because of games missed due to injury, he has 37 sacks. That is almost a full sack per game. In other words, his production doubles.

Why can't we see that all the time? And that doesn't even include his playoff numbers.

While I personally am a firm believer that the way you end a matter is better than how you start it, Woodley needs to find a way to put up greater numbers before the autumnal equinox.

Like Lance Williams of SteelCurtainRadio.com is fond of saying: "The young guys have to become the guys." With the exception of Lawrence Timmons, with no one is that more true than Woodley.

Especially now that James Harrison is obviously in the twilight of his career, and if this defense stays in a base 3-4 alignment, Woodley has to do more to be a disruptive force.

Harrison's return may help to get a head start, though, on that run that Woodley routinely makes. It isn't the fifth game, but it is the fifth week and the presence alone of the Silverback could bolster Woodley and the defense.

Linebacker Chris Carter, who has inadequately filled in via a dual threat with Jason Worilds, said of the Harrison effect: "When he steps on the field he's the man. We respect that around here. He runs the show when he's there"

As a matter of fact Deebo's return means that Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles will mark the first time since last year's opener that the Steelers will have their projected starting defense on the field at the same time. And the Silverback has guaranteed that he will be present.

Per ESPN's Josina Anderson, @JosinaAnderson on Twitter: "James Harrison in the locker room just now: 'Yeah, definitely, I'll be ready for Sunday.'"

That's good news considering the Steelers need this game and will also want to maintain a trend. They don't often lose to NFC teams, winning 26 out of the last 32 against NFC opponents, including their last seven games at Heinz Field. Another trend the Steelers want to maintain is winning after a bye week. They have only lost once after a bye with Mike Tomlin as head coach.

Having Deebo back on the field, even if it is no more than about 30 snaps, will help bring balance back to the front seven. Because without him the Steelers have started slowly also.

Woodley recognizes this: "The last two games we lost, we didn't make the [opposing offense] one-dimensional."

Well, it's time for him to do his part and rise up now that Fall is here.

~

TIDBITS: ESPN's "Tools For Victory": Wide Receivers - http://tinyurl.com/9mwm7x9

ESPN's Playbook: Eagles vs. Steelers - http://tinyurl.com/9mruchg

Antonio Brown "disses" Brandon Boykin. - http://tinyurl.com/986ecso

Brandon Boykin responds to Antonio Brown's 'candy bar' comment. - http://tinyurl.com/996c94k

David DeCastro (knee) on the mend...and getting his teammates snacks. - http://t.co/wGl5iQp4