Will Recent Free Agency Moves Affect Steelers Drafting Of A Defensive Lineman?

The Pittsburgh Steelers uncharacteristically acted quickly on the first day of free agency to sign safety Mike Mitchell. 

Wait, it gets better.

The Steelers signed yet another free agent on Friday, former San Diego Chargers nose tackle Cam Thomas. The 6'3", 330 pounder will add needed depth on the defensive line. - http://tinyurl.com/p7ow9rw

We emphasize "depth" here because the Chargers benched the true nose guard late last season, despite having 26 tackles, two passes defended and an interception. If he is in middle, Steve McLendon could move to defensive end. Though, we simply doubt Thomas will step in as starter. 

While, yes, a Casey Hampton-type space eater in middle could upgrade a declining run defense, is today's NFL completely conducive to that? Also, is Thomas even that man? After all, he was benched toward the end of the season. 

One upside to Thomas (@Baby_Zilla76 on Twitter), though, is his age - he just turned 27 years old this past December. So he does at least have youth on his side. 

Still, it doesn't quite balance the losses of free agent defensive ends/nose tackles Al Woods (Tennessee Titans) and Ziggy Hood (Jacksonville Jaguars). Their departure makes the Steelers paper thin across the defensive line, with the biggest loss being Woods, who, in just two starts at nose tackle, still recorded more sacks last season than Jarvis Jones. He has definite upside that was certainly in the team's plans. 

Now, with just Brian Arnfelt, Hebron Fangupo and Nick Williams under contract, the signing of Cam Thomas is a needed depth signing if nothing else. 

I bet Brett Keisel looks a lot more attractive now. (Anybody have Alameda Ta’amu's number?)

Which now begs the question of what the Steelers will do regarding the position in the NFL Draft? 

Since the Steelers strayed somewhat from the norm in free agency, might they do so in May and go after a Louis Nix III? No, we simply don't expect a high pick to be spent on a defensive linemen. Especially if the guys at PatsCap.com are correct.

Their interpretation of the new CBA suggests that it limits the number of compensatory picks to the number of teams in the league. As a result, the Steelers may not receive a "net value" pick. This is dependent, naturally, "on how the NFL values the qualifying players, and which of the qualifying players is used when multiple 7th round value players are involved. One of the earlier listed teams could lose their pick instead."

If the Steelers are one of the earlier listed teams, they may not be compensated for the loss of safety Ryan Mundy. That would mean the Steelers would need to get as much value in each round as possible.

As far as the defensive line is concerned, that could mean players such as Daniel McCullers (3th-4th round), Justin Ellis (4th-5th round), Ryan Carrethers (5th-6th round) or Deandre Coleman (6th round). But, more on them in a later article.

Instead, therefore, look for the Steelers to keep going right along with their original plans. They have been reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac to want a big/big-play receiver in the first or second round. That won't change.

Speaking of receivers, per Joe Person, the Carolina Panthers beat writer for the Charlotte Observer, on his Twitter (@josephperson) account Monday: "Jerricho Cotchery's free agent trip to Charlotte began tonight with dinner with Ron Rivera and Mike Shula. Continues tomorrow. #courting.” 

As a way of free agency balance, what do the Steelers do? Bring in another free agent. CBSSports.com reported that the Steelers will host former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore on Tuesday. 

Business as usual this offseason. 

~

TIDBITS: “@steelers: We have re-signed veteran offensive lineman Guy Whimper.

READ: http://stele.rs/1qM8I2d http://twitter.com/steelers/status/445608791480889344/photo/1" 

~

We expect Cam Thomas' contract to be somewhere in the realm of two years, $2-$3 million with a minor signing bonus.

Brett Keisel Cuts Beard For Charity, Will Steelers Cut Him?

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel has been cut.

Sort of.

In what has become an annual thing, teammates, coaches and local celebrities took part Wednesday night in shaving Keisel in the “Shear Da Beard” event. - stele.rs/1eXWR8g

What has also now become an annual event is the Steelers having to cut aging players, especially from the defensive side of the ball where several starters qualify for the NFL's version of the AARP card - four starters on defense were over the age of 30, including three in the secondary.

That age, though, finally took its heaviest toll during the 2013 season. The Steelers saw their worst defensive performance (14th in points allowed, 13th in yards allowed and 27th in turnovers forced) in over a decade.

The Steelers are moving in the right direction regarding this, however, having shaved two years off the average age of the defense over the last two seasons.

That's where Keisel comes in. Cutting ties with him, as well as at least a couple of others this offseason, would move the team further in that direction. But that's something for which Keisel isn't quite ready.

“I feel like I can still play," Kesiel said back on December 25 just before the end of the season. "We will see what happens. I try not to think about it too much because I am still here and still part of the team and still fighting with these guys. When the time comes, I will sit down with my family and decide what is best.” - http://tinyurl.com/k8m29uh 

That time is coming rapidly now. Keisel's contract will expire at 4 p.m. on March 12 and, if he is asked to come back for a 13th season, he'll be 36 years old in September. He holds out hope in his heart, but his head is tells him something else.

“I know it's a business,” Keisel said. .... "(But) I bleed black and gold. Everybody knows that. I am a Yinzer, and I love this city and plan on raising my family here.”

“I think I’ve got a couple [years] left in me,” Keisel recently told Scott Van Pelt and Ryan Russillo. “I feel great and still feel like I can play. We’ll see what happens.”

That's all well and good, but the Steelers made a similar mistake when holding on to Aaron Smith too long a few years ago. Injuries took over and ended his career before he actually hung up his cleats. Keeping him on the roster, partially due to sentimentally and partially due to a lack of a viable replacement behind him, hamstrung the team.

Keisel has seen his playing time diminish because of injuries lately as well. It may not be as bad of a situation as it was with Smith, but a similar such move can't be repeated.

If he does return, though, he’ll certainly make far less than the $2.825 million he earned in 2013. Also, though he has been big for the Steelers in the past, sentiment can't be allowed to sway thinking again.

While If It Ain't Steel leans toward bringing him back for the veteran minimum, $940,000 for someone of his tenure, and to have him play Mentor to the team's version of Telemachus, we realize that the timing for both parties is an issue.

Is an old dog ready, willing and/or able to be taught a new trick in another team's system? Juxtapose the Steelers in that question regarding being able to move on with the lot they have.

The Steelers are in a slightly better situation this time around on the defensive line in that both Steve McLendon and Cameron Heyward are playing better or are simply better players than what was behind Smith. Also, Al Woods stepped up and showed that he could be the new Chris Hoke - if not more.

Questions still remain with the D-Line as well, though. Should Ziggy Hood be released or signed for minimum as backup nose tackle/defensive end? Do the Steelers draft a nose tackle or let Hebron Fangupo step into that role? A player the coaching staff is high on, actually.

Regardless, those questions can be addressed as we move further into the offseason. Decisions regarding the newly shorn Brett Keisel begin March 12 as to whether or not we'll have the shear delight of No. 99 kicking the follicle out opposing linemen for one more year.

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 Sign Dwyer and Foster, Addresses Tender and Need

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Latest Meltdown Exposes Steelers Many Flaws

After letting Thursday night's loss sink in a little bit, I realize two things: by no means should the Steelers have allowed it to happen, and we all should've seen it coming.

On Thursday Night Football the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Tennessee Titans by a score of 26-23, following yet another late-game collapse. One thing was made very apparent. That being that the 2012 version of the Steelers just aren't very good.

For the fourth time this season, they allowed a team to come back on them, and for the third time, they lost. They've also allowed 47 points through five games in the fourth-quarter after allowing all of 68 in the combined first three quarters. This abomination of a defense has taken the blame for it. - http://tinyurl.com/8tvjc99

Speaking on this moth-eaten steel curtain, ESPN analyst and former Pro Bowl and Super Bowl quarterback Ron Jaworski was on PTI last week and offered up his assessment.

"I watched the game last week against Philadelphia, and I did not see the dominant interior defensive line. And when you play that 3-4 defense, those guys down in the trenches, that 3-gap on that tackle, that nose head-up on the center, they must make plays," Jaws said.

"I didn't see Casey Hampton being very active," he continued. "I didn't see Keisel making plays. I didn't see Hood making plays....You need that defensive line to have impact for the Steelers. I haven't seen it yet. I'm not going to throw the age card out there just yet, but maybe it's creeping up."

Fine, the Polish Rifleman won't, but we will. As we've said and quoted from Steel Curtain Radio before, the young guys have to become the guys. The jury is still out on Ziggy Hood, Cameron Heyward needs to see the field more and we've sung Steve McLendon's often. He absolutely needs to be used more. Much more.

But, other, more distressing problems are now evident also.

We at If It Ain't Steel recently suggested a lack of conditioning, which was denied by head coach Mike Tomlin. While the jury is still out on that issue, two other problems are painfully obvious: a lack of leadership and a lack of mental discipline/toughness.

As to the mental discipline and/or mental toughness aspect, veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote was all too willing to express his feelings on the matter.

"We’re not strong mentally,” Foote told 93.7 The Fan. “We don’t look like a championship team right now. Everybody here’s been knocked down, everybody’s had doors shut in their face, everybody’s gotten beat.”

Foote, who has never endured a losing season as a starter in a Steelers uniform, went on. "You can't have mental breakdowns. That's what gets you beat in this league. That's what happened to us in the fourth quarter. But it's only five games. We're 2-3 but our goals are still reachable. So, 10 games from now when we get this thing corrected, who's going to remember the first five games? So, we're going to see what we're made of."

What they're made of, indeed. Can Ike Taylor stop getting worked like a part-time job? Is he able to focus enough to stop the penalties? Is Hood even able improve on his stat line of zeros across the board? Is Lawrence Timmons able put a string of games together?

Because this is systemic and therefore goes beyond just dealing with the absence of an elite defensive player or two. Especially considering one of those players will be absent a little longer.

Mike Prisuta of WDVE Radio said during the pregame radio show of the Titans game that he'd heard that Troy Polamalu is expected to miss four weeks of action after re-injuring his right calf against the Eagles. That's three more weeks. In other words, after Halloween.

Trick or treat.

So, with Polamalu sidelined for that much longer, the Steelers are minus a player of sound mental character and strength, but also minus a leader on the field. Which brings us to the other obvious problem: a lack of leadership.

If It Ain't Steel said in the offseason that leadership can't necessarily be found in the draft. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/03/finding-leadership-in-draft-no-easy.html

Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly sees and has said the same thing regarding the lack of leaders on this team. - http://t.co/z4hHKpgz

A shortage of vocal leaders means that men you'd expect to step up and rein in players like Ike Taylor and work with Mike Wallace on his hands aren't doing so. Because this reflects on Ryan Clark, Brett Keisel and, yes, even Ben Roethlisberger. They MUST take Foote's cue and speak up. Remember when Joey Porter called out everyone, including Big Ben?

Speaking of Big Ben, he's the only reason the Steelers have the two wins they do. Can you imagine how bad the Steelers would be if Big Ben, the Steelers Digest Player of the Week and all-time Steelers passing leader, wasn't there? I don't even want to imagine it.

Regarding leadership again, that must extend beyond the field and into the locker room. From respected players as well as coaches.

From the standpoint of the coaches, that can simply mean putting players in the best positions possible to win. They didn't do that against the Titans.

Though we disagree with some of the points he attempts to make, Dejan Kovacevic calls out the coaches brilliantly in the article he wrote Friday regarding the ills of the confusing passivity of the coaches' play calling. - http://tinyurl.com/8hmm88w

Despite these three major problems, there are correctible measures that can be taken to salvage the season. - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8495698&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The question, however, is, "Will they?"

As Alan Robinson, staff writer for Trib Total Media, wrote: "They can’t rush the passer. [Defense] They can’t hold a lead. [Mental Discipline/Toughness] And when it’s over, another apparent victory now lost, they can’t find a reason for it." [Leadership]

Those are a lot of flaws to overcome that few will admit that they, that we, should've seen coming.

Steelers Defense Must "Execute" Against Eagles

"If everybody does their jobs correctly stays in their gaps, we get all 11 hats to the ball, then it should be a good game for us." - Ziggy Hood

Those words Ziggy uttered weren't about Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles specifically, nonetheless they fit this Sunday's game ever so adequately. With the mercurial Vick and the shifty LeSean McCoy coming to town it truly is all (11 men's) hands on deck.

We talk gap control a lot on If It Ain't Steel and it applies this Sunday especially. Lack of technique and gap control are essential whenever a defense steps onto the field, but even more so with a "shady" running back and a dual threat quarterback like Vick.

The defense as a whole knows this all too well: the last time a quarterback ran for 50 or more yards on the Steelers was back in 2002. The quarterback then? Michael Vick. The Steelers Mike Tomlin, in praising the Eagles in his weekly press conference on Tuesday, talked about whether they will use a spy on Vick. - http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Mike_Tomlin_Press_Conference_102/10cd163f-a07b-4544-8048-077e6aaa361f

So they will absolutely look to keep Vick in pocket. "We have to play straight up football. He can easily get away from a sack or two," said Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor said. "He's known for using his legs but we all know how strong his arm is. It's a double threat with Vick."

Nose tackle Steve McLendon agrees. He told Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette that Vick isn't like the old Vick.

"That's the thing, he's trying to be the quarterback he's not, and I hope he keeps being that quarterback," McLendon said. "We want him to sit in the pocket. As long as he's sitting in the pocket, we have a good chance to get to him and hit him. If we can hit him, get him frustrated a couple of times, we're going to be successful."

Speaking of Steve McLendon, why isn't Lebeau playing him more? He sacked Vick with one hand in the preseason, in fact he was starting to look as if he would supplant Casey Hampton as starter. At the very least he looked as if he would prove true Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell. He told reporters at the NFL Draft to 'hold their opinion' of McLendon, intimating that they shouldn't assume that fourth round draft pick Alameda Ta'amu would be Little Snack. - http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Press-Conference---4th-Round---John-Mitchell/dc844660-5de3-4e54-a6c1-2dffad6f1922

Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu also realizes that "any time you can get any pressure on anybody, which is always our goal, I think you have more success." It won't be easy, but having Polamalu back on the field would help.

Polamalu and James Harrison both practiced Monday and Wednesday, which is good sign for the Steelers defense. Like Ike Taylor said, "You're talking about two defensive league MVPs. Enough said." Let's see if they are back out there Thursday before getting too excited, though. Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence and three times is a trend.

Of the possible return of Harrison and Polamalu, safety Ryan Clark also said: "It gives you two players you have to scheme for offensively, two players coach (Dick) Lebeau can use extensively."

But he also made a telling statement when he said, "I think it's more pressure, honestly....No more excuses."

If Polamalu does return to the lineup after missing two games due to a calf injury, it will be the first time this season the defense will have played with both starting safeties in the lineup. Ryan Clark having, of course, to sit out the season opener in Denver due to his Sickle Cell trait. Having both allows the defense more freedoms and will help bolster the run defense. - http://tinyurl.com/8t74bax

Speaking of which, LeSean McCoy is probably the best running back the Steelers will face this year and they need to contain him for a chance to win. Limiting the number of splash/explosive plays by him as well as their wide receivers, Desean Jackson and Jeremy Macklin, and tight end, Brent Celek, is imperative.

The defensive players know that it's mainly on them also. As we discussed in a recent article, the players must execute on defense. As we said, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau didn't suddenly forget how to coach. If there is "predictable" aspect to the scheme's, fine, mix the scheme's up more and bring more (crossfire) blitz packages. The main impetus, still remains with the players themselves to do better.

Almost to a man the players ate admitting this as well. LaMarr Woodley admitted to it last week and Polamalu even says he's been asked about Steelers "predictable" defense since he came into the league. According to him, they're 'not predictable when they execute.'

Larry Foote was just as forthright when asked about the defensive struggles saying that they simply 'have to execute.' - http://tinyurl.com/9sddlyg

All 11 men must be on the same page in order to do that. We haven't seen it much this so far this season. That needs to change quickly to get the season back on track.

Steelers at Raiders - Commitment to Mediocrity

A long time ago in a galaxy far away...

Years ago when the Oakland Raiders were a power in the NFL, their eccentric owner Al Davis coined slogans such as "Commitment to Excellence" and the famous "Just Win, Baby."

These are not your father's Raiders.

Since being blasted in the Super Bowl in 2002, they have gone a combined 45-99 through 2011. So far in 2012, they're 0-2 and hurting at key positions.

The Raiders of this generation look nothing like what Al Davis built for so many years: there is no air of supremacy when they step on the field, there is no fear of the big, bad silver and black and they just don't win, baby.

It has been a commitment to mediocrity.

Despite that, the 2006 2-14 Raiders beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-13. It was a game in which a concussed, recently stitched up and lucky to be alive Ben Roethlisberger shouldn't have played. He threw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. We wrote in out last article about their secondary problems, so don't expect a repeat performance. - http://tinyurl.com/9y7h3xw

Nonetheless, this is the NFL and an overlooking of an opponent can lead to a loss. We've seen it yet again this season around the league already and are sure to see it again...just not this weekend.

The Steelers may have their issues, especially running the ball, but the Raiders are worse. They have a very poor running game that only averages only 2.0 yards per carry (YPC). They also have their troubles in the air.

Starting quarterback Carson Palmer has already thrown 94 passes, second highest in the NFL. Palmer has the yards to show for it (670), but he’s only produced two touchdown passes. He ranks 22nd in the league with a 84.1 passer rating.

The coaching staff is still weary of the veteran QB and what the potential the Raiders offense has.

"This guy is a veteran guy, who is very familiar with us and how we attack people," head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday. "He probably has as much experience against facing our defense and our pre snap looks and our blitz packages, as any quarterback in football. He's always represented himself well against us."

That's a bit of Tomlin-speak actually. Palmer has completed just 234 of 410 pass attempts for 2,402 yards and 17 touchdowns against 11 interceptions when facing the Steelers in the regular season action with 11 interceptions.

They don't exactly have All-Pros at wide receiver either. Instead of T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry and the vociferous Chad Johnson/Ochocinco/Johnson/Inmate 92-3654AJ-42, Palmer has Darrius Heyward-Bey, Rod Streater and Denarius Moore to catch his passes.

I thought it was interesting to see Dick LeBeau experiment with the 4-2-5 alignment five times against Jets when he hadn't used it in Training Camp or preseason. - http://tinyurl.com/8mp6fst

Equally interested by the lack of snaps for Steve McLendon. Casey Hampton still getting the greater number of snaps. Especially with use of the 4-2-5, I would have thought McLendon would see more snaps. Not yet, though.

I would think we'd see more of the more agile McLendon if the Raiders do use Darren McFadden in the Wildcat formation like the Steelers expect they might. - http://t.co/bPdndfk0

The Raiders, though, will be without starting right tackle Khalif Barnes which should allow LaMarr Woodley to be able to have his way with backup Willie Smith. Their suspect interior should be susceptible to LeBeau's crossfire blitz scheme as well.

The Steelers have blitzed on 50.8% of the passing plays against them this year so far. Without James Harrison and Troy Polamalu once again (and probably until the Tennessee Titans Thursday night game, that may increase Sunday.

Defensively for the Raiders, it should be noted that they've allowed 295 yards on the ground in two losses, putting them in the bottom five of the league in run defense. So, running on them should aid the Steelers paltry numbers on the ground.

Last Sunday, 47% of the plays executed by the Steelers’ offense were runs, but Redman only had 25 yards on 12 carries, while Dwyer had only 28 on 12 attempts. Most of this came on the 10-minute scoring drive. Tomlin recognizes the need for improvement.

"We’ve got to get better on first-and-10, second-and-medium. We’ve got to block better."

Steel Curtain Radio's Lance Williams considers the Steelers inability to run and the Raiders inability to stop the run to be a wash, though. His latest podcast brilliantly breaks down what to expect this Sunday. - http://steelcurtainradio.com/?p=273

The difference once again might just be the passing game. The difference in the Steelers wide receiving corps and the aforementioned Raiders WRs is most evident in this stat: the Steelers are tops in the NFL in converting third downs at 55.9%, including 8 of 13 when needing at least nine yards. The Raiders, on the other hand, are dead last at 22.2%.

Naturally, a big part of that is quarterback Big Ben Roethlisberger. He's been lethal on third down in the first two games and is completing approximately 65% of his passes and has a 99.5 passer rating. An "MVP-type of quarterback" according to wide receiver Mike Wallace.

These are not your father's Oakland Raiders. Don't expect another Immaculate Reception. - http://tinyurl.com/8mw7wr5

Should all of this play out like I expect it to, look for the Steelers to go to 2-1 on the season with a 24-13 victory.

Mendenhall and Hampton Activated Off Of PUP-How Does It Affect Roster?

So, Jonathan Dwyer and Mike Adams come back to practice on this last day of the Steelers 2012 Training Camp, but Isaac Redman is still not practicing. Still, it's good news that...

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog for a special announcement: the Pittsburgh Steelers have activated running back Rashard Mendenhall and veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.

Good news for the Steelers to be sure. To start, being able to have experience and depth along the defensive line, specifically at nose tackle, is invaluable. Alameda Ta'amu has not exactly caused the coaches to gush and fawn over him. Having Big Snack back sooner than later only helps.

There's no doubt that Steve McLendon has been displaying beast-like tendencies in Training Camp and against the Eagles in the first preseason game. Unfortunately, though, there was no real confidence behind him. So, an earlier return of Hampton will bridge the gap and allow Ta'amu time to continue to progress.

The name that really caught my eye was Mendenhall's. Just seven months after his ACL surgery and he's off the PUP. Curious. I hadn't thought it possible, I admit. Because of knowing the body as I do, and because of knowing the history of the healing time for such injuries, I didn't expect him back before October.

Maybe more definitive than that was the fact that Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has said more than once that, because of the nature of the position and all the moves the running back makes, he didn't expect Mendy back before that timeframe either.

As Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette pointed out not long after the announcement, Colbert told 93.7 The Fan on 8/6/12 that "if [Mendenhall] doesn't open on PUP for the first six weeks, I'd be surprised." Bouchette even suggested that activating Mendenhall is a desperation move by Steelers. - http://t.co/eqNOQyuf

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's an act of desperation, but it is curious. With the running backs thinning out, the timing was just a little curious. More to the point of what I'm getting to on that in a minute.

Colbert was on 93.7 The Fan again on Friday after the announcement and he talked about the Mendenhall activation.

"As (Mendenhall) continued to work with the trainers and the strength staff, he felt and they felt that he was ready to take the next step, which is being able to work with the team and seeing where he is from a contact standpoint," said Colbert.

He said further, "You have to go through a three-day acclimation period, which began today, so he'll really join in the more active practices after Monday when we get back on Tuesday. So...the training staff felt he was ready, Rashard felt he was ready, and we'll see where it goes."

This, though, was the key statement: "Who knows at what point that he'll be able to help us, but it's time for him and Casey (Hampton) to take the next step and see where they are in their rehab."

If you don't know when he'll be able to help you, why not leave him on longer?

I'm not going to do a lot of speculation here. For now we know he won't be used, neither of them will be used, right away. We also know that there have been injuries to the running backs, so this will help to shore up that corps. There is an X-factor in this, though.

Because of the fact that none of the young wide receivers has separated himself, there is the possibility that Chris Rainey could be listed as such. He could be uses in a variety of ways and is someone who needs to get involved in games. I suggested as far back as the end of April that Rainey could be listed that way, especially since the fifth and/or sixth wide receivers will be on special teams anyway.

Bring back Mendy now and you have him, Redman, Dwyer and Batch as your running backs. Then, assuming Mike Wallace (y'all knew he'd be mentioned eventually) comes back by the end of Training Camp, you'd have him Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery and maybe Rainey here or maybe a Toney Clemons as your fifth (as I don't any longer believe Marquis Mays nor Tyler Beiler makes the team...though, that could change) and Rainey as your sixth. Maybe.

It's definitely something to consider, though. That said, we now return you to you regularly scheduled blog already in progress.

~

...both rookie tackle Mike Adams and running back Jonathan Dwyer were both in pads and back practicing. Adams wore a brace on his injured knee and practiced with the second unit. 

Isaac Redman took part in individual drills during practice Wednesday but wasn't able to finish, coming up lame during a workout midway through. Redman has not been in pads since. Redman said he hopes to be back next week from what turned out to be a hip injury: http://t.co/WDscU0ah  

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said that Dwyer looked "thinner, quicker and crisp." Very encouraging considering he'd seemingly had a love affair with more than one woman lately. Namely Little Debbie, Wendy's and the Dairy Queen. So, those words were definitely great to read.

Two things to look for in the second preseason game against the Colts: Willie Colon in his first game action at guard, and Adrian Robinson at linebacker. 

I'm expecting big things from him as amongst friends for about years now I've been saying he's more suites for guard. Looking forward to it. Also, I would say Robinson has a good chance to make the roster because of his ability to play special teams and the uncertainties right now at the position. He can solidify that starting Sunday. 

I'm going to end this now with just two words: Taylor Gang. - 
http://youtu.be/nWAGLkyxQG0

Steelers Training Camp - Back To Basics

"Every year [the defense is old] it's said about the Pittsburgh Steelers and every year we're playing in Super Bowls or making a run in the playoffs." 

That statement was made by the Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley on one of the first days of Training Camp. It was in response to being asked about yet more "the defense is old" comments in the national media. 

"You gotta be able to kind of let people across the field from you know that you got teeth too, and that you're willing to bite." 

Guard Willie Colon uttered those words not long after Woodley's remarks. It had to do with the various media comments of the Steelers offensive line having to go through different combinations yet again. 

In other words, the national media is starting to piss the big guys off. 

There is a mentality that has pervaded Training Camp so far: get back to basic, physical Steeler football! In three days of padded practices there have been four fights. Both offense and defense are looking to smack the other in the mouth and neither is willing to give any ground. 

Rookies have dominated veterans and vets have schooled the rooks. Woodley and Steve McLendon have driven blockers into the backfield. Colon and rookie David DeCastro have mauled pass rushers. It has been physical and even nasty from the moment the pads were donned. And the players like it just fine. 

"A physical offense is typically a good offense. So, it's a good start," said Steelers tight end Heath Miller. Not only is it a good start, but it's a good chance for certain players to provide an answer to national media yet again. 

As said by Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "My camp phenom through three padded practices is Steve McLendon. The guy is virtually unblockable right now." The backup Steelers nose tackle had his weight and ability questioned by Pro Football Talk recently, so McLendon is on a mission to impress. 

He's succeeding. 

As Steelers veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton pointed out, "Everybody thinks McLendon is a small dude. He is a big, strong guy. He can be dominant." It didn't end there.

"Steve McClendon is a lot bigger than the 280 lbs they have him listed at on the roster," said former Steelers lineman and current WDVE reporter Craig Wolfley. "He told me that he weighed 325. A very impressive 325 I might add. And he ran well on the run test..." - http://t.co/oQrBcRK7

Others are also attempting to make their presence felt as roster spots are up for grabs. Like undrafted outside linebacker Adrian Robinson whom Wolfley also mentioned and about whom we've written about in previous blogs. Overall, though, it's the mentality of the offense and defense as whole units to be aggressive and dominant. Both want to establish a presence and impose its will on opponents. 

To that end, Steelers new offensive coordinator Todd Haley says that he will be starting each practice with run-play drills. "Really, the passes are just to keep the defense honest. I think it's just the way I think myself and our staff believes you have to play football." - http://t.co/NqcoXXG2

He went further saying, "We want to be a team that can, most importantly, run it when it has to run it and throw it when it has to throw it. That's the name of the game offensively, being able to get the yards you need to get on the ground when the defense knows you're running." - http://t.co/vnDbV97S

Haley is still, though, enamored with the Steelers wide receiver corps...minus one: "Across the board we've got a lot of good young guys that have a very versatile skill set."

The defense is echoing that mindset, per CBS Sports' Rapid Reports correspondents (@CBSSportsNFLPIT on Twitter). They said that "player after player, defensive coach after defensive coach, has told anyone who would listen how much the defense needs to improve this year."

It truly says something about an organization that wants to make amends for a defense that was so bad that it ranked No. 1 in the NFL in points and total yards allowed. The Steelers mindset, though, dictates that their pride should be hurt over two embarrassing losses to the Ravens and a historic loss to the Broncos in the playoffs. The Steelers' rich history of defense cries out for retribution. 

Like the blast furnace of a Pittsburgh steel mill, a fire has been lit in the pits of the stomachs of Steelers players up and down the roster. Be it the national media, bitter losses or pride, the Steelers are taking a very physical approach to Training Camp. Simply put, they're getting back to basics.

~

TIDBITS: Keenan Lewis has looked good early on in the cornerback competition with Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Lewis tweaked his shoulder, but seemed to be fine. 

Emmanuel Sanders was a full participant in practice Tuesday. Reportedly looked good and showed the great hands and route running ability we expect from him.

Marcus Gilbert got fingers/hand stuck in Cameron Heyward's mask during linemen drills. Didn't seem too bad. 

Steelers signed wide receiver Paul Cox from Mississippi Valley St., per Bob Labriola. He'll wear No. 81. Waived was tackle Bridger Buche.

McLendon Isn't 280 And It Isn't 4:20 In Pittsburgh

"I'm back." - Michael Jordan

"I'm thinkin' about makin' a comeback." - Muhammed Ali, The Greatest

"Don't call it a comeback!" - LL Cool J

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, Steeler Nation. We at If It Ain't Steel have come out of rehab following a nervous breakdown to get back into the ring and we're coming out swinging. Not pulling punches, just throwing haymakers!

On Wednesday, Pro Football Talk posted what seemed to be a well-written article regarding Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon. The problem is that they listed McLendon at 280 pounds. He isn't 280 lbs. and hasn't been for about a year now.

The article "Steelers’ Steve McLendon: I can play nose tackle at 280 pounds." Not that McLendon didn't say those words, because I'm sure he did. My problem is that I can't find the actual quote. I've looked over the Internet and can't find those specific words within an article, just those eight words.

Everything I'd read, and that I've written, to this point has been that McLendon had bulked up the last year and a half. He was supposedly closer to 300 lbs. last year and is reportedly around 320 lbs. now. Don't believe me? Ok, that's cool. But you should believe Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider and Steelers Digest and Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, a couple of guys who spend a little bit of their time around the team and facilities.

On his Twitter page Wexell tweeted this in response to Pro Football Talk's article: "@jimwexell: Steve McLendon can play nose at 280 http://t.co/uTjFhJpQ Because he's 320."

He then tweeted this: "@jimwexell: McLendon's actually 325. Been listed at 280 since was URFA in 2009. Listing must be reason so many media predicted Steelers would draft NT."

The "listing" comment has real validity. Do the eyeball test, people. Did Big Ben LOOK like he was 241 lbs. a couple of years ago? I would have debates with fellow fans about his weight...but we were debating about 250 lbs as opposed to 260 lbs. I would venture to guess that, using the eyeball test, McLendon looks at least 300 lbs when watching him on the field.

Now, what about Kaboly? What'd he have to say? "@MarkKaboly_Trib: #Steelers NT Steve McLendon weighs 325-330 pounds."

He also touched on the original weight listing when he tweeted, "@MarkKaboly_Trib: Don't believe weights on #Steelers roster. They don't change them after initial rookie weigh-in."

Even if he isn't quite the 330 lbs. claimed by Kaboly, the Steelers coaches certainly have confidence in McLendon. We quoted Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell in a previous blog post saying as much. It was after the NFL Draft when he praised and defended McLendon. Read what Mitchell had to say here: http://t.co/2sClOgUG

~

Wednesday morning, a respected member of the media, when speaking of this Thursday's NFL Supplemental Draft, suggested something the Steelers might do. He surmised, "What if Steelers surprised everyone & took Josh Gordon in tomorrow's supplemental draft. Big receiver. Would send loud message to Wallace. He's there in the 6th RD they better take him."

My response to that when I read it was an expected one: What are you smoking?!?

Actually, that's an easy answer: the same thing Gordon, the 6'3" 225-pound former Baylor wide receiver who ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at his pro day Tuesday, was smoking that got him suspended. The suspension which led to him being in Thursday's supplemental draft.

"It (suspension at Baylor) was due to a failed marijuana test," Gordon told the Houston Chronicle after his Pro Day work out Tuesday. "It was against school policy, of course, and I was (suspended) in the summer. I've definitely put that part of my life behind me. I don't plan to ever go back there. It was a difficult time, but I learned from it, and I've moved on."

Ok, I'll buy what you're selling. You did it in under 420 characters too. The Steelers, though, have already invested some green in purple, and they won't do it again. Sacrificing a draft pick for a weed-smoking risk won't happen. Not judging him at all, I just know it won't happen. Especially since there's varying opinions on his worth in the first place.

He's projected to go in the third round to the Cleveland Browns, according to Sigmund Bloom of FOOTBALLGUYS.COM, and Albert Breer of NFL.com says Josh Gordon may be "overhyped" http://t.co/G6CEqo5d

Not nearly enough to burn a draft pick (no pun intended).

~

TIDBITS: Brief salary cap news from Brian McIntyre of NFL.com Tuesday, the Steelers are somewhere between $116-$117 million for the Rule of 51 number, which, according to NFL.com, puts them $3.734 million under the salary cap number.

In the report they state that the Steelers adjusted cap number is $121.195 million: the $120,600,000 base 2012 salary cap figure, plus the $506,000 remaining cap space left over from last year and other Chinese arithmetic.

Bottom line: the Steelers have room for Mike Wallace (y'all knew we couldn't do this without mentioning him) and an 11th hour move should an injury occur. Like, for instance, if I go to Latrobe and go all Tonya Harding on Jonathan Scott's leg. Not that I would, I'm just sayin...though, it would also save money in the process. Hm...

Steelers Defensive Ends Star in Transformers 4

The core of every NFL team is it's offensive and defensive lines. No exception. If your core isn't strong, your team will suffer. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Still, both lines for the Steelers have needed a transformation in order to be that necessary solid core. We know of the offensive line's recent history, but I'm going to focus here on a defensive line that gave up an unheard of 100 yards per game (99.8 ypg to be exact).  

Though, much has been written about the inconsistency, injuries and age of the Steelers defensive line, those issues are seemingly being transformed right in front of our eyes.

And if the ends on that defensive line were to star in a movie, the obvious title would be "Transformers 4."

OPTIMUS PRIME: Brett Keisel, with Casey Hampton being on the PUP list to start the season due to an injury suffered in January's playoff game against the Broncos, is the elder statesman and unquestioned leader of the defensive line. The 33-year old Keisel, who suffered a severe groin injury in the same playoff game, was able to avoid offseason surgery and appears to be ready for his 11th year.

Keisel was interviewed by Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider a couple of weeks ago and credited Steelers strength and conditioning coach Garrett Giemont for helping him rehab and that he feels ready to get back out on the field. Keisel told Wexell that his age is not a factor and that he feels like he has gotten better as he has gotten older. He also said he is not concerned at all about his ability to be able to go out and perform. Without Aaron Smith on the other side anymore, his performance will be important.

IRONHIDE: Ziggy Hood has seemingly had a fire lit underneath him and looks to be the big bruiser expected from the beginning. I blogged a few days ago about a weighted vest he's been wearing at the OTAs, but more information has come out since then about his offseason regimen. He has taken up training with Outer Limits Sports and has truly transformed his body.

A tweet to Jim Wexell from Outer Limits tells the story: “@outerlim: @jimwexell Ziggy Hood's transformation 2012. Photos taken 29 days apart.  Bodyfat:18% (from 24%) Wt: 305 lb to 307 lb. http://t.co/6WARqvCn "

It was also noted that Ziggy lost 18 lbs. of fat and gained 20 lbs. of muscle. The photo attached shows how he's transformed his body already, and this is just phase one. I look forward to seeing the next phase(s). There are video clips of his workouts on the site also. Give them a look at http://www.outerlim.com/

As I've written before, strength is one thing but his gap and technique deficiency is another. Much is expected this year from him as he has another level to go before being the dominant presence that Aaron Smith was.

RATCHET: Cameron Heyward will have to wait before making his first NFL start, especially if the transformation Ziggy is making translates to the practice/playing field. That's not to say, though, that Heyward won't get a lot of snaps in his second season and be the main reason Keisel stays healthy all season.

Heyward was asked on 93.7 The Fan last week just how comfortable he is now and how much of a jump he expects to make this upcoming season. Heyward replied, "Oh, I feel a lot more comfortable. My confidence has rose, just because I feel comfortable in the defense and I'm expecting a better result. You know, I'm going into this season with high hopes and just get out there and prove myself and just go from there."

That comfort level may just allow him to get several snaps at both end positions in 2012, spelling Keisel, as well as Ziggy, throughout the season. Keisel even said himself last week that he will probably need to be spelled more this year. Keisel said in his interview on 105 The X last week, "He's got to be ready be to go. He's got to be the guy that's versatile, that can play all three positions - knows all the nickel and dime - he's got to be that guy you know. I'm getting older. I'm going to need a few spells during the game. He's got be that guy that can come in and be reliable and be accountable."

Heyward says he's ready, though: "I haven't even worried about that, I'm just trying to get better out here. I'll let my play show it off and continue to improve." He also said how important the OTA sessions are to him this year, "I think it's vital for me to take-in the playbook a lot more and learn from my mistakes and take time to shine up and oil up and learn my technique and get better at it."

Well said, Heyward. Though, I prefer not to even picture the "oil up" part. Leave that to your lady. (Is her name "Arcee", by chance? I digress...)

BUMBLEBEE: Steve McLendon has played defensive end before as well, but will be mainly responsible for anchoring the line. A protector of sorts.

McLendon's solid weight gain (from about 290 lbs when signed in 2009, to 305 lbs at the start of last year and to a reported 325 lbs now) and work ethic have caused the Steelers to have enough confidence in him that he will be the starting nose tackle Week 1.

"Everybody wants to discard McLendon. Let me tell you this, hold your opinion until the season is over," Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell said at April's NFL Draft. "I'm just saying keep your opinion until after the season, [then] you make the decision."

Undrafted out of Troy in 2009, the 6'4" McLendon spent his first season on the Steelers' practice squad before appearing in 21 games over the past two seasons. He has 15 tackles and one sack in fewer than 200 total plays.

McLendon pinpointed his opportunity to earn a starting job: "That comes from trust," McLendon said. "That trust comes from doing everything right. You are not going to be perfect, but [Coach John Mitchell] saw that I came in day in and day out with my lunch pail and I was ready to work. Coach Mitch knows that I know my stuff."

The coaches know all their "stuff." They know who their players are and of what those players are capable. Despite so many in the media saying their age and injuries are a reason to overlook them, the coaches know that there's more than meets the eye.