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

Contracts are being signed on the South Side. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loyalty that is well deserved. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"There's a lot of love here." 

~

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

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

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

Running Backs And Linebackers: Redman, Worilds And The Jones' Boys

Despite being limited to just two carries in the preseason, Isaac Redman will start at running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers opening day at Heinz Field against the Tennessee Titans. The fifth-year back is determined to go out and perform. Though his numbers last season were down, as the quote above insinuates, he believes he has what it takes to represent the Steelers' ground game.

"I just want to prove that I am a starting running back in this league", Redman said per the Steelers Twitter (@steelers) account, "and show that I worked hard all summer."

We have definitely seen flashes of what Redman can do. Just ask the New York Giants about the bullies being bullied as Redman ran roughshod over them for 147 yards on 26 carries. That performance was the top running game by a Steelers' back last season and included both a Mark Bavaro-like 28-yard run in which he carried several Giants like a scorpion carries its young on its back, as well as the game-winning touchdown.

Some, though, question whether Redman can stand the rigor of carrying the rock 25 times for an extended stretch. He has been nicked up more often than you want from a feature back. Then there is the fact that he is prone to putting the ball on the ground, doing so seven times in his four years.

So, will Redman carry the entire load?

“Obviously, we're going to spell Isaac,” head coach Mike Tomlin said at his press conference on Tuesday. “We haven't detailed the rotation or the nature of the rotation at this point....We're continuing to get to know Felix." - http://tinyurl.com/lsyq6t9

"Felix" would be Felix Jones who was gotten in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on August 23 for linebacker Adrian Robinson (who was cut and then picked up by the Denver Broncos). Jones quickly showed he has abilities too as he ran well in his two preseason games, including running 14 times for 56 yards vs. the Carolina Panthers.

Will we see a bit of a "thunder and lighting" approach? Jones' speed and cutting ability would complement Redman's pounding, and would work well when the zone-blocking scheme is utilized. Regardless, at this point there is safety in numbers. Not another running back-by-committee fiasco mind you, but safety by means of depth.

Speaking of depth, the linebacker position has also long been a Steelers staple. With the likes of Lawrence Timmons, Jarvis Jones and a rededicated LaMarr Woodley, the tradition looks as if it will live on. The wild card in this, though, is Jason Worilds.

Especially against Chris Johnson and the Titans, Worilds' ability to hold the edge will be imperative. He will be needed to handle the tackles and tight ends and to contain Johnson and turn him back on stretch plays. If Worilds is able to consistently control the edge on the run plays as well as rush the passer to help wreak havoc, that will help tremendously the chances of winning.

As for one of the other Jones boys, Tomlin had a big smile on his face when emphatically said, “(Jarvis) Jones is going to play."

Jones has been a turnover machine in his short time with the Steelers. His presence creates unique dilemmas that the Steelers will want to exploit. So, while Worilds and Woodley are your starters, Jones will see his share of playing time. 

As If It Ain't Steel said many times, Jones will neither start week one nor early in the season, but his learning curve won't keep him out long. Not when he has to add his name to the Steelers linebacker pantheon. 

~ 

TIDBITS: The Steelers practice report for Wednesday: Le'Veon Bell did not practice; Heath Miller, Jarvis Jones, Will Johnson were all limited.

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Tight end Heath Miller is off the PUP list, but has been doing only light drills. His return is uncertain, but he is "inching" toward his return. 

"My mindset's not going to change," Miller said. "I just want to keep improving each day and keep stacking those good days together. I still want to think short term, so that's day by day, and keep getting better. That's brought me to this point, and that will take me to a good point soon." - http://tinyurl.com/ly6sxn9

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Steelers signed Isaiah Green to the practice squad after he cleared waivers and then released Devin Smith.

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Fullback Will Johnson is nursing a pulled hamstring, and coach Tomlin said the team won't know until later this week if Johnson will be able to play Sunday against the Titans.

Johnson got hurt in the preseason finale against the Panthers and has only been a partial participant in practice on Monday and Tuesday, and is likely to be limited again on Wednesday.

~

“@JohnnyBrovo11: Could never replace the greatness of Casey Hampton. I simply hope to do him proud. #98” 

Those were rookie linebacker Vince Williams' words when given Casey Hampton's old number. Mad respect shown to a Steeler great. For a touchingly poignant discussion on the subject, check out Behind The Steel Curtain's article: http://tinyurl.com/lyyalnb

Projecting The Steelers Receiving Corps In 2013

photo courtesy of ESPN's David Todd (@DavidMTodd)

There's no doubt that today's NFL is pass oriented to say the least. To have payed any attention over the past nine or ten years is to have witnessed the ascent of the passing game. Passing records are falling, history is being rewritten and modern day quarterbacks are greatly eclipsing the production of their predecessors from as little as two decades ago.

The ratio of runs to passes has fallen over the past decade from approximately 45% to around 42.5% and, as proof of the proclivity of the pass, the offense that passed the most in 2012 ran the ball just over 33.5% of the time.

That fact isn't lost on the Pittsburgh Steelers by any means. They have one of the better tight ends in the NFL and a very good-to-great wide receiver corps. They have also have a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback, and have drafted offensive linemen to help protect him.

But Heath Miller, the aforementioned tight end, won't be available to start the season. He is still recovering from a terrible knee injury suffered in week 16 last season. But the Steelers recently announced that they would be removing him from the Active PUP list before the season starts. Miller himself has said he doesn't quite know when he'll be ready, but he's "hoping sooner rather than later."

“I think in any rehab process, there are ups and downs,” said Miller, the Pro Bowl tight end who was the Steelers' leading receiver last season. “But I definitely think we've had more positives than negatives, and I feel good.” - http://tinyurl.com/m2pf4x4

The best educated guess is week six. The Steelers have a bye in week five after facing the Minnesota Vikings in London, so October 13 against the New York Jets is a very viable return date for him. If they left Miller on the Reserve PUP list to start the regular season, he wouldn't then be able to return until at least week seven.

With Matt Spaeth and David Johnson also both injured and returning at various points this season, the Steelers will start 2013 with pass-catching TE David Paulson as their No. 1 guy and recent signees Michael Palmer and Nathan Overbay in more of blocking roles. At least until Miller and Spaeth return. Also look for the Steelers, as If It Ain't Steel has written before, to use fullback Will Johnson in more passing situations. Gerry Dulac of rhe Pittsburgh Post-Gazette supports this by writing that they will not be signing anyone else. - http://tinyurl.com/kf8vjvc

The wide receivers that the Steelers have drafted in the last few years comprise a very talented, very potent and very fast unit that is ready to tax secondaries this season. Whether or not they nickel and dime them or take a pocketful of change at a time.

The key, though, isn't the passing game unto itself, it's how productive they are with those passes.

"Antonio Brown, I think, is going to one of the most feared receivers in the league this year," Plaxico Burress told the Associated Press. "And I'm going to do everything in my power to help him get to the level where he can be an elite receiver."

Now that he's on IR, Plax can't help on the field, but he can still mentor him. Nonetheless, the point here is that Brown is expected to do big things this season. He may not quite have the dearly departed Mike Wallace's speed, but deep touchdowns like the 58-yard score against the Baltimore Ravens in 2010 and the 60 yarder he had against the Cincinnati Bengals last year show he can stretch the field.

Keep in mind also that he missed three games after going down during the week nine win over the New York Giants with a high ankle sprain. If he hadn't missed that time, he would've been on pace for approximately 80 catches and over 960 yards - both numbers would have led the team.

Following AB is Emmanuel Sanders, the faster of the two young wideouts. He also has a little more polish to his game and can be interchanged on the outside and in the slot. He is a very good route runner and very good blocker. We used to refer to him as "the future Hines Ward." Let's just hope he stays in Black and Gold in order to have that come to fruition.

With Plax gone, the Steelers lone, true veteran receiver is Jerricho Cotchery. Cotch has great hands and knows how to get open. He's very good at using his body to fend off the defender so as to get the needed yards. His presence on the field, on the sidelines and in the locker room could be invaluable.

That value is exactly why we have to disagree with NFL.com's Jason La Canfora who says that he "could see the Steelers shopping Jerricho Cotchery, for instance, and finding a better market than they may have anticipated."

Neal Coolong of Behind The Steel Curtain contends, however, that La Canfora has a point, saying that the Steelers have "needs all across the roster and will have some awfully tough decisions to make. Perhaps trading Cotch would prevent the Steelers from losing a young prospect they believe could be a future star with time to develop; especially if they believe Sanders will leave in free agency following this season."

Among those "prospects" is Markus Wheaton, because it is Wheaton who can and will contribute significantly this season. In fact, according to Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor, he already "looks like a veteran."

"He's not playing like a rookie, he doesn't act like a rookie. He looks like a veteran,” Taylor said. “Of course he's going to make rookie mistakes because he's a rookie. But watching him over the course of weeks, the guys is smart, polished. I can't wait to see him during the season.” - http://tinyurl.com/mmdf2ff

Neither can we. Which is exactly why the Steelers shouldn't play (read: risk) him on special teams. Wheaton will still have to fight for playing time, but Cotch will push Wheaton in his first season. If he can stay consistent and focused, there’s no reason to think that Wheaton won’t make 35-40 catches in 2013. So, don't risk it, even more so considering those behind him.

Bringing up the rear in the fifth and possibly sixth positions are Justin Brown, Derek Moye, David Gilreath and Reggie Dunn. All have specific skills that they bring to the table and that could benefit the team. All can make their bones on special teams as well. Some more so than others.

The final roster's makeup is yet to be determined, but it could be speculated that the Steelers could keep four running backs (Bell, Redman, Stephens-Howling and Johnson), thereby allowing them to keep WRs (AB, Manny, Cotch, Wheaton and Brown 2.0, who has had a very good Training Camp), allowing them to hold the extra TE spot for Miller and Spaeth.

If they do work the numbers to open up an extra spot, it could just as easily be for an extra RB (Redman) for the purpose of safety, or a sixth WR spot (Dunn) for the extra special teams specialist.

And the next two preseason games will determine if that rings true or not.

A Season Of Change: Five Key Players For A Successful Steelers Offense

by Jason and Jayden

Want to know a secret? NFL offenses are surprisingly milk-and-water and bland. It's true. Approximately 75% of what NFL teams do on offense is very straightforward. Virtually every team runs the same things every week. In fact, there isn't even that long of a list.

Just look at games around the league - almost the entirety of the NFL's run game amounts to about five plays. Plays that haven't changed much in 40 years: running between the tackles, running the outside zone (or the "stretch zone"), power play, a counter, and/or a pull or lead draw play. To some degree it's like a red-light district: no matter how much or how different the makeup used, it's still the same trick.

Now turn your attention to just one NFL team - the Pittsburgh Steelers. After failing to make the playoffs after last season, changes to the Steelers roster were needed and inevitable. General manager Kevin Colbert said as much last January.

"If we don't change 8-8, if we don't change the roster that produced 8-8, we'd be silly to expect a better result if we've got the same group of guys," Colbert said. "We can't box ourselves in and limit what we potentially could do."

Change they did, as at least eight players, four on offense, are gone from last season's roster. Now, be it touchdowns, explosive plays or red zone production, the Steelers face the daunting task of replacing their production. How will they do so? By changing a lot, yet not much at all. Within that, though, three things in the former category are paramount: execute, execute, execute. Execution, especially for the offense, is sacrosanct. For example, 110 points were scored off of Steelers turnovers in the 2012 season. Such careless and inept play much desist, it must change. But the controlling of the clock and controlling the tempo of the game, which they often did in their wins, conversely must continue.

Married to those points are the players who themselves must bear the load of the needed change. Aside from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger being the undisputed leader and resident John Wayne of the team, there is a mix of veteran leadership and wide-eyed youth to look to as the offensive keys to unlock the door to the playoffs. Big Ben has publicly said recently that he wants more Super Bowl rings than Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. Well, since "the best defense is a good offense," the Steelers need to continue some of the things they were doing on offense last season and edify other things in order to keep their defense and the opposing offense off of the field. If they do so, then another of those rings may find its way to Big Ben's finger sooner than later. To that end...

EMMANUEL SANDERS - "They're expecting 70 catches and 1,000 yards, and that's the same thing that I expect for myself," Emmanuel Sanders said in June.

A lofty goal considering the Steelers' leading receiver last season had 64 receptions for 836 yards and Manny himself had a career-high 44 receptions and 626 yards. Not only that, but Manny is the second receiver behind Antonio Brown, who'll receive the majority of the targets. The goal may be possible, but it isn't probable because of the fact that Brown will also already have an increased role himself.

Manny's speed, quickness and diverse route-running fits right in with offensive coordinator Todd Haley's offense. Therefore, there should be more red zone targets for Manny, who had a career-high 762 snaps on offense, but only five targets inside the 20-yard line. He received 14 targets over his first two seasons, catching nine of them for a total of 65 yards and three touchdowns. Though that is just one shy of Miller’s total during that time, those numbers are skewed considering that Miller's red zone targets and catches increased under Haley.

Still, we can see that there will be room for Manny to receive more red zone targets with the departure of various players. Manny has great hands, as was shown by over 70% of his receptions going for first downs - the Steelers leader in that category. His prowess and potential have him poised for a breakout year.

WILL JOHNSON - The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review posted an article last Sunday that highlighted the shortage of tight ends heading into Training Camp this coming Friday. It pointed out that "no one within the organization knows when Heath Miller will be prepared to play this season." If It Ain't Steel also stated back in March that the Steelers would miss Miller, who'll likely be PUP listed to start the season, more than many may think. - http://tinyurl.com/n7j3yyq

Add to that the knee injury that David Johnson suffered and Matt Spaeth and one can expect either David Paulson or Will Johnson will fill in until Miller recovers.

As we wrote a couple of weeks ago, Johnson was noted in OTAs and mandatory minicamp as showing maturation, increased ability to sustain his blocks and leadership. Johnson also was in the pass pattern 134 times last season and caught 15 balls for 137 yards in 22 targets. This would then support another Trib article that suggested Johnson's likelihood of being in pass patters more often next season. So, while listed as fullback, expect more overall H-Back duties.

Johnson was an important player to the Steelers as fullback and lead blocker, with his catching more passes being part and parcel to an increased importance this season, especially early on in the season. A fact that suits him just fine.

“I will do whatever I can do to make myself more valuable to the team," said Johnson, "and if that means catching passes, then I am fine with that."

LE'VEON BELL - "I think he's going to be exceptional," said Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey on Sirius XM Radio in May about Le'Veon Bell. "He came in, he was 250 (pounds) in college, he came into rookie minicamp at 234 and they say with him running around the edge being an outside zone player that he can be with the power that he brings, I think its really going to help us out."

The job isn't exactly his yet, but the Steelers' brass have to hoping Bell comes in and rips the job away from new teammates Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman. They want him to literally take it and run with it, something no one could do last season.

Being an approximate 235-pound back, running that "outside zone" would suit Bell just fine as he is can pop it outside as easily as he can pound it inside. He's not a power back, though, but one who can read and react. That, then, would fit in just perfectly with the Steelers running more of a zone-blocking offensive line scheme next season. Which leads us to our next key player.

OFFENSIVE LINE - We could easily have focused on one of the individual positions or players on the offensive line, but we realized that this year as much as any in recent memory requires them to act as one. To be one.

The Steelers spent the past several drafts investing heavily in the OLine. Since 2010, they've spent two first-round and two second-round selections on offensive linemen, and now they must come together as a unit under new coach Jack Bicknell, jr.

They are led by top 10 NFL center, Maurkice Pouncey who can pull like few centers in the league. He is great at getting to the second level and never takes a play off. But he does have an injury history and can be handled by bigger nose tackles. He is surrounded by guards Ramon Foster (left) and David DeCastro (right). Both are very good at run blocking and pulling, though are somewhat less proficient at pass blocking. That trio is then book-ended by tackles Marcus Gilbert (projected left) and Mike Adams (projected right). Both are athletic and quick-footed and can grind in the run game. But the key for both of them, principally Gilbert, is pass blocking, which can't be stressed enough. Keep Big Ben upright and the Steelers win.

The depth, if it can be called that, behind them manifests itself in the forms of Kelvin Beachum and Guy Whimper, and undrafted players Mike Golic, jr., Joe Long, Mike Farrell, John Malecki and possible Training Camp darkhorse Justin Cheadle.

The most important aspect of their collective job is unity. Being on the same page as much as humanly possible is essential and, according to Pouncey again, they are already buying in to the new system in order to do just that.

"With us this year trying to go to the outside zone scheme...I think we got the offensive line to do it this year," Pouncey said, "and we really plan on attacking it at these OTAs."

JERRICHO COTCHERY - We spoke earlier of the opportunities that Manny will have to take a big step forward this season. He isn't the only one, though. Jerricho Cotchery will not only be the No. 3 or No. 4 wide receiver, but he can also be very useful in the red zone, a role in which he already excels.

In the nine years that Cotch has played in the NFL, he has reached pay dirt (via TD reception) 20 times. Of that number, 11 have come inside the red zone. So, like Manny, it's important that Cotch stays on the field next season as both have missed time due to injuries. He knows how to use his body to shield the defender from the ball and get the needed yardage for TDs or first downs.

It is those qualities that will be vital to a Steelers offense that still presently has more questions than answers. If the Steelers are to answer them in time for the playoffs, those five elements must come together.

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TIDBITS: This isn't a Steelers story, but we had to touch on it. A University of Florida Gators sophomore linebacker by the name of Antonio Morrison was arrested Sunday morning for the second time in just over a month. Bad enough, yes. Get this, though. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Morrison “was charged with interfering with police by harassing a police animal.”

"Harassing?" Ok, that sounds weird enough, but get this. According to The Gainesville Sun:

"On the same day the Alachua County Sheriff's Office released the dashboard camera video of the Sunday morning of arrest of University of Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison, Sheriff Sadie Darnell said the arresting deputy should have given the 19-year-old a warning for BARKING AT A POLICE DOG instead of placing him under arrest."

Yes, friends, he was actually barking at a dog. Barking. At a dog. A police dog. Barking.

Had the officer and the dog been playing "good cop, bad dog?"
Was Morrison trying to gain the police dog's trust by speaking its own language?
Is Morrison a relative of Michael Vick?
Was Morrison affected by the dog days of summer, or by a substance that could be partly cured by the hair of the dog?
Was Morrison acting out because he'd recently learned that he was going to be PUP listed to start the Football season?
Or did the Florida Gator simply mistakenly think the dog was from Georgia?

Steelers Running Backs: For Whom Will The Bell Toll?

“There’s the devaluing of the running back position,” Jerome Bettis told USA TODAY Sports before the 2013 NFL Draft. “You see a devaluing of the running backs and the higher valuation of the offensive line. It’s difficult for me because I don’t want to see the art of being a running back disappear.”

The NFL’s sixth-highest career rusher, Steelers legend and future Hall of Famer obviously has strong feelings about the current state of his position. He would seem to have a point as offensive linemen dominated the top of the draft. In all, five offensive linemen were selected in the top ten (as shown in the graph below), with the "skill" positions falling lower than expected.

Aside: I abhor the term "skill" player/position. It's grossly inaccurate. Try telling the athletic 6'6", 305-pound Lane Johnson, who went fourth overall, ran a 4.72/40, ran the three-cone drill in 7.31 secs and broad jumped 118.0 inches that he isn't skilled. But, I digress...

It is true that more and more teams are getting away from the romanticized notion of the feature running back and moving more toward having an aggregate output from the position. Then pair that with a position that is famous for a short half-life, and it becomes clearer why Bettis' words have the ring of truth to them.

The Steelers, though, are looking very much to once again make the running game an integral part of their offense. They proved this by going out and drafting Le'Veon Bell in the second round of this past April's draft, one of the highest picks they've used on a running back in many years.

As If It Ain't Steel has pointed out in past writings, it's partly because of coordinator Todd Haley's offensive direction. His offense is predicated on two main concepts. Firstly, he wants his unit to go on sustained drives that kill the clock and, in doing so, keeps the defense and the opposing offense off of the field. When done successfully, thus inhibits the opponent's ability to score points of their own. Secondly, he wants the running game to set up the passing game.

The Steelers' version of "running back by committee" used in 2012 simply didn't work. They realize that they need a workhorse to tow the load, but also with a backup who can come in and take carries with little-to-no drop off. Will Bell be that man week one? The Sporting News thinks that he will as they have him as a front runner for offensive Rookie of the Year. - http://tinyurl.com/p2ofalf

Steelers players have chimed in on Bell and his promise as well.

"I think its he's going to be exceptional," said Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey. "He came in, he was 250 in college, he came into rookie mini camp at 234 and they say with him running around the edge being an outside zone player that he can be with the power that he brings, I think its really going to help us out."

If that is to be the case, however, Bell must absolutely do one thing particularly well.

“Around here, if you don't block, you don't play,” Jonathan Dwyer said.

Steelers running back coach Kirby Wilson, who has been coaching runners in the NFL for 16 years, backs that statement and then takes it a step further.

“That's anybody. That's any running back,” Wilson said. “You have to be able to protect the quarterback or you won't play. That's not just in Pittsburgh. That's in every NFL city.” - http://tinyurl.com/ponrc2v

Bell is no exception, but he says he's up to the task. The problem lies in his having two others with him in the backfield who've already proven themselves in that capacity.

According to Pro Football Focus, Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman pass blocked better than nearly any other running back in the NFL. In 2012, they were Nos. 1 and 2 in the NFL in pass blocking efficiency, "a rating that measures pressures allowed on a per-snap basis." They also finished tied for third in halfback blocking.

It is well known that the Steelers tried to clear room in their crowded backfield by shopping Dwyer. A revelation he used to motivate him. As SteelBlitz.com highlighted, Dwyer is excited for Training Camp "to prove everyone wrong." - http://tinyurl.com/q3x9m5f

This is a make or break year in Pittsburgh for Dwyer. He has to compete not only with Redman and Bell, but also with attrition.

Last season, the Steelers kept six running backs on the final 53-man roster when you include fullback Will Johnson. That won't happen this year. Which means that at least one less running back position will be available.

The WVU product, Johnson was noted in OTAs and mandatory minicamp as showing maturation, increased ability to sustain his blocks and leadership. Add to that his pass-catching ability, Johnson was in the pass pattern 134 times last season and caught 15 balls for 137 yards in 22 targets, and you have a very viable 2013 roster candidate. - http://tinyurl.com/q8o44wu

Though he won't compete for a starting position, LaRod Stephens-Howling can run between the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield and protect the passer - all of the things mentioned thus far. He also has the ability to return kickoffs, though I'm hoping that task is a Dunn deal elsewhere. He does, though, think he sees "a lot of third down opportunities that Todd Haley’s always had other places."

Last and maybe least is Baron Batch, likely the last running back on the depth chart, and the one likely to be on the outside looking in when Training Camp starts.

However this plays out once July 26 arrives, the Steelers will once again look to show the value they place on running backs and their running game.

~

TIDBITS: Speaking of Pouncey...he apologized for his "Free Hernandez" hat - http://t.co/LqjjlibxzA

~

The Steelers' Training Camp schedule, including practices open to the public and preseason games, per the Trib and the Steelers website:

Friday, July 26 — Players report; campus closed

Saturday, July 27 — 3 p.m. (Helmets and shorts)

Sunday, July 28 — 3 p.m. (Helmets and shorts)

Monday, July 29 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, July 30 — Players off

Wednesday, July 31 — 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 1 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug 2 — 7 p.m. at Latrobe's Memorial Stadium

Saturday, Aug. 3 ­— 3 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 4 — 3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 — Players off

Wednesday, Aug. 7 — 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 8 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 9 — Campus closed

Saturday, Aug. 10 — Preseason opener vs. N.Y. Giants, 7:30 p.m. at Heinz Field

Sunday, Aug. 11 — Players off

Monday, Aug. 12 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 — Players off

Wednesday, Aug. 14 — 5:30 p.m. at St. Vincent College

Thursday, Aug. 15 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 16 — 3 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 17 — 3 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18 — Break camp; campus closed

Monday, Aug. 19 — Preseason game at Redskins, 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25 — Preseason game vs. Chiefs, 7:30 p.m. at Heinz Field

Thursday, Aug. 29 — Preseason game at Panthers, 7:30 p.m.

What We Can Take From The First Round Of Steelers OTAs

by Jayden and Jason

With the first session of OTAs behind us, there were a few things and players that stood out and are worth noting. The schemes being run and players we've brought to your attention before made themselves more manifest this week. While they provide a glimpse into the near future, they're still not completely indicative of the how the season will go or of the 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers roster. After all, as head coach Mike Tomlin says, it is just "football in shorts."

One of the things that became evident during the OTAs was that the Pittsburgh Steelers absolutely will be running a zone-blocking scheme in 2013. If It Ain't Steel will cover the offensive line and some of its linemen in our next article, but, as we wrote in a previous post, they have always used various inside zone, lead draw, some toss and power schemes. They're just adding the outside zone to the mix. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/05/youth-versatility-define-kelvin-beachum.html

In that article, we pointed out that Kelvin Beachum would have his playing time increased and that he would substitute at key positions, something which he proved at OTAs by working at second-team center and even at center with the first team.

As for the scheme and its implementation, the Steelers new offensive line coach Jack Bicknell, jr. is on record as saying that his players should be "athletic enough and be able to move" in order to adequately run his system. The off tackle power was their fundamental run play, but the outside zone and the stretch plays will be new and will require the aforementioned athleticism. A newness that was on display at OTAs and that left guard Ramon Foster said they're "embracing."

“It’s going to be new, but we’re embracing it,” Foster said. “If you look at our run tape last year, teams stacked the box on us. We were running inside zone, inside zone, inside zone, and we never really had an outside threat. But Coach [Todd] Haley’s stressing it this year; Coach Bicknell is stressing it. That’s something we want to do: soften the defense up and be able to run it outside just as well as we do inside.”

Running back Isaac Redman put it more succinctly when he said, "We are going to be dedicated to the zone."

Speaking of Redman, he's another who made his presence known. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly, Redman lost 10 pounds this offseason, his playing weight was listed as 230 pounds, and is hoping to lose five more by the start of Training Camp.

Cornerback Isaiah Green made his presence felt as well. We said recently that the 23-year old, 5'10", 180-pound second-year man wants to be more than just a Training Camp body. Green has a nose for the ball, is athletic and runs a 4.29/40. Simply put, he has all the requisite physical skills to continue to make his presence felt.

Will Johnson did his best to show why he should remain the team's starting fullback, defensive tackle Al Woods played well, though he has little competition and should make the team by default, and If It Ain't Steel favorite outside linebacker Adrian Robinson picked up where he left off last preseason in his bid to speed rush his way onto the 53-man roster this season.

There were several other names and stories that brought headlines this past week, but the one that caught our attention the most was Troy Polamalu supposedly being in his 'best shape since college', and that he's been fighting a calf injury for four years.

Ok, so maybe he isn't exactly at his college fighting weight, he still showed up in pretty good shape for the first OTA session. When interviewed, however, Polamalu was asked if there is anything that he can do for the calf injury moving forward. His response was textbook bland.

"Yeah, I've done quite a few different things this off-season," said Polamalu. "So, yeah, for sure there is. A lot of different rehab and training."

When he was pushed for a further explanation, it was then that the veteran safety revealed that the calf has bothered him for years.

"When you have an injury that's bothered you for the last four years, there gets to be just so much scar tissue in there," he said. "If you don't attack the problem scar tissue, then you're just going to continue to have problems. So this year I really focused on that and found a great physical therapist and obliviously continue to keep working with my trainer. So everything has evolved there and evolved nicely."

Polamalu then explained his kinesiological and rehabilitation process.

"Not to get too deep into muscular biomechanics, you can break down scar tissue, but the problem is your body has to continue to learn how to readapt with broken scar tissue," Polamalu said. "These are all things that I've learned. So hopefully all of this make these problems obsolete."

What's next for Polamalu and his injury?

"Listen, if I knew the future, I would be playing that Powerball," he joked. "Only time will tell."

Only time will tell for the rest of the Steelers offseason regimen as well.

~

TIDBITS: Heath Miller spoke with the media when showing up at OTAs. He spoke on his injury, saying that he's improving, but is still cautious.



"I'm just trying to get better every day, and I'm doing what I've been asked to do," Miller said Wednesday. "And I'm listening to my body, so I'll just progress that way."

Miller tore his anterior cruciate ligament, injured the medial collateral ligament and also the posterior collateral ligament.

"That's the big thing now, the main thing, because after surgery you lose a lot of strength," Miller said. "And then there's some atrophy. So, I want to get it back to where it's as strong as my other leg." - http://tinyurl.com/ocs4rmb

~

“I think pretty much all of the veteran guys understand that there is gonna be a point in time when we’re gonna have to rely on these young guys....They are gonna have to step up ASAP.” - Ike Taylor

~

Per Mark Kaboly: “From what I've observed over the first 3 days of #Steelers OTAs, Reggie Dunn catches a punt just fine.” (As we've said, Dunn makes the team.)

“Shamarko (Thomas) is gonna be a good one. Will do well in special teams immediately.” (Keeping a promise to his dearly departed mother.)

“Nik Emberate has potential. Need to see him up at camp before willing to say he has legit chance.” (For an undrafted free agent, that still sounds pretty good.)

Training Camp Battles On Offense Take On Different Look

"History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats." - B. C. Forbes (Yes, that Forbes.)

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2012 season ended abruptly at home at the hands of one of their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. Something that absolutely chafed the Steelers leaders, one in particular speaking out about it.

“It‘s amazing to me how much little things really matter, the personnel and the personality of the team, how much all that matters in camp and what you put in in the offseason,” Polamalu said, adding, “(It‘s) how you treat your teammates in the offseason, how you prepare them.”

Fast forward to the 2013 post-draft offseason and, according to another Steelers veteran leader, inside linebacker Larry Foote, in an interview with GoBlueWolverine.com on Wednesday, the Steelers are still a chafed bunch who are now chomping at the bit.

“We’re pissed off we didn’t make the playoffs. On top of that, our rival won the Super Bowl. I know guys are taking it personally. It’s just a whole different mindset to the off-season. I know guys are ready to get back where we need to be.”

That "whole different mindset" likely also reflects Polamalu's calling it "a humbling process" for many players on the team. However, Polamalu and Foote were by no means the only players who were unhappy. Wide receiver Antonio Brown has also spoken up about leadership and responsibility this offseason and what it will take in Training Camp and beyond to make this a winning team again.

“We gotta do what we gotta do,” Brown told KDKA-TV Sports back before the NFL Draft. “Guys like myself gotta step up.”

The point of convergence here, though, is how the other players, principally the other receivers and running backs, will "step up" in Camp and after to make up the five or six WRs, the three or four tight ends (depending on Heath Miller's status) and the four or five running backs (including a fullback).

In the battle for the available WRs spots, the chance for there to be six this season may begin higher than some think. The WRs currently on the Steelers' roster, after Brown, are Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery, Plaxico Burress, Markus Wheaton, Justin Brown, Reggie Dunn, David Gilreath, Derek Moye and Kashif Moore. So, assuming the first four spots are set, the last two could easily be Wheaton and, not Justin Brown but, Dunn.

First off, let's just forward the résumé's of Moore and Moye to MetLife Insurance and the Cedar Rapids Titans respectively, and then concentrate on those who actually have a chance at making the team. With that done, we then face the fact that Gilreath has little chance of making the list of 53. Unless Justin Brown falls flat on his face, Gilreath is headed for the practice squad. If that.

That leaves Markus Wheaton to battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. In truth, he has the requisite talent, speed and "position flexibility" to move quickly up the depth chart with a strong Camp. If he's as good as we believe him to be, he could even challenge Cotchery for the third spot. With Cotch and Plax being on the wrong side of 30, Wheaton could eventually be used interchangeably this season with Sanders in the slot and outside positions.

Then Dunn gets our nod for a sixth spot courtesy of a correspondence between Behind The Steel Curtain. Dunn was a brilliant, if not scary, kick returner at Utah. We wrote recently about his prowess, but acknowledged that his chances were affected by only excelling at one thing. That's now changed.

In an article written last week, BTSC caught up with Utah University's Block U website on the attributes of one Reggie Dunn, and whether he can be used at WR also. The answers were very encouraging. - http://tinyurl.com/c84s245

"Dunn is a talent and, with a competent offense and quarterback, I anticipate he can be utilized." Considering the sixth WR spot would mainly just be special teams anyway, the chances for him making the roster just jumped.

Plus, considering the speed of the other WRs - AB: 4.5; Manny: 4.41; MW: a "disappointing" 4.44; and Dunn: 4.22 - a 4.62 Justin Brown is probably headed for the practice squad his first season, only to take over the spot of the red zone target next season from a then-retired Plax.

The tight end position rests upon the rehabilitation of Miller. If he's ready at season's beginning, he would lead David Paulson and Matt Spaeth as the three ends. If he isn't ready and is PUP Listed, the Steelers might keep David Johnson as effectively the fourth tight end until Miller is removed from the PUP.

The other possibility is to combine his worth with the fullback spot as the H-Back. That move is not popular with If It Ain't Steel as we're not overly fond of DJ and it would mean losing Will Johnson who proved to be a very good fullback. It would also, though, mean having keeping just four running backs. Outside of Le'Veon Bell, the next three are uncertain considering that one, likely Jonathan Dwyer, might be traded before the season begins.

If so, your four RBs would then be Bell, Isaac Redman, LaRod Stephens-Howling and Baron Batch. It would be a sensible stable of RBs with Bell being the feature back, Redman being the short-yardage and red zone option, LSH being the receiver out of the backfield and third-down option and Baron Batch receiving a hat on game day to carry out the latter two sets of duties.

And since last season's running game SNAFU begs to be remedied, that, along with the other ills of the offense, would seemingly be enough of 'history demonstrating heartbreaking obstacles'. Now, triumph, in position battles and into the season, must come by 'refusing to become discouraged by those defeats'.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~

And in this corner...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Steelers Offense Starts To Come Into Focus; Injuries Hit Early

Going into the Pittsburgh Steelers first preseason game of the 2012 NFL season, there were three main things for which I was looking forward to watching: DeCastro, Adams and the offensive line, Cortez Allen and the defensive backs, and the tight ends and fullback battles. 

The fifth and sixth wide receivers battle was of interest also, but knowing Big Ben Roethlisberger, and even to some degree Byron Leftwich, wouldn't be in long, watching that battle can wait.

Before going any further, though, I want to comment on what I've been reading on the social media websites. Some of the different reactions from fans are extremely unrealistic and, honestly, pathetic. It was ONE PRESEASON GAME. Not the fourth game of the regular season, not the 12, not a playoff game...ONE preseason game. Back away from the ledge, people. Like one person said, "teams NEVER show what they're going to do during the regular season [in] the preseason. They'll try [things] out here and there, but they will NEVER completely...give away what they intend to do during the regular season."

To place this in a bit of perspective, the Washington Redskins went 0-4 in the 1991 preseason, and looked fairly pedestrian in doing so, only to go on to win the Super Bowl that year (the Dallas Cowboys I do believe did the same in 1992). Conversely, the Detroit Lions went 4-0 in the 2008 preseason and went 0-16 when the games counted. Calm down, people. Calm down. 

That being said, we saw the aforementioned battles played out to some degree and one definitively settled...just not the way one would hope. 

For some reason I read a few somewhat negative reviews on rookie offensive guard David DeCastro's preseason debut. They're all wrong. Great start for DeCastro. Looks like he may have won a starting job Thursday night. Though, DDC did figure in on one of the seven sacks. 

On the other hand, rookie left tackle Mike Adams had a rough night. He allowed 2 1/2 sacks in around 10 plays before leaving with a knee injury, which he hurt recovering a fumble. More will come regarding that subject. 

In his defense, Adams wasn't the only tackle to have trouble with the Philadelphia Eagles pass rush, as Marcus Gilbert, Trai Essex and Kelvin Beachum all struggled on the edge.

We were able to get overall glimpses of what we should see come the regular season. I liked what I saw from Todd Haley's offense in the first game. Long, sustained drives with a good mix of runs, shorts throws and some deep passing routes. I'd mentioned in a previous blog that Haley's offense would require Big Ben to get the ball out of his hands quicker and to drop off to the running backs. The first play of the game was a screen to the running back. 

Speaking of running backs, I am declaring my man-crush on Chris Rainey. Speed kills. 

Overall, it was a success for Haley's new offense. It may have been "vanilla" because of being the first preseason game, but he looked to accomplished what he set out to do. The players agreed. 

As brought to us by Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Antonio Brown said, "We came out, executed, got our looks, executed our new offense, got an opportunity to get a look at a defense opposite of ours."

Big Ben was more concise about it: "We just wanted to come out and be physical and see how we could match up."

On defense, the players who stood out to me overall were the linebackers. Namely Adrian Robinson, who provided very good pressure once he entered the game late, Brandon Johnson, who was responsible for the pressure that led to Al Woods' interception, Sean Spence and Stevenson Sylvester. All had good games.

Starting nose tackle Steve McLendon, though, was the Steelers Digest player of the game and for good reason. He was virtually unblockable Thursday. The third play of the game saw McLendon snag Michael Vick and put him on the ground. He played one-gap and two-gap, had three tackles and the sack just mentioned. Unblockable. 

Also having a good game was the man I was looking for to separate himself, cornerback Cortez Allen. He was the one cornerback to now expect to be the leader in the clubhouse. When Curtis Brown was in, the drop off could be seen. He gave up a big play in the second half and looks as if he's better suited for the slot/nickel position.

That brings us to the final players and position I focused on during the game Thursday: the tight ends and fullbacks.

David Johnson had been the coaches' darling and the star of Friday Night Lights. Tomlin had said that DJ would play both tight end and fullback, which was basically the H-back position he played last year. That's not going to happen anymore as DJ suffered an ACL tear and is done for the season. 

Will Johnson, the West Virginia product, is now your fullback, the only one on the roster. The Steelers will probably sign another one now because of that fact. As far as tight end, after Heath Miller and Leonard Pope, you have Wes Saunders. Very possible that those are your three tight ends. Period. And since Pope can't block, Saunders may be the number two.

This new offense that Haley has installed could very well bring career numbers for Heath Miller in catches, yards and or touchdowns. Especially in the red zone. Under Bruce Arians, Heath Miller was targeted just seven times inside the red zone in 2011 and had only three catches for 27 yards with two touchdowns. In 2010, Miller was targeted only eight times inside the red zone resulting in four catches for 29 yards and two touchdowns. Look for those numbers to increase.

Last point I want to touch on is the other injury. Mark Kaboly reported Friday that running back Jonathan Dwyer suffered a injury to the left AC (acromioclavicular) joint Thursday night. 

The left shoulder sprain is not considered serious, according to head coach Mike Tomlin, Kaboly reported that Dwyer will undergo treatment and won't be out very long.