The Steelers actually had some live tackling today in practice as head coach Mike Tomlin changed things up a little bit from previous years.
It gave the coaching staff another extended look at rookie running back Le'Veon Bell, and Bell continued to shine as a runner, showing off quickness and more shiftiness than any 240-pound running back should truly have.
It will be shocking if he is not the starter by the opening game.
@ Add rookie defensive end Nick Williams to the list of walking wounded. He now has a knee injury that will be evaluated.
He was joined on the sidelines by Cortez Allen (knee), who is close to a return, and DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring). Head coach Mike Tomlin admitted Van Dyke's injury could be significant, which is bad news for him, but good news for Curtis Brown.
@ It was interesting today to hear linebacker LaMarr Woodley talk about not getting an opportunity to rush the passer as much in 2012. Part of the reason for that was that so many teams used a quick passing game against the Steelers that the opportunities just weren't there.
But that's always happened to the Steelers. The key is stopping the run better than they did in 2012.
If an opponent gets nothing running the ball on first down and then picks up five yards on a second-down pass, the opportunity to rush the passer is far better than giving up four yards on first down, a five-yard pass and facing third-and-one.
@ It probably won't surprise too many, but Mike Adams ate Ziggy Hood's lunch in one-on-ones today.
Cam Heyward looks highly motivated this season, and it won't be a surprise to see him supplant Hood in the starting lineup.
@ On the other side of the line, Marcus Gilbert is a concern. It seems to take him a play or two in individual drills before he gets going. Doing that in a game will be an opening drive killer.
@ Where will the Steelers make up for Heath Miller's production? How about fullback Will Johnson.
Johnson is big and fast and a matchup problem for any team that has to defend him. He's too fast for most linebackers and too big for most defensive backs.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday news, practice notes
It's not often that things live up to the hype, but Monday's first day of practice in pads for the Steelers certainly did.
Just in case you were wondering if the team was ready to start hitting, running back Baron Batch and linebacker Marshall McFadden alleviated any concerns by nearly coming to blows early on in the backs on backers drill.
As the two squared up after several seconds of pushing and shoving, running backs coach Kirby Wilson jumped in, pulling Batch away, yelling, "Kick his ass on tape."
McFadden, however, was one of the more impressive players in the drill, showing plenty of explosiveness from his inside linebacker position. I felt Stevenson Sylvester flashed as well, showing that the battle for depth at the inside linebacker position might be a good one.
Rookies Jarvis Jones and Le'Veon Bell were paired four times, splitting the matchups.
Bell had a tough go of the drill early - then again, he did get 10 reps, well more than anyone else. He was matched first against LaMarr Woodley, then Lawrence Timmons, before finally getting a break against Chris Carter, whom he battled to a stalemate.
Offensively, demure running back Curtis McNeal (5-7, 191 pounds) showed a good use of leverage. After one rep against Adrian Robinson, head coach Mike Tomlin remarked, "He's a mean little sawed off dude."
@ Bell also got some work with the first team in the final team portion of practice, splitting time with Isaac Redman.
He showed some power in an earlier team portion, blasting safety Robert Golden to the ground to finish off a sweep.
@ Jones had an up-and-down day. Three times he failed to get off the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball - once in backs on backers, two more times in one-on-one rushing drills.
But he did make a nice play blitzing on Ben Roethlisberger, leaping to tip a pass into the air. Roethlisberger grabbed the ball out of the air, but was unable to advance.
@ Rookie Markus Wheaton joined the ranks of the punt returners today.
@ Tough day in the one-on-ones for rookie center Joe Madsen. He was rag dolled to the ground by massive Hebron Fangupo, causing Tomlin to holler, "Have a little dignity, Joe."
At least Tomlin knows his name.
@ Cortez Allen (knee), DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring) and Terry Hawthorne (knee) were all held out of practice Monday. All three corners could be back at practice by Wednesday - though I have my doubts about that with Van Dyke, who was visibly hurting when he walked.
Just in case you were wondering if the team was ready to start hitting, running back Baron Batch and linebacker Marshall McFadden alleviated any concerns by nearly coming to blows early on in the backs on backers drill.
As the two squared up after several seconds of pushing and shoving, running backs coach Kirby Wilson jumped in, pulling Batch away, yelling, "Kick his ass on tape."
McFadden, however, was one of the more impressive players in the drill, showing plenty of explosiveness from his inside linebacker position. I felt Stevenson Sylvester flashed as well, showing that the battle for depth at the inside linebacker position might be a good one.
Rookies Jarvis Jones and Le'Veon Bell were paired four times, splitting the matchups.
Bell had a tough go of the drill early - then again, he did get 10 reps, well more than anyone else. He was matched first against LaMarr Woodley, then Lawrence Timmons, before finally getting a break against Chris Carter, whom he battled to a stalemate.
Offensively, demure running back Curtis McNeal (5-7, 191 pounds) showed a good use of leverage. After one rep against Adrian Robinson, head coach Mike Tomlin remarked, "He's a mean little sawed off dude."
@ Bell also got some work with the first team in the final team portion of practice, splitting time with Isaac Redman.
He showed some power in an earlier team portion, blasting safety Robert Golden to the ground to finish off a sweep.
@ Jones had an up-and-down day. Three times he failed to get off the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball - once in backs on backers, two more times in one-on-one rushing drills.
But he did make a nice play blitzing on Ben Roethlisberger, leaping to tip a pass into the air. Roethlisberger grabbed the ball out of the air, but was unable to advance.
@ Rookie Markus Wheaton joined the ranks of the punt returners today.
@ Tough day in the one-on-ones for rookie center Joe Madsen. He was rag dolled to the ground by massive Hebron Fangupo, causing Tomlin to holler, "Have a little dignity, Joe."
At least Tomlin knows his name.
@ Cortez Allen (knee), DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring) and Terry Hawthorne (knee) were all held out of practice Monday. All three corners could be back at practice by Wednesday - though I have my doubts about that with Van Dyke, who was visibly hurting when he walked.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Second day of practice blues
I know I complained about it last year, but I really am not liking this new collective bargaining agreement with the way it limits practices.
The Steelers held their second session on Sunday and it might as well have been an OTA since the players still aren't in pads. No pass rush drills. No backs on backers. No tight ends on backers or inside running drills.
It's kind of like running in place.
That all changes Monday when the pads go on for the first time. That will be when some guys will begin the process of moving themselves away from the pack.
You can work on technique until you're blue in the face, but until the guys do it with pads on, it means nothing. Can some of these young guys get it done when they actually have to worry about blocking the guy across from them?
Certainly, the practices are only one piece of the puzzle. The preseason games will also be important.
But Monday is a big day. As head coach Mike Tomlin said today, it's like the first day of school.
@ As I stated, it's only been a couple of days of non-padded football, but Isaac Redman looks very good at running back.
Redman looks like he's in great shape and is displaying quick feet.
It's no given that he's going to give up the starting role to second-round pick Le'Veon Bell.
@ Cortez Allen sat out practice today with some knee soreness, but it's not considered a big deal.
What is a big deal is DeMarcus Van Dyke leaving today with a hamstring injury. Van Dyke is one of a handful of guys fighting for a roster spot at a crowded cornerback position.
You can't make the club in the training tub.
The Steelers held their second session on Sunday and it might as well have been an OTA since the players still aren't in pads. No pass rush drills. No backs on backers. No tight ends on backers or inside running drills.
It's kind of like running in place.
That all changes Monday when the pads go on for the first time. That will be when some guys will begin the process of moving themselves away from the pack.
You can work on technique until you're blue in the face, but until the guys do it with pads on, it means nothing. Can some of these young guys get it done when they actually have to worry about blocking the guy across from them?
Certainly, the practices are only one piece of the puzzle. The preseason games will also be important.
But Monday is a big day. As head coach Mike Tomlin said today, it's like the first day of school.
@ As I stated, it's only been a couple of days of non-padded football, but Isaac Redman looks very good at running back.
Redman looks like he's in great shape and is displaying quick feet.
It's no given that he's going to give up the starting role to second-round pick Le'Veon Bell.
@ Cortez Allen sat out practice today with some knee soreness, but it's not considered a big deal.
What is a big deal is DeMarcus Van Dyke leaving today with a hamstring injury. Van Dyke is one of a handful of guys fighting for a roster spot at a crowded cornerback position.
You can't make the club in the training tub.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Rains mar first practice
Storms rolled through Latrobe midway through the Steelers' afternoon practice, forcing the team inside to wait until they passed.
The team then picked up where it left off after moving to Saint Vincent College's turf field.
Isaac Redman is working as the No. 1 running back, ahead of Jonathan Dwyer and rookie Le'Veon Bell, who was behind Baron Batch.
Head coach Mike Tomlin chewed Bell out a little bit - albeit playfully - when the team broke into a special teams session.
"Get where you need to be Bell," Tomlin hollered. "You don't know where you're supposed to be, do you Bell?"
It's the old axiom. If the coach isn't yelling at you, he doesn't care. And Tomlin and the Steelers definitely care about Bell's progress.
Redman, however, looked good carrying the ball - albeit in shorts - showing off some quickness and his trademark spin moves today.
@ Emmanuel Sanders had a solid day, first getting behind Cortez Allen on a double move to make a long catch, then beating William Gay deep on another play to haul in a long bomb from Ben Roethlisberger.
With the rainy, wet conditions, though, the offensive players were definitely at an advantage.
Plaxico Burress took advantage as well, beating DeMarcus Van Dyke on a double move for a long gainer.
@ The interception of the day belonged to Ryan Clark, who nabbed a Landry Jones pass that hit Ike Taylor in the hands - surprise, surprise - only to be batted into the air.
@ There were no surprises on the first-team offensive line, but the second unit included, from left to right, Joe Long, John Malecki, Kelvin Beachum, Justin Cheadle and Guy Whimper.
Those backup spots on the offensive line are going to be a critical battle.
The team then picked up where it left off after moving to Saint Vincent College's turf field.
Isaac Redman is working as the No. 1 running back, ahead of Jonathan Dwyer and rookie Le'Veon Bell, who was behind Baron Batch.
Head coach Mike Tomlin chewed Bell out a little bit - albeit playfully - when the team broke into a special teams session.
"Get where you need to be Bell," Tomlin hollered. "You don't know where you're supposed to be, do you Bell?"
It's the old axiom. If the coach isn't yelling at you, he doesn't care. And Tomlin and the Steelers definitely care about Bell's progress.
Redman, however, looked good carrying the ball - albeit in shorts - showing off some quickness and his trademark spin moves today.
@ Emmanuel Sanders had a solid day, first getting behind Cortez Allen on a double move to make a long catch, then beating William Gay deep on another play to haul in a long bomb from Ben Roethlisberger.
With the rainy, wet conditions, though, the offensive players were definitely at an advantage.
Plaxico Burress took advantage as well, beating DeMarcus Van Dyke on a double move for a long gainer.
@ The interception of the day belonged to Ryan Clark, who nabbed a Landry Jones pass that hit Ike Taylor in the hands - surprise, surprise - only to be batted into the air.
@ There were no surprises on the first-team offensive line, but the second unit included, from left to right, Joe Long, John Malecki, Kelvin Beachum, Justin Cheadle and Guy Whimper.
Those backup spots on the offensive line are going to be a critical battle.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Reporting day news, notes (Will be updated)
Spoke with Sean Spence. He feels he will be ready to play by midseason this year. He'll open training camp on the PUP and go from there according to head coach Mike Tomlin.
Heath Miller, who is walking around without a knee brace, will also open on the PUP. But he looks closer to a guy who intends on playing from the get-go than he does somebody who will be out the first six weeks.
Tight end David Johnson will also open on the PUP as he continues to recover from his knee injury suffered last year, while Alameda Ta'amu arrived with a hamstring issue that has landed him on the PUP as well.
On the good news front, offensive tackle Mike Adams passed the run test Friday and is ready to go. Adams has been given full clearance to play after being the victim of a stabbing in front of his home about six weeks ago.
Fellow offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert struggled through the run test today, but was able to finish. He was taken from the field on a cart following the completion of the run test, however.
Defensive back Nigel Malone also struggled to complete the test but made it through.
Tomlin said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is still experiencing a little discomfort in his knee following offseason surgery, but it's nothing major.
Heath Miller, who is walking around without a knee brace, will also open on the PUP. But he looks closer to a guy who intends on playing from the get-go than he does somebody who will be out the first six weeks.
Tight end David Johnson will also open on the PUP as he continues to recover from his knee injury suffered last year, while Alameda Ta'amu arrived with a hamstring issue that has landed him on the PUP as well.
On the good news front, offensive tackle Mike Adams passed the run test Friday and is ready to go. Adams has been given full clearance to play after being the victim of a stabbing in front of his home about six weeks ago.
Fellow offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert struggled through the run test today, but was able to finish. He was taken from the field on a cart following the completion of the run test, however.
Defensive back Nigel Malone also struggled to complete the test but made it through.
Tomlin said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is still experiencing a little discomfort in his knee following offseason surgery, but it's nothing major.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Training camp battles to watch
With training camp set to start at the end of the week, here are a few of the battles that will be contested over the next few weeks:
Nickle corner: William Gay was re-signed and is the frontrunner, but third-year pro Curtis Brown can't be overlooked. Gay has played the position in the past and contrary to some fans' beliefs, has played well as the third corner. But Brown has more upside. Josh Victorian, DeMarcus Van Dyke and rookie Terry Hawthorne could be in the mix as well since the Steelers intend to move starter Cortez Allen back into the slot on passing downs. Regardless of who wins the No. 3 job, the Steelers have a great deal of depth.
Running back: Will a true starter emerge? Jonathan Dwyer opened the offseason getting the No. 1 carries, but Isaac Redman had pretty much surpassed him by the end. The Steelers want rookie Le'Veon Bell to win the spot but he's going to have to do just that, win it. He won't be handed the position by default.
Third wide receiver: This should be interesting. We know that Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders will be the starters. But who will be No. 3 in the pecking order, Plaxico Burress, Jerricho Cotchery or rookie Markus Wheaton? It will likely depend on the down and distance, but Cotchery will likely get the majority of snaps as the No. 3 until Wheaton gets his feet under him. The Steelers should take a look at veteran Donald Jones, released by New England last week, as well.
Right outside linebacker: It's Jason Worilds job to lose. Rookie Jarvis Jones might see some time as a situational pass rusher, but Worilds will get every opportunity to run with it - at least until the bye week.
Nickle corner: William Gay was re-signed and is the frontrunner, but third-year pro Curtis Brown can't be overlooked. Gay has played the position in the past and contrary to some fans' beliefs, has played well as the third corner. But Brown has more upside. Josh Victorian, DeMarcus Van Dyke and rookie Terry Hawthorne could be in the mix as well since the Steelers intend to move starter Cortez Allen back into the slot on passing downs. Regardless of who wins the No. 3 job, the Steelers have a great deal of depth.
Running back: Will a true starter emerge? Jonathan Dwyer opened the offseason getting the No. 1 carries, but Isaac Redman had pretty much surpassed him by the end. The Steelers want rookie Le'Veon Bell to win the spot but he's going to have to do just that, win it. He won't be handed the position by default.
Third wide receiver: This should be interesting. We know that Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders will be the starters. But who will be No. 3 in the pecking order, Plaxico Burress, Jerricho Cotchery or rookie Markus Wheaton? It will likely depend on the down and distance, but Cotchery will likely get the majority of snaps as the No. 3 until Wheaton gets his feet under him. The Steelers should take a look at veteran Donald Jones, released by New England last week, as well.
Right outside linebacker: It's Jason Worilds job to lose. Rookie Jarvis Jones might see some time as a situational pass rusher, but Worilds will get every opportunity to run with it - at least until the bye week.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Bad but understandable sentiment by Pouncey twins
Pretty much everyone in the U.S. has made up their mind about the guilt of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez in regards to the murder charges levied against him.
The story has been plastered on the news and sports pages of every newspaper in America in the past few weeks.
But the story took a different twist over the weekend when twin brothers Mike and Maurkice Pouncey were photographed at a birthday party wearing hats that read, "Free Hernandez."
Was it a bad choice from the Pouncey twins? Yes. But it's not all that hard to believe that they support their former Florida teammate and - at least in the case of Mike Pouncey - roommate.
Heck, even Tim Tebow has been drug into this whole thing for being in a nightclub with Hernandez in college when the troubled tight end started a fight.
There's a bond formed among teammates. Heck, coaches try to foster that bond.
At all levels of sports, coaches want their players to back each other, for better or worse. In college, that means the players all room together. They study together, eat together and pretty much spend the majority of their time together.
Is it any surprise that some of the former teammates of Hernandez wouldn't believe that he was capable of killing someone as the story floated by police has been purported?
You see it all the time with family members of convicted killers who refuse to believe that their loved ones could do something so horrible. They don't want to believe that it's possible their loved one is a killer because - at least in the recesses of the mind - it makes them appear faulty for caring about someone so flawed.
So it's not a surprise that the Pouncey brothers believe that Gonzalez didn't kill anyone, even though they have both reportedly viewed his darker side at times.
But believing in Hernandez privately and making those views known publicly are two different things. In a time when everyone and their brother - no pun intended - are trying to distance themselves from Hernandez, the Pounceys went the other way.
The public outcry is understandable. But it's highly doubtful that Mike and Maurkice Pouncey are the only former teammates of Hernandez to feel that way.
The story has been plastered on the news and sports pages of every newspaper in America in the past few weeks.
But the story took a different twist over the weekend when twin brothers Mike and Maurkice Pouncey were photographed at a birthday party wearing hats that read, "Free Hernandez."
Was it a bad choice from the Pouncey twins? Yes. But it's not all that hard to believe that they support their former Florida teammate and - at least in the case of Mike Pouncey - roommate.
Heck, even Tim Tebow has been drug into this whole thing for being in a nightclub with Hernandez in college when the troubled tight end started a fight.
There's a bond formed among teammates. Heck, coaches try to foster that bond.
At all levels of sports, coaches want their players to back each other, for better or worse. In college, that means the players all room together. They study together, eat together and pretty much spend the majority of their time together.
Is it any surprise that some of the former teammates of Hernandez wouldn't believe that he was capable of killing someone as the story floated by police has been purported?
You see it all the time with family members of convicted killers who refuse to believe that their loved ones could do something so horrible. They don't want to believe that it's possible their loved one is a killer because - at least in the recesses of the mind - it makes them appear faulty for caring about someone so flawed.
So it's not a surprise that the Pouncey brothers believe that Gonzalez didn't kill anyone, even though they have both reportedly viewed his darker side at times.
But believing in Hernandez privately and making those views known publicly are two different things. In a time when everyone and their brother - no pun intended - are trying to distance themselves from Hernandez, the Pounceys went the other way.
The public outcry is understandable. But it's highly doubtful that Mike and Maurkice Pouncey are the only former teammates of Hernandez to feel that way.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Steelers release training camp schedule
The Steelers today released their schedule for their 2013 training camp. Remember, all open practices are weather permitting. Given how much rain we've gotten already in July, this could be an interesting camp.
The first official practice open to the public will be Saturday, July 27.
DAILY CAMP SCHEDULE
(All practices at 3 p.m. unless noted otherwise; all times subject to change.)
Friday, July 26 – Players report; campus closed
Saturday, July 27 – (Helmets and shorts)
Sunday, July 28 – (Helmets and shorts)
Monday, July 29
Tuesday, July 30 – Players off; campus closed
Wednesday, July 31
Thursday, Aug. 1
Friday, Aug 2 – Night practice at Latrobe Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Sunday, Aug. 4
Monday, Aug. 5
Tuesday, Aug. 6 – Players off; campus closed
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Thursday, Aug. 8
Friday, Aug. 9 – Campus closed
Saturday, Aug. 10 – Preseason opener vs. N.Y. Giants at Heinz Field
Sunday, Aug. 11 – Players off; campus closed
Monday, Aug. 12
Tuesday, Aug. 13 – Players off; campus closed
Wednesday, Aug. 14 – Evening practice at SVC, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 15
Friday, Aug. 16
Saturday, Aug. 17
Sunday, Aug. 18 – Break camp; campus closed
The first official practice open to the public will be Saturday, July 27.
DAILY CAMP SCHEDULE
(All practices at 3 p.m. unless noted otherwise; all times subject to change.)
Friday, July 26 – Players report; campus closed
Saturday, July 27 – (Helmets and shorts)
Sunday, July 28 – (Helmets and shorts)
Monday, July 29
Tuesday, July 30 – Players off; campus closed
Wednesday, July 31
Thursday, Aug. 1
Friday, Aug 2 – Night practice at Latrobe Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Sunday, Aug. 4
Monday, Aug. 5
Tuesday, Aug. 6 – Players off; campus closed
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Thursday, Aug. 8
Friday, Aug. 9 – Campus closed
Saturday, Aug. 10 – Preseason opener vs. N.Y. Giants at Heinz Field
Sunday, Aug. 11 – Players off; campus closed
Monday, Aug. 12
Tuesday, Aug. 13 – Players off; campus closed
Wednesday, Aug. 14 – Evening practice at SVC, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 15
Friday, Aug. 16
Saturday, Aug. 17
Sunday, Aug. 18 – Break camp; campus closed
Monday, July 08, 2013
Supplemental Draft coming
The NFL will hold its Supplmental Draft of Thursday, with six players throwing their names into the fray.
None are considered as high-profile as Josh Gordon, who was selected by Cleveland in the second round last year, or even Terrelle Pryor, who was taken by Oakland in Round 3 two years ago.
The way the Supplemental Draft works is this: If you put in a claim on a player in a particular round, you forfeit that pick in the following year's draft. The trick of it is this, that player must still fit into this year's rookie salary pool.
The Steelers haven't gone to the Supplemental Draft for help for a number of reasons - most notably because if a guy is available in the Supplemental Draft, there's usually an issue with him, off-field or in the classroom.
Here's a look at the players who have made themselves available.
James Boyd, DE, UNLV: A 6-5, 250-pound defensive end, Boyd was a four-start recruit in high school after throwing for 4,200 yards with 44 touchdowns. That's right, he was a QB. He originally signed with USC before heading to West Los Angeles Community College. In his first, and only, season at defensive end, he had 2.5 sacks last year. He's raw and inexperienced, but his size/speed ratio could tempt someone to use a late pick on him.
Nate Holloway, DT, UNLV: A 6-3, 365-pound nose tackle, Boyd's UNLV teammate sat out the 2012 season due to academic issues. Insert your fat-drunk-stupid joke here. But seriously, he had 3.5 tackles for a loss in 2011, and given that he hasn't played in two seasons, it's unlikely he gets a look.
Toby Jackson, DE, Central Florida: The 6-5, 267-pound Jackson also sat out the 2012 season with academic issues. He played just one season at Central Florida after starting his college career at Navarro College, a JUCO. Alabama and Georgia were reportedly interested in him coming out of JUCO, so he might have some talent. But he's pretty much an unknown.
Damond Smith, DB, South Alabama: Smith is an intriguing player who reportedly ran a 4.4 40 at his small-school pro day. Green Bay tried to sign him as an undrafted rookie following the draft, but it was ruled that he had to enter the Supplemental Draft. At 6-0, 185 pounds, Smith has good size, but he also transferred from Western Michigan to South Alabama following a fight with a teammate. Then, he was suspended later by South Alabama for a violation of team rules.
Damond Smith, DB, South Alabama: Smith is an intriguing player who reportedly ran a 4.4 40 at his small-school pro day. Green Bay tried to sign him as an undrafted rookie following the draft, but it was ruled that he had to enter the Supplemental Draft. At 6-0, 185 pounds, Smith has good size, but he also transferred from Western Michigan to South Alabama following a fight with a teammate. Then, he was suspended later by South Alabama for a violation of team rules.
DeWayne Peace, WR, Houston: Here's a guy who might interest some teams. The 5-11, 190-pound Peace was Houston's leading receiver in 2012 with 54 receptions for 603 yards and two scores. But he was ruled academically ineligible in June and entered the Supplemental Draft. A team looking for slot receiver help might be tempted to give Peace a chance. That's all I'm saying.
O.J. Ross, WR, Purdue: Ross, 5-10, 188, missed Purdue's 2011 bowl game due to academics and was then thrown off the team in February for a violation of team rules. But he did catch 100 passes for 959 yards and six scores in three seasons for the Boilermakers. He was also used as a kick returner as a freshman and sophomore. I like Peace better as a player, however.
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Three weeks and counting
Three weeks out from the opening of Steelers training camp and no news is really good news with this team.
While Aaron Hernandez news is all over - and yes, the Pouncey brothers were in a club with him in Florida when he got in a bar fight, but so was Tim Tebow - you see what kind of bad - in this case horrible - news can rock a team.
Those are the kind of distractions a team doesn't need.
The Steelers right now are resting, relaxing and getting ready to head to camp to wash away the stench of last year's 8-8 campaign.
@ Saw NFL official Gene Steratore last night at a youth baseball game. He was in a walking boot after having Achilles' tendon surgery.
Steratore, one of the best in the NFL, hopes to be ready to go once the NFL starts playing games. I wouldn't bet against him.
While Aaron Hernandez news is all over - and yes, the Pouncey brothers were in a club with him in Florida when he got in a bar fight, but so was Tim Tebow - you see what kind of bad - in this case horrible - news can rock a team.
Those are the kind of distractions a team doesn't need.
The Steelers right now are resting, relaxing and getting ready to head to camp to wash away the stench of last year's 8-8 campaign.
@ Saw NFL official Gene Steratore last night at a youth baseball game. He was in a walking boot after having Achilles' tendon surgery.
Steratore, one of the best in the NFL, hopes to be ready to go once the NFL starts playing games. I wouldn't bet against him.
Monday, July 01, 2013
If it's July ...
If it's July, that can only mean one thing, training camp is around the corner.
The Pirates are playing outstanding baseball right now and hold the best record in baseball. The Penguins were one of the best, if not disappointing, teams in the NHL.
But, despite coming off an 8-8 season, it's still the Steelers that rule the region.
It will be interesting, however, to see how much fanfare continues to surround the Pirates if they continue to play as well as they have once training camp begins.
My first year covering the Steelers - 1993 - coincided with the Pirates starting their 20-year losing streak. There hasn't been a lot to cheer about other than the Steelers opening camp once late July rolls around.
But Pittsburgh is a great sports city and there's room for plenty of excitement surrounding both teams.
The Pirates are playing outstanding baseball right now and hold the best record in baseball. The Penguins were one of the best, if not disappointing, teams in the NHL.
But, despite coming off an 8-8 season, it's still the Steelers that rule the region.
It will be interesting, however, to see how much fanfare continues to surround the Pirates if they continue to play as well as they have once training camp begins.
My first year covering the Steelers - 1993 - coincided with the Pirates starting their 20-year losing streak. There hasn't been a lot to cheer about other than the Steelers opening camp once late July rolls around.
But Pittsburgh is a great sports city and there's room for plenty of excitement surrounding both teams.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Who's the best Steelers player I've covered
It's been 20 years since I first set foot in the Steelers' locker room, and I've seen plenty of great players.
But which one would I rank as the best?
Certainly Jerome Bettis deserves some consideration. The NFL's fifth-leading rusher when he retired, Bettis was the man who embodied the Steelers' toughness, even through some lean years in the late 1990s.
But he's not No. 1.
Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirkland, Kevin Greene, Joey Porter and James Harrison have all been outstanding contributors during that period as well. But Pittsburgh's defense has been geared toward linebackers making plays, so it's tough to single out just one of those great players as the best.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has helped the Steelers become a yearly contender for the Super Bowl since he was drafted in 2004 and deserves consideration. But I think I'm going to go in a different direction.
And though players such as Dermontti Dawson, Alan Faneca, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith have been key cogs in some great teams, I'm not picking a lineman here.
That leaves me with three choices: Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu and Rod Woodson.
In this case, I'm going with Woodson.
Ward had a fantastic career with the Steelers and is the team leader in basically every receiving category, but he was never considered among the best in the league at his position. And don't give me that best blocking receiver in the league stuff. Yes, Ward was a ferocious blocker, but that did not place him among the top two or three players at his position in any given season as Polamalu and Woodson were.
Really, it's splitting hairs between Polamalu and Woodson in their prime, but I'll take the game-changing cornerback who was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 over the game-changing safety who was similarly honored in 2010.
In their primes, Polamalu and Woodson were among the top five or six players in the game regardless of position. They were players who could change a game by themselves and always had to be accounted for.
But to me, Woodson, at least when he was with the Steelers, was the bigger game changer at cornerback, where he could take away the opposing team's best receiver by himself, blitz better than any corner in history or take a punt back for a touchdown.
Who's your pick?
But which one would I rank as the best?
Certainly Jerome Bettis deserves some consideration. The NFL's fifth-leading rusher when he retired, Bettis was the man who embodied the Steelers' toughness, even through some lean years in the late 1990s.
But he's not No. 1.
Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirkland, Kevin Greene, Joey Porter and James Harrison have all been outstanding contributors during that period as well. But Pittsburgh's defense has been geared toward linebackers making plays, so it's tough to single out just one of those great players as the best.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has helped the Steelers become a yearly contender for the Super Bowl since he was drafted in 2004 and deserves consideration. But I think I'm going to go in a different direction.
And though players such as Dermontti Dawson, Alan Faneca, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith have been key cogs in some great teams, I'm not picking a lineman here.
That leaves me with three choices: Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu and Rod Woodson.
In this case, I'm going with Woodson.
Ward had a fantastic career with the Steelers and is the team leader in basically every receiving category, but he was never considered among the best in the league at his position. And don't give me that best blocking receiver in the league stuff. Yes, Ward was a ferocious blocker, but that did not place him among the top two or three players at his position in any given season as Polamalu and Woodson were.
Really, it's splitting hairs between Polamalu and Woodson in their prime, but I'll take the game-changing cornerback who was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 over the game-changing safety who was similarly honored in 2010.
In their primes, Polamalu and Woodson were among the top five or six players in the game regardless of position. They were players who could change a game by themselves and always had to be accounted for.
But to me, Woodson, at least when he was with the Steelers, was the bigger game changer at cornerback, where he could take away the opposing team's best receiver by himself, blitz better than any corner in history or take a punt back for a touchdown.
Who's your pick?
Monday, June 17, 2013
Steelers should consider Bishop
Usually when players are cut loose by their team, I get a number of questions, mostly centering on whether or not the Steelers should considering signing that player.
In most cases, the player is either washed up, too expensive or doesn't fit the Steelers' scheme.
But Monday, the Green Bay Packers released linebacker Desmond Bishop rather than pay him $3.4 million in 2013.
Bishop missed the 2012 season with a hamstring injury and is still slowed by the issue after having surgery to repair the hamstring. But Bishop is supposed to be ready to play again by the time training camp rolls around.
In this case, Bishop, the Packers' leading tackler in 2011, would absolutely help the Steelers.
Bishop, 28, had a combined 218 tackles and eight sacks in 28 games in 2010 and '11, playing in Green Bay's 3-4 defense. And Green Bay's defense, which is coached by Dom Capers, is similar to Pittsburgh's.
Bishop is already visiting with the Minnesota Vikings and the Steelers certainly wouldn't get into a bidding war for his services, but if he can be had, even on a one-year deal, he could certainly help Pittsburgh, which is still lacking for depth at the linebacker position despite taking Jarvis Jones and Vince Williams in the draft.
In most cases, the player is either washed up, too expensive or doesn't fit the Steelers' scheme.
But Monday, the Green Bay Packers released linebacker Desmond Bishop rather than pay him $3.4 million in 2013.
Bishop missed the 2012 season with a hamstring injury and is still slowed by the issue after having surgery to repair the hamstring. But Bishop is supposed to be ready to play again by the time training camp rolls around.
In this case, Bishop, the Packers' leading tackler in 2011, would absolutely help the Steelers.
Bishop, 28, had a combined 218 tackles and eight sacks in 28 games in 2010 and '11, playing in Green Bay's 3-4 defense. And Green Bay's defense, which is coached by Dom Capers, is similar to Pittsburgh's.
Bishop is already visiting with the Minnesota Vikings and the Steelers certainly wouldn't get into a bidding war for his services, but if he can be had, even on a one-year deal, he could certainly help Pittsburgh, which is still lacking for depth at the linebacker position despite taking Jarvis Jones and Vince Williams in the draft.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Report: Wallace turned down $76 million from Vikings
A report from USA Today says that former Steelers receiver Mike Wallace turned down a $76-million deal from Minnesota to accept a $60-million contract from the Miami Dolphins.
That might be true - though the news of the Minnesota contract is coming from Wallace's father.
But what we don't know is how much of that $76 million was guaranteed and how many years the Minnesota offer was for.
Wallace is quoted as saying that money isn't everything. He wants to win titles and go to Pro Bowls.
If that was the case, he would have stayed in Pittsburgh where he had an established quarterback and had already been to Super Bowls and Pro Bowls.
But he didn't.
What we do know is that $30 million of Wallace's contract with Miami is guaranteed. So if he never plays a down for the Dolphins, he gets $30 million.
That's financial security for a lifetime and then some.
That might be true - though the news of the Minnesota contract is coming from Wallace's father.
But what we don't know is how much of that $76 million was guaranteed and how many years the Minnesota offer was for.
Wallace is quoted as saying that money isn't everything. He wants to win titles and go to Pro Bowls.
If that was the case, he would have stayed in Pittsburgh where he had an established quarterback and had already been to Super Bowls and Pro Bowls.
But he didn't.
What we do know is that $30 million of Wallace's contract with Miami is guaranteed. So if he never plays a down for the Dolphins, he gets $30 million.
That's financial security for a lifetime and then some.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Steelers announce training camp dates
The Steelers will officially kick off
their 2013 season when the team reports to training camp on Friday, July 26,
at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. This will be the 48th year
the Steelers will train at Saint Vincent College.
The first open practice to the public
is scheduled for Saturday, July 27. The first practice in pads for the
Steelers is scheduled for Monday, July 29. All practices that are open
to the public are scheduled from 3-5 p.m.
The Steelers annual night practice at
Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium will take place on Friday, August 2, at 7
p.m. Additionally, the Steelers will hold an evening practice at Saint Vincent
College on Wednesday, August 14, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The last scheduled practice open to
the public will be on Saturday, August 17. The team’s 2013 training camp
will break on Sunday, August 18, one day prior to the Steelers’ game at
Washington.
The full training camp schedule will be announced at a later date.
Monday, June 03, 2013
Adams to be released Tuesday
Steelers offensive tackle Mike Adams will be released from the hospital on Tuesday after suffering stab wounds to his left arm and abdomen during an attempted carjacking early Saturday morning on the Southside.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday he has visited Adams a couple of times and that Adams realizes how lucky he is.
Adams is expected to be completely healed in time for training camp.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Police had made one arrest in the stabbing and are searching for the other two suspects.
One would tend to think that somebody who assaults a Steelers player isn't going to be on the lam for long in Western Pennsylvania or be all that popular in prison.
@ The Steelers signed first round pick Jarvis Jones, second rounder Le'Veon Bell and seventh round selection Nick Williams on Monday, leaving only quarterback Landry Jones, a fourth-round pick, unsigned.
Don't know what Landry Jones is waiting for at this point.
This marks one of the earliest dates I can remember that the Steelers' first round pick has been signed and it bodes well for Jarvis Jones that he has gotten his deal done so early.
While he might not begin the season as a starter, the fact that he'll be available from the start at training camp can't hurt his chances to contribute.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday he has visited Adams a couple of times and that Adams realizes how lucky he is.
Adams is expected to be completely healed in time for training camp.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Police had made one arrest in the stabbing and are searching for the other two suspects.
One would tend to think that somebody who assaults a Steelers player isn't going to be on the lam for long in Western Pennsylvania or be all that popular in prison.
@ The Steelers signed first round pick Jarvis Jones, second rounder Le'Veon Bell and seventh round selection Nick Williams on Monday, leaving only quarterback Landry Jones, a fourth-round pick, unsigned.
Don't know what Landry Jones is waiting for at this point.
This marks one of the earliest dates I can remember that the Steelers' first round pick has been signed and it bodes well for Jarvis Jones that he has gotten his deal done so early.
While he might not begin the season as a starter, the fact that he'll be available from the start at training camp can't hurt his chances to contribute.
Saturday, June 01, 2013
So much for uneventful
Steelers offensive tackle suffered stab wounds to his abdomen and forearm during what police are calling a robbery attempt by three men in front of his home on the South Side early Saturday morning.
Adams, 23, was treated at UPMC Mercy for two stab wounds to his abdomen and one to his left forearm. He tweeted a photo of himself in his hospital bed giving a thumbs up sign and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Steelers issued a statement saying they are aware of the situation and are monitoring the health of Adams, who is expected to be the team's starting right tackle.
The Steelers' depth at the offensive tackle position was already thin, and though Adams is expected to be ready in time for training camp, it will be sorely tested in the remaining weeks of OTAs and mini-camp.
At this point, expect Kelvin Beachum to line up in Adams' spot, with Marcus Gilbert remaining at left tackle.
Adams, 23, was treated at UPMC Mercy for two stab wounds to his abdomen and one to his left forearm. He tweeted a photo of himself in his hospital bed giving a thumbs up sign and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Steelers issued a statement saying they are aware of the situation and are monitoring the health of Adams, who is expected to be the team's starting right tackle.
The Steelers' depth at the offensive tackle position was already thin, and though Adams is expected to be ready in time for training camp, it will be sorely tested in the remaining weeks of OTAs and mini-camp.
At this point, expect Kelvin Beachum to line up in Adams' spot, with Marcus Gilbert remaining at left tackle.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Uneventful week
It was an uneventful week for the Steelers at OTAs, which is exactly what you want.
Teams make news at OTAs for two reasons:
1. Somebody is disgruntled and either speaks out about it or isn't at OTAs because of it.
2. Somebody gets injured.
The Steelers have no such problems right now.
Troy Polamalu wasn't here this week, but that really doesn't matter. In fact, it's a good thing.
Why?
Quite simply, the Steelers backup safeties, Robert Golden, DaMon Cromartie-Smith and Shamarko Thomas, need as much practice time as possible. And with Polamalu hanging around, that's not going to happen.
Plus, Polamalu is back in California working out with his own trainers, something that is needed after an injury-plagued 2012 season.
* June 1 is finally here and the Steelers will realize some salary cap savings from the release of Willie Colon.
Much of that money will be eaten up by the team's rookie signings. But they will still have some extra space to sign a veteran or two or work out some long-term extensions with guys heading into the final season of their contract.
Who might those be?
An extension of a year or two with defensive end Brett Keisel would be welcome and could offer some additional cap relief. The same goes for Polamalu and/or fellow safety Ryan Clark and tight end Heath Miller.
The team would also do well to work out some kind of extension with Emmanuel Sanders and/or defensive end Ziggy Hood.
It will be interesting to see which players the Steelers target for extensions heading into training camp.
Teams make news at OTAs for two reasons:
1. Somebody is disgruntled and either speaks out about it or isn't at OTAs because of it.
2. Somebody gets injured.
The Steelers have no such problems right now.
Troy Polamalu wasn't here this week, but that really doesn't matter. In fact, it's a good thing.
Why?
Quite simply, the Steelers backup safeties, Robert Golden, DaMon Cromartie-Smith and Shamarko Thomas, need as much practice time as possible. And with Polamalu hanging around, that's not going to happen.
Plus, Polamalu is back in California working out with his own trainers, something that is needed after an injury-plagued 2012 season.
* June 1 is finally here and the Steelers will realize some salary cap savings from the release of Willie Colon.
Much of that money will be eaten up by the team's rookie signings. But they will still have some extra space to sign a veteran or two or work out some long-term extensions with guys heading into the final season of their contract.
Who might those be?
An extension of a year or two with defensive end Brett Keisel would be welcome and could offer some additional cap relief. The same goes for Polamalu and/or fellow safety Ryan Clark and tight end Heath Miller.
The team would also do well to work out some kind of extension with Emmanuel Sanders and/or defensive end Ziggy Hood.
It will be interesting to see which players the Steelers target for extensions heading into training camp.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Steelers to be part of national broadcasts
ESPN
Radio has signed individual multi-year agreements with the New York Giants, New
York Jets, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins for
out-of-market Sunday afternoon syndication rights beginning with the 2013
season. These agreements mark the first time ESPN Radio will broadcast NFL game
action nationally on its over-the-air terrestrial network.
The
teams will continue to broadcast in their home markets through their official
local stations.
“Adding
the NFL to ESPN Radio’s play-by-play mix, which already includes MLB, NBA, BCS,
and the new college football championship starting in 2015, strengthens an
already unparalleled and valuable lineup to advertisers, our affiliates and
sports fans,” said Traug Keller, ESPN senior vice president, production
business divisions. “We are excited to enter the NFL game business.”
ESPN
NFL analysts Herm Edwards, Bill Polian and Damien Woody will each work several
of ESPN Radio’s national broadcasts. Additional commentators and the
complete schedule will be announced at a later date.
Friday, May 24, 2013
First week of OTAs wrap up
The Steelers wrapped up their first week of OTAs and it was an eventful week - as OTAs go.
Here's what we have learned:
* LaMarr Woodley came into town in shape but he doesn't care who the deep throat was that blasted him for not working as hard as possible in the offseason.
Woodley looks, to me, the same as he always has. He's a thick linebacker - always has been.
The BS about him being out of shape, in my opinion, is just that.
He played last season after suffering a high ankle sprain. Those are largely unavoidable.
Had his issue again been a hamstring problem, then maybe there would have been something to him being out of shape. As it is, however, there is not.
* Troy Polamalu has changed his workout habits to concentrate more on protecting his right calf, which has bothered him since 2010.
Polamalu said his calf issues of 2012 were "avoidable," and feels his work with a physical therapist will keep them from recurring in 2013.
He also did not sound like a guy who was going to be ready to hang up his helmet at the end of the 2013 season as some have speculated.
* Rookie running back LeVeon Bell and veteran Isaac Redman both look leaner than advertised.
Redman lost his weight in an effort to get quicker, while Bell lost his weight to get faster for the combine.
But the Steelers won't mind if Bell puts his 10 or so pounds back on.
* Marcus Gilbert is getting first shot at left tackle, with Mike Adams on the right side.
That is due, in very large part, to the run blocking ability Adams showed when he played right tackle in 2012. With Adams at right tackle, the Steelers had some of their best rushing days of the season.
Here's what we have learned:
* LaMarr Woodley came into town in shape but he doesn't care who the deep throat was that blasted him for not working as hard as possible in the offseason.
Woodley looks, to me, the same as he always has. He's a thick linebacker - always has been.
The BS about him being out of shape, in my opinion, is just that.
He played last season after suffering a high ankle sprain. Those are largely unavoidable.
Had his issue again been a hamstring problem, then maybe there would have been something to him being out of shape. As it is, however, there is not.
* Troy Polamalu has changed his workout habits to concentrate more on protecting his right calf, which has bothered him since 2010.
Polamalu said his calf issues of 2012 were "avoidable," and feels his work with a physical therapist will keep them from recurring in 2013.
He also did not sound like a guy who was going to be ready to hang up his helmet at the end of the 2013 season as some have speculated.
* Rookie running back LeVeon Bell and veteran Isaac Redman both look leaner than advertised.
Redman lost his weight in an effort to get quicker, while Bell lost his weight to get faster for the combine.
But the Steelers won't mind if Bell puts his 10 or so pounds back on.
* Marcus Gilbert is getting first shot at left tackle, with Mike Adams on the right side.
That is due, in very large part, to the run blocking ability Adams showed when he played right tackle in 2012. With Adams at right tackle, the Steelers had some of their best rushing days of the season.
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