Linebacker Lawrence Timmons was back at practice Wednesday in a limited basis as he further tested his sore ankle, pushing forward toward playing Sunday in Chicago.
He did not, however, work in the team portion of the practice.
Getting Timmons back would be huge for the Steelers, who will be playing without strong safety Troy Polamalu.
© Limas Sweed was limited in practice Wednesday with a foot injury.
© Jeff Reed was named the AFC's special teams player of the week for his performance against Tennessee.
© Ben Roethlisberger was a little more open with the media on Wednesday than he usually is.
Roethlisberger usually talks in cliches and gives very short answers as he purposely tries to be bland.
Perhaps his most interesting comment came when asked about the 'Steelers' mentality.
"I think some of it comes from that being what the Steelers always did in the past. I always say you have to keep up with the times. That’s kind of evolving into a passing offense - league wide. People talk about the Steelers and the run game because we want to be physical. When you want to be physical, people assume that’s the run game. But that can mean a lot of different things. I guess you can go all the way back to the ‘70s and we were a grind-it-out team. We’re not that ‘70s team. We’re our own identity and that includes a lot of no-huddle stuff. It’s been good."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Bettis rips Steelers
Former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis ripped the Steelers on Sports Illustrated's web site, saying, among other things, that the Steelers are, "a mediocre running team on their best day."
Bettis went on to trash pretty much every running back on the team - save Mewelde Moore – particularly rookie running back Frank Summers.
"The running back I like least on that team is Frank Summers, the rookie fullback. He doesn't seem to understand what's going on. He's missing plenty of blocks, and that's affecting everything. That definitely has to be addressed off the field this week."
The coaching staff and offensive line didn't get away unscathed, either, as Bettis said the line can't protect and allows the running backs to get hit behind the line of scrimmage too often.
As for the coaching staff, Bettis wondered why the line wasn't addressed during the offseason.
It was some pretty good stuff, the kind that you usually don't get from players who are still close enough to their playing days that they know many of the current guys in the locker room.
© In other news Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin said that the team is hopeful linebacker Lawrence Timmons will be back at practice by the end of week.
That would be a big boost for the Steelers. With Troy Polamalu out, the Steelers need Timmons to shadow Chicago tight end Greg Olsen, who would be a matchup nightmare for Tyrone Carter.
Bettis went on to trash pretty much every running back on the team - save Mewelde Moore – particularly rookie running back Frank Summers.
"The running back I like least on that team is Frank Summers, the rookie fullback. He doesn't seem to understand what's going on. He's missing plenty of blocks, and that's affecting everything. That definitely has to be addressed off the field this week."
The coaching staff and offensive line didn't get away unscathed, either, as Bettis said the line can't protect and allows the running backs to get hit behind the line of scrimmage too often.
As for the coaching staff, Bettis wondered why the line wasn't addressed during the offseason.
It was some pretty good stuff, the kind that you usually don't get from players who are still close enough to their playing days that they know many of the current guys in the locker room.
© In other news Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin said that the team is hopeful linebacker Lawrence Timmons will be back at practice by the end of week.
That would be a big boost for the Steelers. With Troy Polamalu out, the Steelers need Timmons to shadow Chicago tight end Greg Olsen, who would be a matchup nightmare for Tyrone Carter.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Steelers talking with Tomlin
The Steelers are reportedly talking about a contract extension with head coach Mike Tomlin.
That, in itself, is not a surprise. Tomln's contract runs through the 2010 season, so getting him a new deal and avoiding a similar issue to the one that happened with Bill Cowher is something the team should be looking to avoid.
But where do you start with the money?
Cowher is reportedly looking for $10 million per season to get back onto the sideline.
That would obviously be on the high end of the wage scale.
Of current coaches, Tennessee's Jeff Fisher, the league's longest-tenured coach, makes $5.5 million per season. Lovie Smith is getting the same salary to coach the Bears, while Bill Belichick is costing New England $5 million per season.
Tomlin currently makes $2.5 million per season, so it only makes sense that he'll be asking to move into the $5-million club.
Of course the team will likely argue that he hasn't been around as long as those three aforementioned coaches.
That, in itself, is not a surprise. Tomln's contract runs through the 2010 season, so getting him a new deal and avoiding a similar issue to the one that happened with Bill Cowher is something the team should be looking to avoid.
But where do you start with the money?
Cowher is reportedly looking for $10 million per season to get back onto the sideline.
That would obviously be on the high end of the wage scale.
Of current coaches, Tennessee's Jeff Fisher, the league's longest-tenured coach, makes $5.5 million per season. Lovie Smith is getting the same salary to coach the Bears, while Bill Belichick is costing New England $5 million per season.
Tomlin currently makes $2.5 million per season, so it only makes sense that he'll be asking to move into the $5-million club.
Of course the team will likely argue that he hasn't been around as long as those three aforementioned coaches.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Post-Tennessee thoughts
Strong safety Troy Polamalu has a sprained MCL in his left knee and though it's too early to tell, head coach Mike Tomlin classified it as a three-to-six week injury.
That's not good news for the Steelers defense, which will play its next two games on the road at Chicago and and Cincinnati before coming home to host San Diego.
Even at the minimum of three weeks, those are three opponents who will be a stiff test for Pittsburgh's pass defense.
And Tyrone Carter is in no way, shape or form as good as Polamalu.
© Polamalu's leaping, one-handed interception in the first half of this game was one of the top five defensive plays I've seen in person in any sport.
Polamalu also has at least one of the others - his diving finger-tip interception last season being the other.
© The national media at this game were raving about Ben Roethlisberger's comeback and improv skills. Welcome to the party, boys.
Roethlisberger was 18 of 22 passing in the second half and overtime and three of those incompletions came on the game-winning drive.
© With Polamalu out, it becomes very important that Lawrence Timmons, who sat out this game with an ankle injury, be back in time to play against Chicago next week.
Keyaron Fox played well in Timmons' spot, but Timmons' speed in the passing game will be needed against the Bears.
© Though it wasn't on the same stage, Hines Ward almost pulled a Jerome Bettis with his fumble at the end of regulation.
Roethlisberger saved Bettis on that occasion as well.
© After a slow start, I thought the offensive line played better as the game wore on.
I'm still not sure why right tackle Willie Colon didn't pick up Jevon Kearse on Tennessee's lone sack of the second half, though.
What'd he think, Kearse was going to drop into coverage?
Colon let him go unblocked, turning to pick up the inside guy.
© Was punter Craig Hentrich thinking just a little bit about kicking the ball to Stefan Logan when he shanked a 28-yard punt late in the game? Just asking.
That's not good news for the Steelers defense, which will play its next two games on the road at Chicago and and Cincinnati before coming home to host San Diego.
Even at the minimum of three weeks, those are three opponents who will be a stiff test for Pittsburgh's pass defense.
And Tyrone Carter is in no way, shape or form as good as Polamalu.
© Polamalu's leaping, one-handed interception in the first half of this game was one of the top five defensive plays I've seen in person in any sport.
Polamalu also has at least one of the others - his diving finger-tip interception last season being the other.
© The national media at this game were raving about Ben Roethlisberger's comeback and improv skills. Welcome to the party, boys.
Roethlisberger was 18 of 22 passing in the second half and overtime and three of those incompletions came on the game-winning drive.
© With Polamalu out, it becomes very important that Lawrence Timmons, who sat out this game with an ankle injury, be back in time to play against Chicago next week.
Keyaron Fox played well in Timmons' spot, but Timmons' speed in the passing game will be needed against the Bears.
© Though it wasn't on the same stage, Hines Ward almost pulled a Jerome Bettis with his fumble at the end of regulation.
Roethlisberger saved Bettis on that occasion as well.
© After a slow start, I thought the offensive line played better as the game wore on.
I'm still not sure why right tackle Willie Colon didn't pick up Jevon Kearse on Tennessee's lone sack of the second half, though.
What'd he think, Kearse was going to drop into coverage?
Colon let him go unblocked, turning to pick up the inside guy.
© Was punter Craig Hentrich thinking just a little bit about kicking the ball to Stefan Logan when he shanked a 28-yard punt late in the game? Just asking.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Steelers-Titans inactives
Nate Washington is active tonight for the Titans.
Inactive for the Steelers are Joe Burnett, Keiwan Ratliff, Kraig Urbik, Tony Hills, Shaun McDonald, Nick Eason and Lawrence Timmons.
Interesting thing is that Ramon Foster is your backup RT. Essex the backup LT.
Inactive for the Steelers are Joe Burnett, Keiwan Ratliff, Kraig Urbik, Tony Hills, Shaun McDonald, Nick Eason and Lawrence Timmons.
Interesting thing is that Ramon Foster is your backup RT. Essex the backup LT.
Who I like
The first game of the regular season is always the most difficult to get a feel for.
Most teams don't show a whole lot during the preseason and you've got to try to guess the direction they will go in based on last season and what moves they made during the offseason.
The Steelers enter Thursday night's opener against the Titans as 5 1/2-point favorites. That's a pretty good sized spread against what should be a pretty good Tennessee team.
But I think the Steelers' offense should be better in 2009 than it was in 2008 and the defense should again be solid.
Tennessee also doesn't have the weapons to attack the Steelers in a way that could be effective - ie. spreading the Steelers out and chucking the ball around off of quick drops.
Because of that, I like the Steelers to cover in this one on a night when the players should be very hyped up.
Take Pittsburgh to win, 23-14.
Most teams don't show a whole lot during the preseason and you've got to try to guess the direction they will go in based on last season and what moves they made during the offseason.
The Steelers enter Thursday night's opener against the Titans as 5 1/2-point favorites. That's a pretty good sized spread against what should be a pretty good Tennessee team.
But I think the Steelers' offense should be better in 2009 than it was in 2008 and the defense should again be solid.
Tennessee also doesn't have the weapons to attack the Steelers in a way that could be effective - ie. spreading the Steelers out and chucking the ball around off of quick drops.
Because of that, I like the Steelers to cover in this one on a night when the players should be very hyped up.
Take Pittsburgh to win, 23-14.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Hartwig signs extension
The Steelers on Tuesday agreed to a three-year contract extension with center Justin Hartwig.
The deal will keep Hartwig in Pittsburgh through 2012.
© It does not appear linebacker Lawrence Timmons will play against the Titans on Thursday. Though he's walking without a limp, Timmons has still been unable to practice and is likely waiting until next week to see if he can make it back for the team's second game.
Timmons sprained the ankle two weeks ago against the Buffalo Bills in the Steelers' third preseason game.
© The team had its special teams charts up in the locker room this week and the one thing that jumped out at me was on the depth chart.
Behind long snapper Greg Warren there was simply a ? I guess James Harrison is no longer the team's backup long snapper.
The deal will keep Hartwig in Pittsburgh through 2012.
© It does not appear linebacker Lawrence Timmons will play against the Titans on Thursday. Though he's walking without a limp, Timmons has still been unable to practice and is likely waiting until next week to see if he can make it back for the team's second game.
Timmons sprained the ankle two weeks ago against the Buffalo Bills in the Steelers' third preseason game.
© The team had its special teams charts up in the locker room this week and the one thing that jumped out at me was on the depth chart.
Behind long snapper Greg Warren there was simply a ? I guess James Harrison is no longer the team's backup long snapper.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Steelers add practice squad player
The Steelers have added defensive back Tuff Harris - gotta love that name - to their practice squad.
The 6-0, 198-pound Harris has played to NFL seasons, in 2007 for Miami and 2008 for Tennessee.
Is there some gamesmanship going on here since the Steelers play the Titans this week?
Perhaps.
We'll know for sure next week if the Steelers release Harris.
The 6-0, 198-pound Harris has played to NFL seasons, in 2007 for Miami and 2008 for Tennessee.
Is there some gamesmanship going on here since the Steelers play the Titans this week?
Perhaps.
We'll know for sure next week if the Steelers release Harris.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Sonny Harris gone
The Carolina Panthers must have liked what they saw of Sonny Harris Thursday night as much as I did. The Panthers signed Harris to their 53-man roster.
The Steelers did get pretty much everyone else they wanted back on their practice squad, which will be TE Dezmond Sherrod, C A.Q. Shipley, RB Justin Vincent, RB Isaac Redman, WR Tyler Grisham, DL Steve McLendon and LB Donovan Woods.
The Steelers did get pretty much everyone else they wanted back on their practice squad, which will be TE Dezmond Sherrod, C A.Q. Shipley, RB Justin Vincent, RB Isaac Redman, WR Tyler Grisham, DL Steve McLendon and LB Donovan Woods.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Cuts (as we find them)
Because they don't have to officially release the names until 4 p.m. Saturday, the Steelers aren't doing so. Their reasoning is that it allows them some wiggle-room to make trades.
But here's a list of who I've found that will be released.
Dallas Baker, Roy Lewis, Jeremy Parquet, Desmond Sherrod, Carey Davis, Isaac Redman, Bruce Davis, Anthony Madison, A.Q. Shipley, Scott Paxson, Sonny Harris, Jason Capizzi, Mike Reilly, Peter Czech, Justin Vincent, Tyler Grisham, Tom Korte, Steve McLendon, Andy Schantz and Brandon Williams
That's 20 of the 22 cuts they have to make. Again, these aren't official - yet.
If, for example, they can work out a trade for, say Travis Kirschke or Nick Eason, a guy like Sonny Harris could be back on the squad.
But here's a list of who I've found that will be released.
Dallas Baker, Roy Lewis, Jeremy Parquet, Desmond Sherrod, Carey Davis, Isaac Redman, Bruce Davis, Anthony Madison, A.Q. Shipley, Scott Paxson, Sonny Harris, Jason Capizzi, Mike Reilly, Peter Czech, Justin Vincent, Tyler Grisham, Tom Korte, Steve McLendon, Andy Schantz and Brandon Williams
That's 20 of the 22 cuts they have to make. Again, these aren't official - yet.
If, for example, they can work out a trade for, say Travis Kirschke or Nick Eason, a guy like Sonny Harris could be back on the squad.
Post-Carolina thoughts
First things first, I think the police had better get a search warrant for the NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora's house. He's been smoking some serious stuff.
LaCanfora is the bozo who reported that people he knows close to the situation have told him the Steelers are considering cutting Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton.
Let me just say this about that: There's a better chance the Steelers will sign me to play quarterback than there is that they'll cut Hampton.
To even suggest that they will borders on lunacy. In fact, the NFL Network may want to re-check LaCanfora's credentials as a reporter.
© There was little doubt that Stefan Logan had earned a spot on the Steelers' roster before the 21-10 win over Carolina.
The 80-yard punt return was nice. But I was even more impressed with his crackback block in the third quarter to help spring Shaun McDonald for a big run after the catch.
© Issac Redman has likely beaten out Tank Summers for the fifth running back spot as well.
Tank just didn't show enough in the two preseason game he played in, while Redman ran through the entire Carolina defense and an official to get into the end zone in the first half.
© Sorry Jason Capizzi and A.Q. Shipley fans, I don't see either player making this roster.
In fact, the team took a good long look at rookie Ramon Foster at left tackle and he was fine.
Shipley, meanwhile, looks like he's bound for the practice squad.
And don't give me that stuff about somebody scooping him up. It could happen, sure, but all of those teams also passed on him six or seven times in the draft as well.
© Arnold Harrison, Ryan Mundy and Travis Kirschke made strong statements against the Panthers.
Bruce Davis and Keiwan Ratliff did not.
The cutdown will come by 4 p.m. Friday. It's going to be one of the most difficult ones I've seen in 17 years of covering the Steelers.
This team is deep and talented.
LaCanfora is the bozo who reported that people he knows close to the situation have told him the Steelers are considering cutting Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton.
Let me just say this about that: There's a better chance the Steelers will sign me to play quarterback than there is that they'll cut Hampton.
To even suggest that they will borders on lunacy. In fact, the NFL Network may want to re-check LaCanfora's credentials as a reporter.
© There was little doubt that Stefan Logan had earned a spot on the Steelers' roster before the 21-10 win over Carolina.
The 80-yard punt return was nice. But I was even more impressed with his crackback block in the third quarter to help spring Shaun McDonald for a big run after the catch.
© Issac Redman has likely beaten out Tank Summers for the fifth running back spot as well.
Tank just didn't show enough in the two preseason game he played in, while Redman ran through the entire Carolina defense and an official to get into the end zone in the first half.
© Sorry Jason Capizzi and A.Q. Shipley fans, I don't see either player making this roster.
In fact, the team took a good long look at rookie Ramon Foster at left tackle and he was fine.
Shipley, meanwhile, looks like he's bound for the practice squad.
And don't give me that stuff about somebody scooping him up. It could happen, sure, but all of those teams also passed on him six or seven times in the draft as well.
© Arnold Harrison, Ryan Mundy and Travis Kirschke made strong statements against the Panthers.
Bruce Davis and Keiwan Ratliff did not.
The cutdown will come by 4 p.m. Friday. It's going to be one of the most difficult ones I've seen in 17 years of covering the Steelers.
This team is deep and talented.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Watching the bubble
As the Steelers head into their final preseason game, there are plenty of roster spots yet to be won. There are also a number of veterans who find themselves on the bubble with this team, a testament to how deep Pittsburgh is this season.
Here's a look at the veteran bubble guys:
Keiwan Ratliff, CB - Ratliff was brought in as Deshea Townsend insurance and just in case rookies Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett weren't ready to contribute. None of those things have happened. It may come down to keeping Ratliff, Ryan Mundy and/or Anthony Madison. Madison is a stellar special teams player.
Travis Kirschke, DL - Kirschke has been a nice find for the Steelers, helping them to a pair of Super Bowl wins. But he's also 34 and has a cranky back. If the Steelers are going to cut a lineman to keep both Ziggy Hood and Sonny Harris, it's likely to be Kirschke, not Nick Eason.
Jeremy Parquet/Jason Capizzi, OT - I know he's a favorite because he's a local guy, but Capizzi is fighting the odds. The team likes Tony Hills' feet better. Darnell Stapleton going on IR helps, though. It could come down to who plays guard better and Parquet has more experience there.
Shaun McDonald, WR - I like what McDonald brings to the table, but the team could decide that if it's going to keep Stefan Logan, it may only need four full-time receivers.
Patrick Bailey, LB - The 2008 team rookie of the year is on the bubble even though he's a very good special teams player. But all of their other backup linebackers – Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier, Arnold Harrison and Donovan Woods, are solid special teamers as well. The difference is that those other players can actually help out on defense as well. Bailey would be overmatched at this point. He's still better than Bruce Davis, though. This is where Lawrence Timmons' injury could come into play, with the team perhaps keeping an extra linebacker if it feels Timmons may miss the first couple of games.
Here's a look at the veteran bubble guys:
Keiwan Ratliff, CB - Ratliff was brought in as Deshea Townsend insurance and just in case rookies Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett weren't ready to contribute. None of those things have happened. It may come down to keeping Ratliff, Ryan Mundy and/or Anthony Madison. Madison is a stellar special teams player.
Travis Kirschke, DL - Kirschke has been a nice find for the Steelers, helping them to a pair of Super Bowl wins. But he's also 34 and has a cranky back. If the Steelers are going to cut a lineman to keep both Ziggy Hood and Sonny Harris, it's likely to be Kirschke, not Nick Eason.
Jeremy Parquet/Jason Capizzi, OT - I know he's a favorite because he's a local guy, but Capizzi is fighting the odds. The team likes Tony Hills' feet better. Darnell Stapleton going on IR helps, though. It could come down to who plays guard better and Parquet has more experience there.
Shaun McDonald, WR - I like what McDonald brings to the table, but the team could decide that if it's going to keep Stefan Logan, it may only need four full-time receivers.
Patrick Bailey, LB - The 2008 team rookie of the year is on the bubble even though he's a very good special teams player. But all of their other backup linebackers – Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier, Arnold Harrison and Donovan Woods, are solid special teamers as well. The difference is that those other players can actually help out on defense as well. Bailey would be overmatched at this point. He's still better than Bruce Davis, though. This is where Lawrence Timmons' injury could come into play, with the team perhaps keeping an extra linebacker if it feels Timmons may miss the first couple of games.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Steelers sign Keisel, make roster moves
The Steelers signed defensive end Brett Keisel to a four-year contract extension and made five roster moves - including placing guard Darnell Stapleton on injured reserve - on Monday.
Keisel's deal will keep him in Pittsburgh through 2013.
Stapleton being placed on injured reserve means that Doug Legursky has likely earned a spot on the final 53-man roster. The Marshall product will be the team's gameday swingman at guard and center.
Released Monday to get to the NFL-limit of 75 were wide receivers Steven Black and Martin Nance, safety Derrick Richardson and center Alex Stepanovich.
The Steelers have until 4 p.m. Saturday to trim their roster to 53 players.
Keisel's deal will keep him in Pittsburgh through 2013.
Stapleton being placed on injured reserve means that Doug Legursky has likely earned a spot on the final 53-man roster. The Marshall product will be the team's gameday swingman at guard and center.
Released Monday to get to the NFL-limit of 75 were wide receivers Steven Black and Martin Nance, safety Derrick Richardson and center Alex Stepanovich.
The Steelers have until 4 p.m. Saturday to trim their roster to 53 players.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Steelers-Bills post-game thoughts
Either the Steelers are really good or the Bills are really bad. It's probably a little bit of both.
OK. We know the Steelers are really good, but I really thought Buffalo would be better than it showed Saturday night at Heinz Field.
Trent Edwards looked a lot like Bruce Gradkowski in this one.
© Mike Tomlin said the plan going into the game was to send whichever unit didn't open the first half out for the second half.
As luck would have it, the offense began the game, so the defense was on the field for the first series of the second half.
Linebacker Lawrence Timmons sprained his ankle on the opening play.
© I've changed my opinion somewhat of Limas Sweed. He can be a viable starter for this team if Santonio Holmes or Hines Ward is injured.
He still doesn't block downfield real well for a guy his size, but perhaps that will come.
© I learned something I did not know Saturday night. Sweed has size 15 1/2 feet. That's not a misprint, 15 1/2.
Make tapping those toes on the sidelines troublesome.
© Stefan Logan, welcome to the team.
© As I detailed in a column in Saturday's newspaper, that does cause some problems for a team that is this deep with veterans that also wants to keep a large portion of its rookie class around as well.
© Rashard Mendenhall's fumble was created as much by Chris Kemoeatu getting blown up at the line of scrimmage as it was Mendenhall.
You'd still like to see Mendenhall wrap the ball up more tightly, though.
That said, you can see what his skills as a receiver do for this offense. He's also running pretty hard as well.
© Of the healthy players, the only ones who did not play were safety Derrick Richardson and linebackers Andy Schantz and Tom Korte.
The team has to make four cuts by the weekend. That would be a good place to start looking.
© Did you see Mike Wallace's cut to make the first guy miss on his end around? Not only is this guy fast, he's got a nice feel when he's running with the ball as well.
He turned a play that should have been for no-gain into a six-yard gain.
It was nullified by offsetting penalties, but it did show some of his playmaking ability.
OK. We know the Steelers are really good, but I really thought Buffalo would be better than it showed Saturday night at Heinz Field.
Trent Edwards looked a lot like Bruce Gradkowski in this one.
© Mike Tomlin said the plan going into the game was to send whichever unit didn't open the first half out for the second half.
As luck would have it, the offense began the game, so the defense was on the field for the first series of the second half.
Linebacker Lawrence Timmons sprained his ankle on the opening play.
© I've changed my opinion somewhat of Limas Sweed. He can be a viable starter for this team if Santonio Holmes or Hines Ward is injured.
He still doesn't block downfield real well for a guy his size, but perhaps that will come.
© I learned something I did not know Saturday night. Sweed has size 15 1/2 feet. That's not a misprint, 15 1/2.
Make tapping those toes on the sidelines troublesome.
© Stefan Logan, welcome to the team.
© As I detailed in a column in Saturday's newspaper, that does cause some problems for a team that is this deep with veterans that also wants to keep a large portion of its rookie class around as well.
© Rashard Mendenhall's fumble was created as much by Chris Kemoeatu getting blown up at the line of scrimmage as it was Mendenhall.
You'd still like to see Mendenhall wrap the ball up more tightly, though.
That said, you can see what his skills as a receiver do for this offense. He's also running pretty hard as well.
© Of the healthy players, the only ones who did not play were safety Derrick Richardson and linebackers Andy Schantz and Tom Korte.
The team has to make four cuts by the weekend. That would be a good place to start looking.
© Did you see Mike Wallace's cut to make the first guy miss on his end around? Not only is this guy fast, he's got a nice feel when he's running with the ball as well.
He turned a play that should have been for no-gain into a six-yard gain.
It was nullified by offsetting penalties, but it did show some of his playmaking ability.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Thursday notes
At his press conference Thursday, Mike Tomlin pretty much said what I've been stating about Issac Redman since last week - if he can't play special teams, he won't be on the 53-man roster or the red zone back.
It looks like Redman is heading to the practice squad.
© Stefan Logan will get another good look as the return man against Buffalo Saturday, but Mewelde Moore will return some punts and rookie Mike Wallace will return kicks in the first half.
© Starters Willie Parker (hamstring), Santonio Holmes (back) and placekicker Jeff Reed (ankle) may be held out of Saturday's game.
None of the injuries are serious.
© According to the NFL Network, Tampa Bay has put any of its three veteran quarterbacks - including Byron Leftwich - on the trade market.
Don't be surprised to see the Steelers linked to Leftwich. Even though Charlie Batch is back and healthy, Leftwich is a better backup option for the Steelers.
If he can be attained for a low draft pick, it would be worth considering.
It looks like Redman is heading to the practice squad.
© Stefan Logan will get another good look as the return man against Buffalo Saturday, but Mewelde Moore will return some punts and rookie Mike Wallace will return kicks in the first half.
© Starters Willie Parker (hamstring), Santonio Holmes (back) and placekicker Jeff Reed (ankle) may be held out of Saturday's game.
None of the injuries are serious.
© According to the NFL Network, Tampa Bay has put any of its three veteran quarterbacks - including Byron Leftwich - on the trade market.
Don't be surprised to see the Steelers linked to Leftwich. Even though Charlie Batch is back and healthy, Leftwich is a better backup option for the Steelers.
If he can be attained for a low draft pick, it would be worth considering.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
LeBeau a Hall of Fame finalist
Cornerback Dick LeBeau, perhaps better known as the Steelers defensive coordinator, and running back Floyd Little have been named by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee as finalists for election into the Hall of Fame with the Class of 2010.
LeBeau and Little will join 15 still-to-be-named modern-era candidates on the list of finalists from which the Class of 2010 will be selected. The Hall of Fame selection meeting will be held on February 6, 2010, the day before Super Bowl XLIV in South Florida. To be elected, the former standouts must each receive the same 80 percent voting support that is required of all finalists. The Hall’s Board of Selectors can elect a maximum of two senior candidates and five modern-era candidates for a class no smaller than four or larger than seven during next February’s meeting.
LeBeau was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 1959 draft. After being cut by the Browns, he was signed by Detroit where he starred for 14 seasons at cornerback for the Lions. He intercepted 62 passes which he returned for 762 yards and 3 TDs. His interception total ranked third all-time in NFL history at the time of his retirement following the 1972 season. Today, it remains a Lions team record and is tied for 7th among all-time NFL interceptors.
His single finest season came in 1970 when he intercepted a NFC-leading nine interceptions for 96 yards. LeBeau currently serves as the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and is entering his 37th year of coaching. As a player he was voted to three Pro Bowls. He received his Pro Bowl nods in 1965, 1966, and 1967.
This likely means that LeBeau will finally get his due and be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Every finalist for the past several years who has been selected by the senior committee has gained induction.
LeBeau and Little will join 15 still-to-be-named modern-era candidates on the list of finalists from which the Class of 2010 will be selected. The Hall of Fame selection meeting will be held on February 6, 2010, the day before Super Bowl XLIV in South Florida. To be elected, the former standouts must each receive the same 80 percent voting support that is required of all finalists. The Hall’s Board of Selectors can elect a maximum of two senior candidates and five modern-era candidates for a class no smaller than four or larger than seven during next February’s meeting.
LeBeau was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 1959 draft. After being cut by the Browns, he was signed by Detroit where he starred for 14 seasons at cornerback for the Lions. He intercepted 62 passes which he returned for 762 yards and 3 TDs. His interception total ranked third all-time in NFL history at the time of his retirement following the 1972 season. Today, it remains a Lions team record and is tied for 7th among all-time NFL interceptors.
His single finest season came in 1970 when he intercepted a NFC-leading nine interceptions for 96 yards. LeBeau currently serves as the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and is entering his 37th year of coaching. As a player he was voted to three Pro Bowls. He received his Pro Bowl nods in 1965, 1966, and 1967.
This likely means that LeBeau will finally get his due and be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Every finalist for the past several years who has been selected by the senior committee has gained induction.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Post-Washington thoughts
There was plenty to like in Saturday's preseason loss to the Washington Redskins and some things that weren't so great for the Steelers.
We'll start with the good.
© Return man Stefan Logan may not have done quite enough to make this team with one good outing as much as rookie Joe Burnett did help him.
Logan averaged 12 yards per punt return and nearly 40 yards on four kick returns and both of those numbers are eye openers.
But the Steelers still like rookie speedster Mike Wallace as a kick returner. Burnett, however, has fumbled punts in each of the team's two preseason games.
The trouble with Logan, however, is that he's not going to be able to cover kicks - at least he hasn't yet - and with a veteran team, who do you cut on this team to keep a guy who only returns kicks?
Then again, Logan could be special and sometimes you have to bite the bullet.
© Second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon is starting to look like an NFL-caliber quarterback, at least one who can step in and make things happen in a pinch.
His back-to-back 17-yard plays in the second quarter – one a pass to Limas Sweed, the other a scramble – were big-time plays.
Dixon injured his AC joint in the fourth quarter - the same injury that dogged Ben Roethlisberger last season - but the severity of the injury is not yet known.
© Rashard Mendenhall looked much more comfortable running the ball this week than he did last week against Arizona. He hit his holes hard and got positive yardage with each carry.
Willie Parker also looked good.
Now if this team could just get its starting offensive line on the field together, we'll finally get to see if there's an improvement.
© After a slow start, the first-team offensive line got its feet under it - even with Doug Legursky at left guard in place of Chris Kemoeatu. Kemoeatu was out with a rib injury that's not serious.
The second-team line also did a pretty good job.
Remember, this was their first road game and that's always a little more difficult.
© This team wasn't supposed to have any depth at inside linebacker, but Keyaron Fox and Donovan Woods are thumpers.
Fox made a big stop on third down at the Pittsburgh 2 to keep Washington out of the end zone, while Woods blew up a return man on a kickoff.
They're both solid backups.
Now for the bad:
When you have more penalties than points, it's never a good thing.
That's two weeks in a row that the Steelers were highly penalized, something that hasn't been a problem in recent years.
They have to clean that stuff up.
© Burnett was this week's goat after being one of the stars of the first preseason game. In addition to his fumble, which led to one touchdown, he also got beat on a fade for another score.
But those are the things you deal with when rookies play.
© The Redskins gouged the Steelers on the ground at times in this one, something that doesn't usually happen, even to the team's third-team defense.
We'll say it was a schematic problem for now - at least until we get a chance to investigate further.
We'll start with the good.
© Return man Stefan Logan may not have done quite enough to make this team with one good outing as much as rookie Joe Burnett did help him.
Logan averaged 12 yards per punt return and nearly 40 yards on four kick returns and both of those numbers are eye openers.
But the Steelers still like rookie speedster Mike Wallace as a kick returner. Burnett, however, has fumbled punts in each of the team's two preseason games.
The trouble with Logan, however, is that he's not going to be able to cover kicks - at least he hasn't yet - and with a veteran team, who do you cut on this team to keep a guy who only returns kicks?
Then again, Logan could be special and sometimes you have to bite the bullet.
© Second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon is starting to look like an NFL-caliber quarterback, at least one who can step in and make things happen in a pinch.
His back-to-back 17-yard plays in the second quarter – one a pass to Limas Sweed, the other a scramble – were big-time plays.
Dixon injured his AC joint in the fourth quarter - the same injury that dogged Ben Roethlisberger last season - but the severity of the injury is not yet known.
© Rashard Mendenhall looked much more comfortable running the ball this week than he did last week against Arizona. He hit his holes hard and got positive yardage with each carry.
Willie Parker also looked good.
Now if this team could just get its starting offensive line on the field together, we'll finally get to see if there's an improvement.
© After a slow start, the first-team offensive line got its feet under it - even with Doug Legursky at left guard in place of Chris Kemoeatu. Kemoeatu was out with a rib injury that's not serious.
The second-team line also did a pretty good job.
Remember, this was their first road game and that's always a little more difficult.
© This team wasn't supposed to have any depth at inside linebacker, but Keyaron Fox and Donovan Woods are thumpers.
Fox made a big stop on third down at the Pittsburgh 2 to keep Washington out of the end zone, while Woods blew up a return man on a kickoff.
They're both solid backups.
Now for the bad:
When you have more penalties than points, it's never a good thing.
That's two weeks in a row that the Steelers were highly penalized, something that hasn't been a problem in recent years.
They have to clean that stuff up.
© Burnett was this week's goat after being one of the stars of the first preseason game. In addition to his fumble, which led to one touchdown, he also got beat on a fade for another score.
But those are the things you deal with when rookies play.
© The Redskins gouged the Steelers on the ground at times in this one, something that doesn't usually happen, even to the team's third-team defense.
We'll say it was a schematic problem for now - at least until we get a chance to investigate further.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Roethlisberger appears OK
As I'm sure you know by now, Ben Roethlisberger was injured in Thursday's final practice at Saint Vincent College.
It appears that Roethlisberger is OK, though.
While he did not participate, Roethlisberger was at the team's annual softball game to close out training camp that pits the offense against the defense.
Roethlisberger sat in a chair by the third base coaching box without anything on his right ankle or foot.
He's probably out for Saturday's preseason game at Washington, but it does not appear to be a long-term injury.
It appears that Roethlisberger is OK, though.
While he did not participate, Roethlisberger was at the team's annual softball game to close out training camp that pits the offense against the defense.
Roethlisberger sat in a chair by the third base coaching box without anything on his right ankle or foot.
He's probably out for Saturday's preseason game at Washington, but it does not appear to be a long-term injury.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Rookie class impressing, with one exception
As noted, at least in part, in my last post, the Steelers rookie class is looking like one of its best in quite some time.
It's early, of course, but defensive ends Ziggy Hood and Sonny Harris, wide receiver Mike Wallace, cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett, tight end David Johnson and center A.Q. Shipley look like players who from this draft class who can contribute if not immediately, then down the road.
Add in impressive rookie free agent signings Ramon Foster and Isaac Redman, and you have what could be a very strong group.
The one disappointment? Guard Kraig Urbik, a third-round pick.
In the moments following the draft, when the Steelers brass spoke about this draft class, Urbik was the one guy who was pointed to that they felt had a chance to push for a starting job.
Right now, he's barely pushing for a roster spot.
The former Wisconsin star has looked tentative in one-on-one blocking drills. And he didn't seem to get a lot of push in the first preseason game against Arizona.
If Urbik fails to materialize as a player – and I'm not writing him off yet – the Steelers will almost be forced to spend a high draft pick on an offensive lineman in 2010.
Of course that was said the past two offseasons as well and the team hasn't made that move yet.
It's early, of course, but defensive ends Ziggy Hood and Sonny Harris, wide receiver Mike Wallace, cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett, tight end David Johnson and center A.Q. Shipley look like players who from this draft class who can contribute if not immediately, then down the road.
Add in impressive rookie free agent signings Ramon Foster and Isaac Redman, and you have what could be a very strong group.
The one disappointment? Guard Kraig Urbik, a third-round pick.
In the moments following the draft, when the Steelers brass spoke about this draft class, Urbik was the one guy who was pointed to that they felt had a chance to push for a starting job.
Right now, he's barely pushing for a roster spot.
The former Wisconsin star has looked tentative in one-on-one blocking drills. And he didn't seem to get a lot of push in the first preseason game against Arizona.
If Urbik fails to materialize as a player – and I'm not writing him off yet – the Steelers will almost be forced to spend a high draft pick on an offensive lineman in 2010.
Of course that was said the past two offseasons as well and the team hasn't made that move yet.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Crowded backfield
Both rookies Isaac Redman and Tank Summers are pushing hard for roster spots with the Steelers but there may only be one spot available.
Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall are guaranteed roster spots. Fullback Carey Davis isn't outstanding in any one phase - though he does have the best hands among the running backs - except on special teams, where he's one the team's leaders.
That could leave Justin Vincent – who's been on the practice squad the past two years – Summers and Redman fighting for one spot on the roster and one on the practice squad.
Redman has impressed as a runner. He's both tough and physical and has a running style similar to former star Barry Foster. He's got great lean and leg drive.
Summers, meanwhile, is being tried as a fullback and has also looked good as a special teams player.
Vincent isn't just a throw-away player either. The former LSU star knows the offense and got nine carries in the preseason opener.
The question is whether the Steelers feel Summers could be a capable replacement for Davis. Fans seem to think so but the coaching staff may not feel the same.
It's going to be something that bears watching as the team heads into its final three preseason games.
Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall are guaranteed roster spots. Fullback Carey Davis isn't outstanding in any one phase - though he does have the best hands among the running backs - except on special teams, where he's one the team's leaders.
That could leave Justin Vincent – who's been on the practice squad the past two years – Summers and Redman fighting for one spot on the roster and one on the practice squad.
Redman has impressed as a runner. He's both tough and physical and has a running style similar to former star Barry Foster. He's got great lean and leg drive.
Summers, meanwhile, is being tried as a fullback and has also looked good as a special teams player.
Vincent isn't just a throw-away player either. The former LSU star knows the offense and got nine carries in the preseason opener.
The question is whether the Steelers feel Summers could be a capable replacement for Davis. Fans seem to think so but the coaching staff may not feel the same.
It's going to be something that bears watching as the team heads into its final three preseason games.
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