The Steelers held yet another feisty practice today, highlighted by a drill I had not seen them run before - something head coach Mike Tomlin called "wide receivers stalk blocking DBs."
The drill consisted of a player running with the ball toward an imaginary edge and the receiver firing out and blocking - or attempting to block - the defensive back in front of him.
Things got very heated in the competition, with wideout Derrick Williams getting into it with rookie corner Andre Freeman in a fight that brought in several teammates, including safety Ryan Clark.
Moments later, Ike Taylor or Antonio Brown got into a little pushing match.
At the completion of it all, the coaching staff brought both groups together - presumably to remind them that they are all on the same team.'
@ Every day the Mike Wallace holdout continues is one day closer to Plaxico Burress returning to Pittsburgh.
That's not a misprint.
Burress is definitely on the team's radar, and at some point, the Steelers are going to have to move on without Wallace.
Burress would be an immediate help to this team in the red zone.
@ LaMarr Woodley continues to dominate the backers on tight end blocking drill, regardless of who the Steelers put in front of him.
Don't know if that is because he's that good, the Steelers' tight ends behind Heath Miller aren't that strong or both. I'm leaning toward a little bit of both.
Tuesday, it was Woodley again completely rag-dolling David Johnson on three consecutive runs through the drill. Woodley looks primed for a big year.
@ The Steelers have been giving both Mortty Ivy and Stevenson Sylvester some work at outside linebacker in an attempt to find some position flexibility there.
Ivy didn't look all that strong at the point matching up against Jamie McCoy, who might be the most consistent blocker of all the tight ends behind Miller.
@ Miller, by the way, returned to practice on a limited basis today and looked good catching the ball.
Keenan Lewis, who was thought to be out for at least a couple of days with a shoulder injury, went through a full practice.
A little competition goes a long way.
@ First-year quarterback Jerrod Johnson made back-to-back perfect throws in the final team session, making a beautiful sideline throw to Marquis Maze down one sideline. Maze had a nice diving catch on the play.
Johnson then dropped a ball in perfectly to Tyler Beiler over Freeman.
Johnson is a big kid (6-5, 251) but shows good mobility in the pocket. He could push Charlie Batch off the roster.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Steelers July 29th notes
I finally got to sit and watch - OK, stand and watch - an entire practice Sunday for the first time at this camp without having to hustle somewhere else or have things abbreviated by the threat of rain.
I saw some pretty good things out there.
Second-year linebacker Chris Carter looks physically bigger on the field and his functional strength is improved. Once just a guy who could beat you with his quick first step, Carter can now lock onto somebody and force them where he wants to go instead of the other way around.
He did this in the backs on tight ends drills against David Johnson, then handled Leonard Pope.
Carter told me after practice that he's added eight to 10 pounds of muscle.
Being that he's starting opposite LaMarr Woodley with both James Harrison and Jason Worilds on the PUP list, it was a good move for Carter.
@ The Steelers had a physical pads practice and had some players dinged up at times.
Starting running back Isaac Redman took a shot early and sat out a few plays, but the most serious injury was to cornerback Keenan Lewis, who suffered an injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder during a sideline collision.
He could be sidelined a while, with Cortez Allen moving into his starting spot.
Offensive linemen Trai Essex and David DeCastro also suffered minor ankle sprains, but are not expected to miss any time.
Tight end Heath Miller (ankle) and punter Jeremy Kapinos (back) were joined on the sidelines Sunday by wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who was given the day off by head coach Mike Tomlin rather than have him practice on field turf.
As for good news on the injury front, safety Damon Cromartie-Smith is expected to be activated from the PUP list on Wednesday. He has been out with a shoulder injury.
@ Funny moment of the day came when offensive tackle Max Starks was working with the other PUP list players on his conditioning.
After running back Rashard Mendenhall completed a cone drill with the ball in his hands, Starks did the same.
I told the guy next to me that if Starks had the ball in his hands on a play, something had gone terribly wrong.
Starks came to his senses on the next drill and declined the ball when Mendenhall offered it to him.
@ The catch of the day belonged to first-year receiver Jimmy Young.
Working against Ike Taylor, Young went to the ground down the sideline on the final play of practice to snare a perfect pass from Byron Leftwich, hanging onto the ball as his helmet popped off upon contact with the ground.
@ While Carter looked improved, both Johnson and Leonard Pope disappointed in the backs on tight ends drill.
The clear star was LaMarr Woodley, which is why they are paying him the big bucks. Woodley whipped everyone in sight.
I saw some pretty good things out there.
Second-year linebacker Chris Carter looks physically bigger on the field and his functional strength is improved. Once just a guy who could beat you with his quick first step, Carter can now lock onto somebody and force them where he wants to go instead of the other way around.
He did this in the backs on tight ends drills against David Johnson, then handled Leonard Pope.
Carter told me after practice that he's added eight to 10 pounds of muscle.
Being that he's starting opposite LaMarr Woodley with both James Harrison and Jason Worilds on the PUP list, it was a good move for Carter.
@ The Steelers had a physical pads practice and had some players dinged up at times.
Starting running back Isaac Redman took a shot early and sat out a few plays, but the most serious injury was to cornerback Keenan Lewis, who suffered an injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder during a sideline collision.
He could be sidelined a while, with Cortez Allen moving into his starting spot.
Offensive linemen Trai Essex and David DeCastro also suffered minor ankle sprains, but are not expected to miss any time.
Tight end Heath Miller (ankle) and punter Jeremy Kapinos (back) were joined on the sidelines Sunday by wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who was given the day off by head coach Mike Tomlin rather than have him practice on field turf.
As for good news on the injury front, safety Damon Cromartie-Smith is expected to be activated from the PUP list on Wednesday. He has been out with a shoulder injury.
@ Funny moment of the day came when offensive tackle Max Starks was working with the other PUP list players on his conditioning.
After running back Rashard Mendenhall completed a cone drill with the ball in his hands, Starks did the same.
I told the guy next to me that if Starks had the ball in his hands on a play, something had gone terribly wrong.
Starks came to his senses on the next drill and declined the ball when Mendenhall offered it to him.
@ The catch of the day belonged to first-year receiver Jimmy Young.
Working against Ike Taylor, Young went to the ground down the sideline on the final play of practice to snare a perfect pass from Byron Leftwich, hanging onto the ball as his helmet popped off upon contact with the ground.
@ While Carter looked improved, both Johnson and Leonard Pope disappointed in the backs on tight ends drill.
The clear star was LaMarr Woodley, which is why they are paying him the big bucks. Woodley whipped everyone in sight.
Friday, July 27, 2012
What the Brown signing means
After having Mike Wallace spurn a similar offer, the Steelers signed wide receiver Antonio Brown to a five-year, $42-million contract extension on Friday.
What does this mean for Wallace?
It means that his days with the Steelers are numbered.
After giving Brown a big deal, the Steelers aren't likely to hand out another one at the same position.
So his options now are to report to camp, sign his tender and hope he has another big season, or hold out until there are six games left in the season, report, and become a free agent at the end of the year, hoping that somebody will make him a big offer.
He's got a much better chance of getting a big deal next season if he goes out and tears it up this season than he does if he doesn't play.
Brown's contract also likely means that the Steelers won't use the franchise tag on Wallace, either.
What does this mean for Wallace?
It means that his days with the Steelers are numbered.
After giving Brown a big deal, the Steelers aren't likely to hand out another one at the same position.
So his options now are to report to camp, sign his tender and hope he has another big season, or hold out until there are six games left in the season, report, and become a free agent at the end of the year, hoping that somebody will make him a big offer.
He's got a much better chance of getting a big deal next season if he goes out and tears it up this season than he does if he doesn't play.
Brown's contract also likely means that the Steelers won't use the franchise tag on Wallace, either.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Steelers complete first practices
Heath Miller left the Steelers practice this afternoon with a sprained left ankle. It's not considered serious.
Alameda Ta'amu also left with a foot injury. It, too, is not considered serious.
Other than that, the Steelers' practices today weren't a whole lot different than the OTAs. There's still a lot of learning to do with the new offense, which features more throws to the running backs on swing passes and screens than I have seen in my 20 years of covering this team.
Fans should be happy with that.
@ Fans will get their first look at the Steelers Friday afternoon when the team's practice is open to the public. I expect the team to be a little more spirited in that workout. The players seem to feed off the energy of the crowd.
@ Troy Polamalu looks a little heavier than usual. He's doing his usual work after practice and such, but he's starting to fight father time and genetics.
I still expect Polamalu to be a difference maker, however.
@ Don't be surprised if the Steelers bring in a veteran wide receiver or two for workouts in an effort to scare Mike Wallace into camp - Plaxico Burress anyone?
The team could also open negotiations with the agent of wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Alameda Ta'amu also left with a foot injury. It, too, is not considered serious.
Other than that, the Steelers' practices today weren't a whole lot different than the OTAs. There's still a lot of learning to do with the new offense, which features more throws to the running backs on swing passes and screens than I have seen in my 20 years of covering this team.
Fans should be happy with that.
@ Fans will get their first look at the Steelers Friday afternoon when the team's practice is open to the public. I expect the team to be a little more spirited in that workout. The players seem to feed off the energy of the crowd.
@ Troy Polamalu looks a little heavier than usual. He's doing his usual work after practice and such, but he's starting to fight father time and genetics.
I still expect Polamalu to be a difference maker, however.
@ Don't be surprised if the Steelers bring in a veteran wide receiver or two for workouts in an effort to scare Mike Wallace into camp - Plaxico Burress anyone?
The team could also open negotiations with the agent of wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Steelers open camp
Mike Wallace was the only no-show for the Steelers as they opened training camp at Saint Vincent College Wednesday.
At this point, Emmanuel Sanders will assume Wallace's starting role and the Steelers will move on.
Traditionally, the team has not negotiated with players who are holding out while under contract, but this situation is a little different.
Wallace has yet to sign his one-year tender offer with the team and is thus not under contract at this time meaning, technically, he's not a holdout.
But he's not a free agent any longer, either, leaving him and the Steelers at an impasse.
His teammates expect Wallace to come into camp no later than the start of next week. We'll see.
At this point, he's really not missing anything. But once the weekend begins, he'll have to play catch up.
@ Six players will open camp on the PUP list, including linebacker James Harrison, who is resting a sore knee.
The other players who will sit out practices early are running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee), nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee), offensive tackle Max Starks (knee), linebacker Jason Worilds (hand) and safety Damon Cromartie-Smith.
Despite being down two outside linebackers - at least for a few days - head coach Mike Tomlin said the team won't sign anyone for depth at the position.
Tomlin said it will be an opportunity for Chris Carter to get more reps.
At this point, Emmanuel Sanders will assume Wallace's starting role and the Steelers will move on.
Traditionally, the team has not negotiated with players who are holding out while under contract, but this situation is a little different.
Wallace has yet to sign his one-year tender offer with the team and is thus not under contract at this time meaning, technically, he's not a holdout.
But he's not a free agent any longer, either, leaving him and the Steelers at an impasse.
His teammates expect Wallace to come into camp no later than the start of next week. We'll see.
At this point, he's really not missing anything. But once the weekend begins, he'll have to play catch up.
@ Six players will open camp on the PUP list, including linebacker James Harrison, who is resting a sore knee.
The other players who will sit out practices early are running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee), nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee), offensive tackle Max Starks (knee), linebacker Jason Worilds (hand) and safety Damon Cromartie-Smith.
Despite being down two outside linebackers - at least for a few days - head coach Mike Tomlin said the team won't sign anyone for depth at the position.
Tomlin said it will be an opportunity for Chris Carter to get more reps.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Steelers extend Tomlin
The Steelers haven't gotten a new deal done with wide receiver Mike Wallace yet, but they did manage to extend the contract of head coach Mike Tomlin through 2016.
At 40, Tomlin is entering his sixth season with the Steelers. The Steelers have gone to the playoffs in four of Tomlin's first five seasons, while also advancing to the Super Bowl twice, winning once.
At 40, Tomlin is entering his sixth season with the Steelers. The Steelers have gone to the playoffs in four of Tomlin's first five seasons, while also advancing to the Super Bowl twice, winning once.
“We are pleased to announce that Mike
Tomlin will remain with the Steelers for at least five more years,” said
Steelers’ President Art Rooney II. “Mike is one of the top head coaches in the
National Football League and we are thrilled he will continue to lead our team
as we pursue another Super Bowl title.”
Monday, July 23, 2012
Steelers get deal done with DeCastro
The Steelers got their final draft pick signed, agreeing to terms with first-round pick David DeCastro on a four-year deal worth just over $7.8 million.
The deal includes a team option for a fifth season.
Getting the deal finished with DeCastro prior to the opening of training camp Wednesday was important for the Steelers, who expect the former Stanford All-America guard to compete for a starting spot this season.
His signing leaves Mike Wallace as the only player not currently under contract. Wallace still has a $2.7 offer on the table as a restricted free agent, but has yet to sign it.
Negotiations are ongoing.
The deal includes a team option for a fifth season.
Getting the deal finished with DeCastro prior to the opening of training camp Wednesday was important for the Steelers, who expect the former Stanford All-America guard to compete for a starting spot this season.
His signing leaves Mike Wallace as the only player not currently under contract. Wallace still has a $2.7 offer on the table as a restricted free agent, but has yet to sign it.
Negotiations are ongoing.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Back from my last vacation and ready for camp
I'm back from my last week away and am ready to gear things up for training camp.
There was, however, some interesting news while I was away in Virginia.
First, the Steelers re-signed offensive tackle Max Starks to a one-year deal. The next day, they released offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, even though they had room on their roster to keep him around.
The signing of Starks was not surprising. He showed them last year just how valuable he can be when the Steelers played their first few games without him and struggled - with Scott at left tackle.
Starks suffered a knee injury at the end of the season, but is rehabbed and back in shape. His signing allows the team to ease rookie Mike Adams along while learning from a veteran how to play in the NFL.
That will be good for Adams in the long-term.
As for Scott, the Steelers had to keep him around until they were sure Starks would be ready to go.
Once that happened, the Steelers did the honorable thing and released him now, giving him a better chance to hook on with another team.
That's why players respect the team's front office so much.
There was, however, some interesting news while I was away in Virginia.
First, the Steelers re-signed offensive tackle Max Starks to a one-year deal. The next day, they released offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, even though they had room on their roster to keep him around.
The signing of Starks was not surprising. He showed them last year just how valuable he can be when the Steelers played their first few games without him and struggled - with Scott at left tackle.
Starks suffered a knee injury at the end of the season, but is rehabbed and back in shape. His signing allows the team to ease rookie Mike Adams along while learning from a veteran how to play in the NFL.
That will be good for Adams in the long-term.
As for Scott, the Steelers had to keep him around until they were sure Starks would be ready to go.
Once that happened, the Steelers did the honorable thing and released him now, giving him a better chance to hook on with another team.
That's why players respect the team's front office so much.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Top 100 thoughts
The NFL Network recently completed its top 100 list. I'm not a big fan of such lists, but the network has to come up with something to fill its airwaves during the NFL dog days of June and July before camps open.
The Steelers were well represented on the list once again, with six players, led by safety Troy Polamalu at No. 19.
Interestingly enough, Polamalu's spot on the list was one ahead of Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis and three behind Ravens safety Ed Reed.
James Harrison was the second Steelers player listed, coming in at 29th. That's not bad for a player who fought through an injury-plagued 2011 season and also missed a game due to suspension.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was ranked 30th, which sounds low until you consider he was the fourth quarterback on the list. Roethlisberger was ranked below Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady, and one spot ahead of Eli Manning. It's tough to argue with that pecking order.
Wide receiver Mike Wallace came in at 47th, which some people likely have a problem with. I don't. Wallace is a special talent and ranking him as the fourth-best player on the Steelers' roster is a nod to that.
Center Maurkice Pouncey ranked 49th despite coming off what I considered a so-so year for him. I thought Pouncey was better as a rookie than he was last year, but the fact that he has already stepped into a leadership role shows how he is thought of by his teammates and peers.
Finally, despite playing just half a season in 2011, linebacker LaMarr Woodley ranked 63rd on the top 100. Woodley was well on his way to earning a spot higher last season and could be primed to put up a monster season in 2012.
@ Longtime O-R sports writer Mike Kovak is leaving after 13 years here to head off to Johnstown.
For several years, Mike was the second guy with me at Steelers games. In fact, we covered the playoff game in Tennessee in 2002 together.
On the drive back, we decided to stop at a Shoney's in Kentucky. As I was at the breakfast bar, I noticed two guys with hooks for hands.
I made mention of this when I got back to the table. Lo and behold, there was another guy sitting near us that also had a hook for a hand. There were three in one spot. Don't know if it was "Hook for a Hand" day at Shoney's or what.
Maybe they got a discount for thresher accidents.
But Mike will be missed.
The Steelers were well represented on the list once again, with six players, led by safety Troy Polamalu at No. 19.
Interestingly enough, Polamalu's spot on the list was one ahead of Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis and three behind Ravens safety Ed Reed.
James Harrison was the second Steelers player listed, coming in at 29th. That's not bad for a player who fought through an injury-plagued 2011 season and also missed a game due to suspension.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was ranked 30th, which sounds low until you consider he was the fourth quarterback on the list. Roethlisberger was ranked below Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady, and one spot ahead of Eli Manning. It's tough to argue with that pecking order.
Wide receiver Mike Wallace came in at 47th, which some people likely have a problem with. I don't. Wallace is a special talent and ranking him as the fourth-best player on the Steelers' roster is a nod to that.
Center Maurkice Pouncey ranked 49th despite coming off what I considered a so-so year for him. I thought Pouncey was better as a rookie than he was last year, but the fact that he has already stepped into a leadership role shows how he is thought of by his teammates and peers.
Finally, despite playing just half a season in 2011, linebacker LaMarr Woodley ranked 63rd on the top 100. Woodley was well on his way to earning a spot higher last season and could be primed to put up a monster season in 2012.
@ Longtime O-R sports writer Mike Kovak is leaving after 13 years here to head off to Johnstown.
For several years, Mike was the second guy with me at Steelers games. In fact, we covered the playoff game in Tennessee in 2002 together.
On the drive back, we decided to stop at a Shoney's in Kentucky. As I was at the breakfast bar, I noticed two guys with hooks for hands.
I made mention of this when I got back to the table. Lo and behold, there was another guy sitting near us that also had a hook for a hand. There were three in one spot. Don't know if it was "Hook for a Hand" day at Shoney's or what.
Maybe they got a discount for thresher accidents.
But Mike will be missed.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
About a month out
We're about a month out from the start of training camp and I'm taking a much-needed vacation. Bear with me this week whilst I recharge the batteries.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Position battles
I did a radio spot with Greg Linelli today and he asked me about which position battle for the Steelers I am most looking forward to seeing - or at least something along those lines.
To me, I feel the cornerback position will be the most interesting.
Currently, Keenan Lewis is holding down the starting spot opposite Ike Taylor, with second-year players Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen pushing.
One of those three will also serve as the slot corner as well. Brown seems best suited for that position, but Allen's athleticism is hard to deny.
Lewis, however, played very well last season as the third corner and has much more experience than the other two.
Unless Dick LeBeau can come up with a way to get all three corners young corners on the field at the same time, somebody is going to be disappointed.
What position battle are you looking forward to?
@ Speaking of Linelli, he has long been one of the underrated and underutilized radio hosts in the Pittsburgh market.
Soon, he won't be.
Greg is moving on to greener pastures. Good luck to him.
To me, I feel the cornerback position will be the most interesting.
Currently, Keenan Lewis is holding down the starting spot opposite Ike Taylor, with second-year players Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen pushing.
One of those three will also serve as the slot corner as well. Brown seems best suited for that position, but Allen's athleticism is hard to deny.
Lewis, however, played very well last season as the third corner and has much more experience than the other two.
Unless Dick LeBeau can come up with a way to get all three corners young corners on the field at the same time, somebody is going to be disappointed.
What position battle are you looking forward to?
@ Speaking of Linelli, he has long been one of the underrated and underutilized radio hosts in the Pittsburgh market.
Soon, he won't be.
Greg is moving on to greener pastures. Good luck to him.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Mini-camp notes
As I expected, the Steelers did not open mini-camp with rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams working with the No. 1 offensive line.
DeCastro and Adams did work in with the ones in the final team session, but just for a few plays. Other than that, they both worked with the twos, DeCastro at right guard, Adams at left tackle.
Marcus Gilbert got the nod at left tackle, while Ramon Foster was at right guard. The surprise among the first-team line was Trai Essex at right tackle over Jonathan Scott.
@ Ben Roethlisberger looked pretty sharp during a two-minute drill, tossing a TD pass to Jerricho Cotchery on fourth down from the 4 after quickly moving the team down the field.
Byron Leftwich didn't look nearly as sharp, missing on all four of his passes.
In fact, at one point during team drills, Leftwich missed on eight straight passes. But, in his defense, with Mike Wallace MIA and Hines Ward retired, Leftwich is working with a group of highly untested players on that second unit.
@ Chris Rainey looks pretty good as a running back. Very quick and easy to lose in the hole.
Baron Batch also looks like he's completely healed up as well.
It's going to be a very interesting battle at running back on this team.
Rashard Mendenhall is also running in a straight line again. He hasn't started cutting yet, but Mendenhall looks like he's in great shape. It looks like he'll be back sooner rather than later.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Who is the worst Steelers player you've seen?
It's easy to pick out the best players you've seen over the years.
In the 19 seasons I've been covering the team, Rod Woodson, Carnell Lake, Jerome Bettis, Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirkland, Dermontti Dawson and Ben Roethlisberger stand out as some of the best I've seen.
That list could go on and on.
But who are the worst players to suit up for the Steelers. And I'm talking about guys who actually played and (tried to) contribute.
In the 19 seasons I've been covering the team, Rod Woodson, Carnell Lake, Jerome Bettis, Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirkland, Dermontti Dawson and Ben Roethlisberger stand out as some of the best I've seen.
That list could go on and on.
But who are the worst players to suit up for the Steelers. And I'm talking about guys who actually played and (tried to) contribute.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Week 2 of OTAs news and notes
Not a whole lot happening at OTAs this week.
I guess the biggest news was that Marcus Gilbert got some time at left tackle this week with rookie Mike Adams still unable to attend because of the class schedule at Ohio State.
Though the Steelers would prefer to keep Gilbert at RT, it's not a bad thing for him to get some work on the other side - even in shorts. As we have seen the past couple of years, what the planned line is and what it turns out to be a few weeks into a season, are often two different things.
Besides, as I've previously said, it's not the Steelers' way to simply hand a rookie a starting job.
So with Gilbert, Trai Essex and Jonathan Scott working at LT, there are still some bodies to climb over there.
I know, I know, you all hate Essex and Scott. But it says here that if push came to shove and Adams can't beat those guys out - which is always a possibility - the Steelers want to cover their bases.
Plus, there's still the possibility of bringing Max Starks back again. Starks, by the way, has been seen at the Steelers practice facility.
© Perhaps the most bizarre happenstance of the week was the "retirement" of former quarterback Kordell Stewart.
Considering the only time I'd seen Kordell the past few years was on pre-game shows and such, I thought he'd already hung up the helmet.
I know a lot of fans have a great deal of dislike for Stewart, but I always found him a decent guy.
He was a little full of himself in the beginning, but got knocked down a peg by the whole benching in favor of Kent Graham (!) thing.
He stayed strong and came back a better player and person from that ordeal - and the ridiculous and cowardly rumors about his sexual orientation.
I always admired him a little for that.
Was he a great quarterback? No. But he sure was fun to watch. If the coaching staff had used him a little better, he could have been much more impactful than what he was - and he was still impactful.
© Hines Ward will be working on NBC this fall. I hope they give him some training before they set him free on the mic.
I did a story on Ward for the Steelers Game Day program a couple of years ago. I asked him two questions and finished the interview with 20 minutes of tape to go through.
Ward is famous among reporters for his talking. He would talk about anything and everything, often without cue.
I wish him luck.
I guess the biggest news was that Marcus Gilbert got some time at left tackle this week with rookie Mike Adams still unable to attend because of the class schedule at Ohio State.
Though the Steelers would prefer to keep Gilbert at RT, it's not a bad thing for him to get some work on the other side - even in shorts. As we have seen the past couple of years, what the planned line is and what it turns out to be a few weeks into a season, are often two different things.
Besides, as I've previously said, it's not the Steelers' way to simply hand a rookie a starting job.
So with Gilbert, Trai Essex and Jonathan Scott working at LT, there are still some bodies to climb over there.
I know, I know, you all hate Essex and Scott. But it says here that if push came to shove and Adams can't beat those guys out - which is always a possibility - the Steelers want to cover their bases.
Plus, there's still the possibility of bringing Max Starks back again. Starks, by the way, has been seen at the Steelers practice facility.
© Perhaps the most bizarre happenstance of the week was the "retirement" of former quarterback Kordell Stewart.
Considering the only time I'd seen Kordell the past few years was on pre-game shows and such, I thought he'd already hung up the helmet.
I know a lot of fans have a great deal of dislike for Stewart, but I always found him a decent guy.
He was a little full of himself in the beginning, but got knocked down a peg by the whole benching in favor of Kent Graham (!) thing.
He stayed strong and came back a better player and person from that ordeal - and the ridiculous and cowardly rumors about his sexual orientation.
I always admired him a little for that.
Was he a great quarterback? No. But he sure was fun to watch. If the coaching staff had used him a little better, he could have been much more impactful than what he was - and he was still impactful.
© Hines Ward will be working on NBC this fall. I hope they give him some training before they set him free on the mic.
I did a story on Ward for the Steelers Game Day program a couple of years ago. I asked him two questions and finished the interview with 20 minutes of tape to go through.
Ward is famous among reporters for his talking. He would talk about anything and everything, often without cue.
I wish him luck.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
OTA news and notes
Isaac Redman told reporters today that the Steelers do, indeed, have a fullback on the roster. The Steelers have moved David Johnson to fullback on a full-time basis.
Redman said this will help Johnson as a blocker since he formerly had to go to tight end meetings and did not attend sessions with the running backs. Redman, who is glad about the change, said the running backs will be better able to show Johnson where they would like their lead blocker during their film breakdowns.
@ Draft picks David DeCastro, Mike Adams and Alameda Ta'amu are not at these OTAs because their colleges are still in session.
@ Linebacker Jason Worilds was at the session today but not practicing. He has a cast on his left wrist.
Defensive end Brett Keisel is among those not here as well. He's still recovering from his groin injury suffered against Denver.
@ Talked to Keenan Lewis today. He feels like the starting job is his to lose after logging more than 500 defensive snaps last season.
He also said he's been in constant contact with teammate Mike Wallace and that it is difficult seeing people rip his friend for not being at the OTAs. The other players don't mind.
@ Also spoke with Maurkice Pouncey briefly about the new offense. He said that the blocking scheme isn't different, just some different verbiage.
He also likes the move of Willie Colon to guard. Said it gives the Steelers a lot of nasty in the middle of the line.
Redman said this will help Johnson as a blocker since he formerly had to go to tight end meetings and did not attend sessions with the running backs. Redman, who is glad about the change, said the running backs will be better able to show Johnson where they would like their lead blocker during their film breakdowns.
@ Draft picks David DeCastro, Mike Adams and Alameda Ta'amu are not at these OTAs because their colleges are still in session.
@ Linebacker Jason Worilds was at the session today but not practicing. He has a cast on his left wrist.
Defensive end Brett Keisel is among those not here as well. He's still recovering from his groin injury suffered against Denver.
@ Talked to Keenan Lewis today. He feels like the starting job is his to lose after logging more than 500 defensive snaps last season.
He also said he's been in constant contact with teammate Mike Wallace and that it is difficult seeing people rip his friend for not being at the OTAs. The other players don't mind.
@ Also spoke with Maurkice Pouncey briefly about the new offense. He said that the blocking scheme isn't different, just some different verbiage.
He also likes the move of Willie Colon to guard. Said it gives the Steelers a lot of nasty in the middle of the line.
Monday, May 21, 2012
OTAs set to begin
The Steelers OTAs are set to begin this week and the team has some interesting battles that will begin.
We all know by now of the team's shakeup on the offensive line. As I've said, Jonathan Scott will likely take first-team snaps at left tackle and Ramon Foster will be at right guard - for now.
But rookies Mike Adams and David DeCastro will be pushing from the start.
The other big battle will be at cornerback across from Ike Taylor.
William Gay, last year's starter, is gone and Keenan Lewis will get the first chance to replace him.
But second-year players Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown will be pushing hard.
Of course, one of those three will be in the starting lineup. Another will be the third corner.
We all know by now of the team's shakeup on the offensive line. As I've said, Jonathan Scott will likely take first-team snaps at left tackle and Ramon Foster will be at right guard - for now.
But rookies Mike Adams and David DeCastro will be pushing from the start.
The other big battle will be at cornerback across from Ike Taylor.
William Gay, last year's starter, is gone and Keenan Lewis will get the first chance to replace him.
But second-year players Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown will be pushing hard.
Of course, one of those three will be in the starting lineup. Another will be the third corner.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Colon moving to LG
In a move that has been talked about for years by fans, the Steelers have told Willie Colon that he will move inside to left guard.
Colon has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries, so the move makes some sense. The team has drafted offensive tackles Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams in the second round of the past two drafts and with Colon being a question mark in terms of his injury past, they've got to get the young guys as many snaps as possible.
If, for example, Adams doesn't work out at left tackle, they can always move Colon back out to right tackle and move Gilbert over to the left side - though he might not have the feet to make such a move. Last year's starter, Max Starks, is also still a free agent, so there is also the possibility that he could be brought back as well if Adams struggles.
The move of Colon to left guard would give the Steelers a potential line of, from left to right, Adams, Colon, Maurkice Pouncey, rookie David DeCastro and Gilbert.
That line certainly has some pedigree, but it would be foolish not to expect some rookie struggles from Adams, who was inconsistent at Ohio State.
Colon has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries, so the move makes some sense. The team has drafted offensive tackles Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams in the second round of the past two drafts and with Colon being a question mark in terms of his injury past, they've got to get the young guys as many snaps as possible.
If, for example, Adams doesn't work out at left tackle, they can always move Colon back out to right tackle and move Gilbert over to the left side - though he might not have the feet to make such a move. Last year's starter, Max Starks, is also still a free agent, so there is also the possibility that he could be brought back as well if Adams struggles.
The move of Colon to left guard would give the Steelers a potential line of, from left to right, Adams, Colon, Maurkice Pouncey, rookie David DeCastro and Gilbert.
That line certainly has some pedigree, but it would be foolish not to expect some rookie struggles from Adams, who was inconsistent at Ohio State.
Monday, May 14, 2012
New offseason rules stink
Last year, we had the lockout, so there was plenty to talk about in regard to the NFL.
But the lockout spawned a new collective bargaining agreement and new offseason practice rules, which we are currently living under. And I've got to tell you, I'm with the coaches on this one These new rules stink.
The new CBA severely limits – compared to the previous rules - the number of monitored practices coaches can have with their players. Thus, young players aren't getting as much face time with coaches as they used to.
In addition, it's also meant less for the media to write about in regard to their respective teams.
At this point in previous years, you could drop in and watch an OTA or two, talk to some players and file away information for future stories. Now, not so much.
The only players the new rules is really hurting are the young ones – the players who need the OTAs to get better.
That's why the coaches wanted more structured practices, not just players working out with team trainers. The players can stay in shape on their own. That's part of their job.
It's the coaches' jobs to get them ready to play. And that has gotten more difficult with fewer offseason practices.
But the lockout spawned a new collective bargaining agreement and new offseason practice rules, which we are currently living under. And I've got to tell you, I'm with the coaches on this one These new rules stink.
The new CBA severely limits – compared to the previous rules - the number of monitored practices coaches can have with their players. Thus, young players aren't getting as much face time with coaches as they used to.
In addition, it's also meant less for the media to write about in regard to their respective teams.
At this point in previous years, you could drop in and watch an OTA or two, talk to some players and file away information for future stories. Now, not so much.
The only players the new rules is really hurting are the young ones – the players who need the OTAs to get better.
That's why the coaches wanted more structured practices, not just players working out with team trainers. The players can stay in shape on their own. That's part of their job.
It's the coaches' jobs to get them ready to play. And that has gotten more difficult with fewer offseason practices.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Steelers-Jets talked trade
NFL Network is reporting that the Steelers had a trade in place with the Jets to move up and get guard David DeCastro - something I tweeted they should do as DeCastro fell past the 15th pick.
The Jets wanted Quinton Coples or Bruce Irvin and when the Seahawks took Irvin with the 15th selection, the Jets decided to stick with their pick and take Coples rather than risk not getting their man in a trade down with the Steelers.
As luck would have it for the Steelers, they were able to stay where they were at and get DeCastro anyway.
Tells you why the Steelers were so excited about getting DeCastro on draft day and wasted no time getting their pick to the podium.
The Steelers also have the Bengals to thank.
Cincinnati, which needed a guard, passed on the chance to take DeCastro not once, but twice, deciding instead to trade back in the first round and take Kevin Zeitler.
I like Zeitler and think he'll be a solid player for a long time in the NFL. But DeCastro has an opportunity to be special.
The Jets wanted Quinton Coples or Bruce Irvin and when the Seahawks took Irvin with the 15th selection, the Jets decided to stick with their pick and take Coples rather than risk not getting their man in a trade down with the Steelers.
As luck would have it for the Steelers, they were able to stay where they were at and get DeCastro anyway.
Tells you why the Steelers were so excited about getting DeCastro on draft day and wasted no time getting their pick to the podium.
The Steelers also have the Bengals to thank.
Cincinnati, which needed a guard, passed on the chance to take DeCastro not once, but twice, deciding instead to trade back in the first round and take Kevin Zeitler.
I like Zeitler and think he'll be a solid player for a long time in the NFL. But DeCastro has an opportunity to be special.
Monday, May 07, 2012
Rookies complete their first camp
The Steelers rookies completed their first workouts with the team over the weekend. I'd love to report more, but the team has restricted what the media is permitted to report from the workouts and, I took a well-needed week of vacation last week and skipped the workouts.
What gives?
How can I take a week off when the team is working?
Honestly, we won't know a thing about these rookies until we see them interacting with the veterans and where the team lines them up when everyone is present.
We all know that David DeCastro, Mike Adams and Alameda Ta'amu are big. We know that Sean Spence is short.
Outside of that, there isn't a lot to be gained from these kind of workouts - media wise.
OK, there are a couple of things. David DeCastro lined up initially at right guard. Mike Adams at left tackle. They will likely both swap sides at some point before it's all said and done.
The players are having the playbook thrown at them for the first time. Outside of that, until mini-camp later this month, we really won't know much.
@ One thing we do know is that the new rookie salary cap rules are having the desired effect. The Steelers have begun signing their draft picks and given the new rules, there's a good chance everyone could be signed by the time mini-camp opens up May 22.
What gives?
How can I take a week off when the team is working?
Honestly, we won't know a thing about these rookies until we see them interacting with the veterans and where the team lines them up when everyone is present.
We all know that David DeCastro, Mike Adams and Alameda Ta'amu are big. We know that Sean Spence is short.
Outside of that, there isn't a lot to be gained from these kind of workouts - media wise.
OK, there are a couple of things. David DeCastro lined up initially at right guard. Mike Adams at left tackle. They will likely both swap sides at some point before it's all said and done.
The players are having the playbook thrown at them for the first time. Outside of that, until mini-camp later this month, we really won't know much.
@ One thing we do know is that the new rookie salary cap rules are having the desired effect. The Steelers have begun signing their draft picks and given the new rules, there's a good chance everyone could be signed by the time mini-camp opens up May 22.
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